Andrea Scarpari, president and CEO of Salvagnini America, joins Ed Talks host Ed Youdell of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association to discuss why advancing manufacturing technology requires stronger connections to STEM education and engineering careers.

As fabrication technology becomes more automated, Scarpari argues manufacturers must create more intellectually engaging roles that allow workers to program machines, improve processes, and drive productivity.

Scarpari also discusses how Salvagnini America supports robotics programs like Lakota Robotics to inspire future engineers, how partnerships with universities help build the next generation of manufacturing talent, and where artificial intelligence may begin to play a role in fabrication technology.

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In this episode of Ed Talks, host Ed Youdell talks with Troy F. Berg, president and CEO of Dane Manufacturing, about what it really means to put employees first.

Troy shares how Dane’s “employees come first” philosophy drives retention, performance, and culture—through competitive wages, great benefits, and continuous opportunities for growth. He discusses the company’s on-site Dane Academy, where employees receive hands-on technical and professional training designed to help them advance throughout their careers.

The conversation also touches on community engagement, including how Dane supports local charities and encourages employees to give back through volunteering.

Troy closes with insights on the critical role of manufacturing and metal fabrication in the U.S. economy—and why he’s more excited than ever about the industry’s future.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

John Paul Surdo, President of Americas for Bystronic, joins FMA President/CEO Ed Youdell on the Ed Talks podcast.

They chat about the strides that the metal fabrication industry has made is recent years by implementing advanced technologies like automation, robotics, and AI, and how that raised the bar on the sector's skilled workforce.

They also talk about what it means to be a leader in the metal fabrication industry, how FABTECH reflects the advancements the sector has made, navigating changes in current supply chain landscape, and the importance of attracting younger generations into the workforce through facility tours and hands-on learning in manufacturing camps like SparkForce.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.