“…A partner in shaping the future of our company and our industry."

In this special PMA District Leadership episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Tom Boss, Senior Manager at Termax Corporation and Past Chair of PMA’s Chicago District. Tom shares his forward-looking perspective on the next five years in manufacturing, stressing the need for flexibility in response to shifting policies, trade impacts and continued supply-chain disruption.

What excites Tom most is the momentum building in the Chicago District. With new board members, increased engagement, and a growing list of plant tours and networking events, the district is thriving. Local manufacturers are adapting and innovating in ways that often go unseen, and Tom sees the district’s events as a platform to spotlight those stories and strengthen regional collaboration.

Workforce development remains a top priority. Tom highlights Termax’s success in turning entry-level hires into robot programmers through hands-on training and apprenticeships. But the challenge persists: finding people who show up, want to learn and stay engaged. That’s why his district is actively reaching into schools and technical programs to spark interest and build future talent. Tom’s message: "We’ve been proud PMA members, active in Chicago, for decades. It’s more than an association—it’s a partner in shaping the future of our company and our industry."

Host Dean Phillips is joined by Mike Devereaux from Wipfli for a deep dive into the future of manufacturing, navigating economic uncertainty, and key tax strategies that could impact your business in 2025 and beyond. From R&D tax credit to critical tax law changes, Mike breaks it all down to help you stay ahead.

“…Strong relationships, strategic adaptation and collaboration are key to thriving in today’s fast-moving manufacturing world…”

In this special PMA District Leadership episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips speaks with Mike Wine, Project Manager at Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, and Director of the PMA Southern New England District.

With nearly a decade at Ulbrich, Mike shares his five-year outlook on the manufacturing industry, and the district’s focus to support PMA members’ rapid shift in customer expectations, and the critical role of embracing new technologies such as additive manufacturing and AI.

He discusses the growing need for speed and how face-to-face relationships remain essential despite digital tools. Through his leadership, the PMA Southern New England District is doubling down on personal engagement, stressing the importance of bringing the local manufacturing community together for honest conversations in a climate of labor shortages, geopolitical instability and ongoing policy changes.

Mike also emphasizes workforce development, citing partnerships with trade schools and the power of leveraging state grants. He and Dean explore how augmented and virtual reality, and online training like METALFORM EDU, can transfer expertise and improve training, even in remote environments.

Ultimately, Mike encourages manufacturers to embrace change and technology to stay resilient. His message is clear: strong relationships, strategic adaptation and collaboration are key to thriving in today’s fast-moving manufacturing world.

“We all have a part to play in building the future workforce.”

In this special PMA District Leadership episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips sits down with Manny Resendes, Engineering and Tool Room Manager at Larson Tool & Stamping Company, and Chair of the PMA New England District.

Manny shares his inspiring journey into manufacturing, sparked at age 14 during a trade school visit where he first discovered machining. He discusses the urgent need to backfill the retiring workforce by engaging the next generation—especially through trade schools, co-ops and programs like SkillsUSA, a major focus for the district's outreach and activities.

As the director for SkillsUSA’s CNC competition, Manny is helping modernize standards so that students graduate ready to contribute on day one. In their district activities, he emphasizes the power of plant tours, networking and knowledge-sharing to inspire innovation and spark new ideas.

Manny also highlights the evolution of technology, from advanced CNC machining to servo presses paired with cobots—tools that increase safety, flexibility and throughput. Despite challenges such as workforce shortages and shop closures, Manny sees opportunity and urges everyone—especially parents—to promote hands-on learning and rethink manufacturing careers as technical, clean and global. His message: “We all have a part to play in building the future workforce.”

“…Adaptation, education and collaboration will shape the destiny of manufacturing across borders.”

In this special PMA District Leadership edition of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Salvador Ramirez, VP and General Manager of Pridgeon & Clay’s Mexico operations, and director of the PMA Mexico District.

Salvador shares his five-year outlook on manufacturing and vision for the newly formed PMA district, established in 2024, identifying major challenges such as volatile material supply chains, rapid technological change and the urgent need to develop the next generation of skilled workers. He emphasizes the growing role of AI and data-driven machines, predicting a shift toward smarter, faster and more adaptive manufacturing environments.

Salvador also highlights the importance of educating younger generations—who are used to instant results—on the time and dedication needed in metalforming and industrial processes. He’s leading by example, helped launch PMA’s Mexico District, which already shows strong momentum, with attendees traveling from across the country to participate in training events.

At Pridgeon & Clay, the company is celebrating 75 years of success and investing in expansion—adding a distribution center, new assembly capabilities and its first heavy-gauge straight-side press in Mexico to support nearshoring growth. With strong support from leadership and a commitment to workforce development, Salvador sees a bright future ahead for the district.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how adaptation, education and collaboration will shape the destiny of manufacturing across borders.

Philip’s passion for workforce development is personal. A FIRST Robotics alum himself, he’s leading efforts to involve East Michigan PMA members in competitions and sponsorships to spark interest in engineering and manufacturing careers. He knows firsthand how powerful early exposure can be—and he’s turning that experience into action.

Join Dean Phillips as he sits down with Joe Barr, plant manager at Mursix Corporation, to discuss the future of the industry. They explore the resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S., the impact of workforce shifts and the role of AI and technology in training and process improvements. Joe shares insights on closing the skills gap, the importance of vocational education, and how new generations are reshaping the industry.

In this episode of The Destiny of Manufacturing Podcast, host Dean Phillips sits down with Steve Netsman, Founder and CEO of iBusiness Technologies, to explore how digital learning platforms like The Connected Apprentice are revolutionizing workforce training. They discuss the evolving expectations of apprentices and employers, the role of AI in manufacturing, and how technology is streamlining education and onboarding.