U.S. Manufacturing Today

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, the podcast powered by Verayble, host Matt Horine features Tony Gunn, CEO of TGM Global and creator of the Worldwide Machinist brand. Tony shares his journey from nearly becoming a professional soccer player to entering the manufacturing industry at age 20, eventually evolving into a global advocate for machinists and the manufacturing sector. The discussion covers Tony's unconventional path, the importance of storytelling in manufacturing, and the need for the US to reclaim its leadership in the industry through technology, culture, education, and awareness. Tony provides insights on the significance of fearless decision-making, gratitude, hard work, and positivity. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities of reshoring, the critical role of professional associations, and advice for the next generation of manufacturers. Stay tuned for Tony's autobiography, set for release in Q1 2026.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Tony Gunn: A Global Voice in Manufacturing01:30 Tony's Unconventional Journey to Manufacturing03:54 From Machinist to Media: Tony's Career Evolution05:09 The Importance of Manufacturing08:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing13:58 Global Perspectives on Manufacturing20:15 The Consumerism Shift and Its Impact22:51 Traits of Successful Manufacturing Organizations26:22 The Rapid Pace of Technological Advancement27:19 Generational Shifts in the Workforce28:44 The Reality of Reshoring in US Manufacturing30:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Global Manufacturing36:08 Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturers37:09 Personal Growth Through Adversity42:38 The Importance of Associations and Networking44:21 Future Plans and Global Travels47:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinksTony on LinkedInTony's WebsiteThe Worldwide Machinist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠⁠

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, our host Matt Horine talks with Chad Woods, Director of Operations at Alcon Industries, a Cleveland-based metals manufacturer. Alcon Industries has been a trusted name in specialty alloys and nickel-based castings for over 50 years. Chad discusses Alcon's recent innovations, including a more flexible workforce and the adoption of new technologies, that have enabled the company to reduce lead times and outperform competitors in quality and precision. He also highlights the importance of reshoring, the role of labor flexibility, and the company’s unique capabilities in casting various metals, including centrifugal casting. This episode provides an in-depth look at how Alcon is staying competitive domestically and contributing to the broader reindustrialization effort in the US.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today01:06 Meet Chad Woods: A Journey in Metals Manufacturing02:15 The Ohio Advantage: Reshoring and Reindustrialization03:16 Alcon Industries: Core Business and Unique Processes05:12 Operational Excellence: Reducing Lead Times and Flexibility09:04 Centrifugal Casting: Expanding Capabilities13:29 The Broader Industrial Picture: Reshoring and Competitiveness15:32 Conclusion and Future OutlookLinksChad on LinkedInAlcon Industries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠⁠

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, our host Matt Horine speaks with Jake Grossman, the leader of Fibematics and Founder of EZPZ Brands. With over 60 years of family history in manufacturing in Philadelphia, Jake offers a unique perspective on managing trade policies, maintaining a multi-generational business, and building resilient supply chains. He shares the story behind Fibematics and EZPZ Brands, the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, and effective strategies for navigating tariffs and supply chain challenges. The discussion also covers the significance of strong supplier relationships, the resilience of the non-woven products industry, and the goals and challenges for EZPZ's future growth, focusing on sustainability and automation. Join us as Jake Grossman provides valuable insights and advice for small to mid-sized manufacturers.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Jake Grossman: Leading Fibematics and EZPZ Brands01:03 The Origin Story of Fibematics02:16 Balancing Tradition and Innovation03:02 Navigating Tariffs and Trade Policies05:13 Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience08:51 Exploring Non-Woven Wiping Products16:04 The Launch of EZPZ Brands18:40 Sustainability and Future Growth20:22 Maintaining Family-Owned Business Values22:20 Advice for Family-Owned Manufacturers23:30 Conclusion and Where to Learn MoreLinksJake on LinkedInEZPZ BrandsFibematics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠

In this episode of US Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine welcomes Friddy Hoegener, founder of Scope Recruiting, to discuss how industrial firms can develop an effective workforce strategy in today's shifting manufacturing landscape. Friddy shares insights on aligning talent strategies with operational goals, the impact of AI and automation, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workforce. Listeners will learn how to translate macro shifts like tariffs and reshoring into actionable workforce plans and the critical role of strategic talent management in building a resilient manufacturing sector.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Friddy Hoegener: Founder of Scope Recruiting02:44 The Importance of Aligning Talent Strategy with Operations05:12 Navigating the Hiring Process in Manufacturing07:06 Current Trends in Manufacturing and Supply Chain07:48 The Role of AI and Automation in Manufacturing15:23 Challenges and Solutions in Reshoring Manufacturing23:35 Key Traits of Top Candidates in Manufacturing28:04 Conclusion and Where to Learn MoreLinksFriddy on LinkedInSCOPE Recruiting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, powered by Variable, host Matt Horine welcomes back Rosemary Coates, Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, to discuss the current state of U.S. manufacturing. With over 25 years of experience in evaluating sourcing decisions and supply chain risk, Rosemary delves into the recent trends impacting manufacturing, including the effects of tariffs, the movement of companies from China to Mexico, and the sluggish investment climate due to economic uncertainties. She highlights the importance of developing a robust supply chain within the US and the need for a skilled workforce, particularly in the context of automation and AI integration. Rosemary also discusses the role of government policies, the lack of an industrial policy in the US, and the importance of looking at North America holistically for manufacturing solutions. Key takeaways include the potential for reindustrialization in the US through high-tech, automated manufacturing, and the strategic importance of sourcing and supply chain development.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:15 Guest Introduction: Rosemary Coates00:45 Current State of US Manufacturing01:12 Challenges and Trends in Reshoring03:22 Survey Insights: Executive Responses07:58 Policy Levers and Industrial Strategy17:50 Case Study: GE Appliances19:46 Future Outlook and Advice for Leaders26:41 Conclusion and ResourcesLinksThe Reshoring Institute⁠⁠Rosemary on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠