“…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.