Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA

This educational podcast provides insights from industry leaders and manufacturing-technology experts, who share their outlook for the destiny and future of manufacturing. Topics addressed include metal stamping and fabricating, smart manufacturing, STEM, additive manufacturing, and more. Hosted by Dean Phillips, PMA's director of technical training.

FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Marion Wells 09/15/2025

FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Lisa Ryan 09/11/2025

FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Jake Hall and Will Healy III 09/11/2025

FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Jeff Dec and John Axelberg 09/10/2025

FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Jeff Dec and John Axelberg In this special episode recorded live from the FABTECH show floor, host Dean Phillips is joined by Brad Kuvin (MetalForming magazine), Jeff Dec (Laystrom Manufacturing Company), and John Axelberg (General Stamping and Metalworks). Together, they dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities of automation in metal fabrication. From running “lights-out” laser operations to deploying cobots on press brakes and robotic welding cells, the conversation highlights how companies are using automation to improve consistency, safety and ROI—while also keeping employees engaged by offloading tedious and repetitive tasks. The panel also explores the evolving role of AI, inspection technology and enterprise-wide automation strategies, offering listeners a glimpse of where fabrication is headed next. Tune in for actionable insights and a preview of what’s to come at the upcoming , November 18–19, 2025, in Chicago. About the Guests John Axelberg, CEO, General Stamping & Metalworks John Axelberg began his career at General Stamping & Metalworks in the pre-digital era, operating a mechanical press brake and recording production data with a pencil on paper. Over the next four decades he helped build GSM into one of the most broadly capable fabricating operations in North America. Today, John is focused on establishing high-integrity information flows to leverage GSM’s technology and help the company’s 370 associates reach their full potential as teammates, problem solvers and human beings. A lifelong resident of South Bend, IN, John holds a B.A. in English Literature from DePauw University. Jeff Dec, President, Laystrom Manufacturing Company Jeff Dec has been president of Laystrom Manufacturing since 2022. Jeff previously held various operating roles and has taught DFM/VAVE at more than 200 customers during the past 30+ years in the industry. /episode/index/show/longevityindustries/id/38166780

E0809 - State of the Industry and Association, David Klotz, President, PMA 08/20/2025

E0809 - State of the Industry and Association, David Klotz, President, PMA Host Dean Phillips welcomes David Klotz, president, Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), to the podcast. Dean and David discuss the current state of the manufacturing industry, challenges and PMA’s initiatives to support its members. Dean and David highlight: Industry Trends: The manufacturing sector is currently flat or down, with industries like automotive and agriculture experiencing slowdowns. Recovery is expected to pick up around 2026. PMA's Strategic Initiatives: Improved member engagement processes. Implementation of a new association management system (AMS) to enhance the member experience online. And more. Workforce Development: PMA is focusing on training, both in-person and virtual, to help members upskill their workforce. The association also is developing apprenticeship programs to address skill gaps. International Collaboration: PMA is part of ICOSPA, an international association that connects global metalworking associations. Upcoming events include PMA hosting the Congress in Chicago in 2027 and a presidents meeting in Mexico in 2026. Advocacy Efforts: PMA is actively lobbying on issues such as tariffs, workforce development and OSHA regulations to support its members. About the Guest: David Klotz David Klotz became president of PMA in February 2019. Prior to that, he was president and executive vice president of sales and marketing for Tebis America, a developer of CAD and CAM software for the tool, die and mold manufacturing industries. He also previously served as senior manager of the Plex Automotive & Industrial Mid-Market sales team for eight years, and was a manager at Dallas Industries, Inc., for 12 years. As a metalforming industry professional, Klotz served as a member of PMA’s Board of Directors, a member of the Executive Committee, and as chair and treasurer of the PMA East Michigan District. He also served as chair of PMA’s Tool & Die Division, was a founding member of PMA’s Next Generation networking group, and was actively engaged in PMA’s programs and services in many other capacities. /episode/index/show/longevityindustries/id/37885175

E0808 - Training, Nearshoring and Apprenticeships, Connie King, PMA 07/24/2025

E0807 - Driving Profitability with Strategy, Data and People, Laurie Harbour, Wipfli 07/08/2025

E0807 - Driving Profitability with Strategy, Data and People, Laurie Harbour, Wipfli In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Laurie Harbour of Wipfli for a deep dive into how manufacturers can build resilient, profitable businesses amid constant change. Laurie shares key insights on: The importance of short- and long-term strategy for navigating economic shifts and policy changes. Using “swim lanes” and data-driven decision-making to boost scheduling efficiency and profitability. Aligning sales and operations for smarter quoting and production planning. Identifying and managing unprofitable parts and customers. Leveraging ERP and shop floor data to find hidden opportunities. Embracing generational collaboration and internal innovation to drive continuous improvement. Why workforce development, leadership succession and “knowing your why” are critical to a thriving future. This episode is packed with practical advice for manufacturers aiming to stay competitive, improve margins and prepare for long-term success. About the Guest: Laurie Harbour is a partner at Wipfli with more than 35 years of manufacturing and consulting experience. Prior to joining Wipfli, she was the co-owner of Harbour Results, Inc., and has spent her career helping clients develop strategies, improve operations, reduce risk and optimize business performance. Clients benefit from Laurie's ability to work with leadership teams to assess the current state of their business and provide strategic and operational recommendations for improvement. Laurie’s specializations include business strategy, leadership development, operational improvement, benchmarking, sales strategy and talent management. About Wipfli LLC is a top 25 advisory firm with a strong CPA foundation serving 59,000 clients across today’s most complex industries. For more than 90 years, Wipfli has evolved and grown to help its clients take on whatever comes next. Wipfli’s more than 3,200 associates help its clients with services that range from business consulting and digital services to audit and accounting. Wipfli focuses on emerging and mid-market organizations with specialized knowledge in industries like financial institutions, financial services, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, construction, real estate, government, nonprofit, agriculture, auto dealerships, technology and tribal gaming and government. Wipfli has been a PMA member company since 2023. /episode/index/show/longevityindustries/id/37328745

Cybersecurity Threats and Defenses for Manufacturers, Mike Brattain, Systems X, E806 06/23/2025

PMA District Leadership Edition—Perry Hytken and Tom Kelly, PMA Tennessee 06/09/2025

E0805 - Tom Alongi, UHY 05/26/2025

E0805 - Tom Alongi, UHY Join host Dean Phillips on the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast as he speaks with Tom Alongi, partner at UHY. They discuss how disruption is reshaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. From lessons learned during COVID-19 to the impacts of geopolitical turbulence, Tom highlights key factors pushing businesses to rethink supply chains, adopt cutting-edge technology and attract skilled talent. Discover how reshoring, nearshoring, and advanced investments in areas like AI, automation, and clean energy are turning challenges into opportunities. Tom also shares insights into high-growth industries like aerospace, medical devices, and chip manufacturing, while emphasizing the importance of creating competitive and resilient enterprises. About the Guest: Tom Alongi Thomas Alongi is the lead partner overseeing audits of public and private companies for UHY’s Audit and Assurance Department. For more than 20 years, Tom has given invaluable financial advice to both public and private clients, with a primary focus on companies looking to maximize shareholder value through acquisitions, profit enhancement, restructuring, and ultimately exiting their investment. Tom’s extensive background in costing separates him from the typical auditor. He’s involved in all stages of the costing process, starting with an in-depth understanding of operational and financial issues followed by a recommendations report and business model for improving the bottom line. Tom developed and implemented computer costing models that enable companies to better understand their cost structure and price their products for profitability. Tom is the leader of the firm’s National Manufacturing Practice and a member of the National Transaction Services Group, where he performs financial and operational due diligence, and has led a significant number of transactions over the past several years. He’s hosted several conferences and authored numerous articles for various manufacturing and accounting publications for UHY and outside the firm. /episode/index/show/longevityindustries/id/36689630