Industrial Talk is onsite at FABTECH and talking to David Klotz, President at Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) about "Supporting the metalforming community for manufacturing success".
Scott MacKenzie and David Klotz discuss the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and its role in the manufacturing industry. They highlight the impact of Hurricane Milton on Fabtech Orlando, noting a strong turnout of 16,000 attendees on the first day, with a total expected attendance of 30,000. PMA represents over 1,000 member companies, focusing on metalforming, fabrication, and AI integration. They emphasize the importance of AI in reducing quoting times and the role of PMA in providing training and networking opportunities. PMA also publishes a magazine and offers various resources to its members.
Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Diana Novak and the PMA membership team to discuss membership options.
[ ] Follow up on getting a digital subscription to the Metalforming magazine.
[ ] Explore PMA's online training platform, Metalform Edu, and how it can incorporate AI tools.
Outline
Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
Scott thanks the listeners for their support and highlights the platform's dedication to industrial professionals worldwide.
The podcast is sponsored by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
Scott mentions the current broadcasting location, FABTECH Orlando, and its significance.
Introduction to David and FABTECH Orlando
Scott introduces David, who is knowledgeable about PMA and its activities.
David shares his excitement about the conference and mentions the impact of Hurricane Milton on the event.
PMA and FABTECH partners are contributing to a relief fund for affected areas.
David provides a QR code for attendees to contribute to the relief fund.
FABTECH Orlando Attendance and Exhibitors
David discusses the attendance and exhibitor numbers at FABTECH Orlando.
Despite the hurricane, 2800 people registered for the show, and 16,000 attended the first day.
The total expected attendance is around 30,000, with 1500 exhibitors and over 300 in the metalforming area.
Scott praises the show for its variety of solutions and opportunities to "kick the tires" on new equipment.
Explanation of Metalforming and Fabrication
David explains the difference between metalforming and fabrication.
Metalforming involves making parts using dies, often for high-volume production.
Fabrication is for low-volume parts, typically using lasers to cut sheets of metal.
PMA members often engage in both metal forming and fabrication, catering to various customer needs.
Impact of AI on Manufacturing
David highlights the growing interest in AI among PMA members.
AI tools are being used for tasks like quoting, reducing the time from days to minutes.
PMA is exploring AI training for members to help retain and transfer valuable knowledge.
Scott and David discuss the hype around AI and the importance of practical training.
PMA's Training and Networking Efforts
PMA offers various training programs, including assessments and on-demand training through Metalform Edu.
Training is a significant focus even when the economy is flat, with many members engaging in it.
PMA provides access to subject matter experts and networking opportunities through events and districts.
The organization has expanded to include a district in Mexico, adding to its global reach.
Benefits of PMA Membership
Networking and best practice sharing are key benefits of PMA membership.
Members can attend events, tour facilities, and learn from each other's experiences.
PMA's executive-level networking groups are similar to YPO, offering valuable insights and feedback.
The organization aims to foster a collaborative environment where members help each other grow.
Publication and Marketing
PMA publishes a magazine, Metal Forming, focusing on technology and best practices.
The magazine is available in print and digital formats, catering to different reader preferences.
Scott and David discuss the magazine's popularity and its role in educating the community.
PMA's marketing efforts include a strong presence on LinkedIn and social media.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Scott and David reflect on the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in manufacturing.
PMA's magazine and other resources help keep members informed and engaged.
David thanks Scott for his support and highlights the benefits of PMA membership.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to PMA for more information and to attend FABTECH events.
If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.
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FABTECH Orlando, PMA conference, hurricane relief, Metalforming, fabrication process, AI in manufacturing, training programs, networking events, executive networking, Metalforming magazine, digital subscriptions, trade show, innovation, best practices, membership benefits
00:00
Scott. Welcome to the industrial talk podcast with Scott. Mackenzie. Scott is a passionate industry professional dedicated to transferring cutting edge industry focused innovations and trends while highlighting the men and women who keep the world moving. So put on your hard hat, grab your work boots and let's get all right
00:21
once again. Welcome to industrial talk. Thank you for your continued support of this platform, this platform that is dedicated to you, industrial professionals all around the world. You are bold, brave, you dare greatly, you innovate, you collaborate. You're solving problems each and every day. That's why you're making the world a better place. We are brought to you by PMA. That is the Precision Metalforming Association. Go out to pma.org they have great people that are passionate about your success. That's what PMA is all about. All right, we're broadcasting from FABTECH. FABTECH Orlando, which is a It's massive. They don't have just conference areas. They have concourses here, and it is full of individuals, full of companies that are really dedicated to really solving problems, today's manufacturing problem. So put this on your calendar if you're not here, which I highly doubt it, because I think you're here. So let's get cracking All right, David, David's an awesome ah, Davidson. He knows a lot about PMA and what PMA is doing.
01:30
It's a good conference. It's a great conference. So we're so excited to be down here, obviously, with everything going on last week, with the hurricane Milton and lot of uncertainty, luckily that Orlando was not hit hard, but we're thinking of the families and and people that were affected by the hurricane and other parts of the state, but and so PMA and our fat and the fab tech partners, we're actually going to be contributing money to a relief fund, and also all exhibitors and attendees have a chance to contribute to it, so it's going
02:03
to be a shame. I've
02:07
ut then, after the hurricane,:
02:56
for the first day. What's the total what's the total nut? I mean, so
03:00
usually we're expecting around 30,000 and and we're at 16 already for the first day, which was, was awesome.
03:09
I got to tell you, it's a great show. It really is, if, if you're in manufacturing, just in general, I don't care, yep, this is a show for you to walk around to look at all of these solutions that people are I mean, you can kick the tires on these things.
03:24
Yeah,:
03:55
you gotta, you gotta clarify something for me, yes, we've got metal form. And then you got fabricators, like, put a little box around the whole thing and sort of define, you know, let's say so metal
04:07
,:
05:00
There's your buddy. He's walking in. Now we have a video here. You're in the video. Oh, my god, yeah, it's okay. Yeah, you get right there. There he is. Yes, yeah, here, go over here and sit down, and then you're gonna be next. You're gonna be in the camera.
it's been a year since we had our last conversation. It was great. And in that year, how, how have things changed? Have you seen anything that has sort of jumped out and said, Wow, I didn't see that coming. Bam, that hit me upside the head. Well, I
06:15
think, you know, our overall, the economy for our members right now is, you know, it's been pretty flat or a little bit down for our members. A couple of members are doing well, but it's been a little bit of a steady it's a lot of people are, you know, people are buying some small capital investments, but not going to very large yet, right? Some automotive projects have been on hold, you know, on the EV side, so that's kind of delayed some launches. So members are doing pretty good, but I think the big thing that is coming out is, you know, obviously, everyone's talking about AI. AI is hitting manufacturing. Our members are getting, you know, looking into it, how they can be more productive with using AI tools. We have a member that uses all their quoting now that's done through AI used to take a week to get a quote out, and now they can turn out a quote within minutes, and then they can get approval and that quote for like in that day. So cut it down four or five days. Done now one day. And so AIS, and then we're now PMAs looking for AI and training and how we can help. You know, use AI tools for our members for training. You know that subject matter expert of people that's got that travel knowledge for the last 30 you know for 30 years, that person is going to be retiring soon. So how do you get that travel knowledge into into like a database that they can get, learn and get and improve and help educate?
07:39
What's interesting to me is that there's a lot of hype. So let's say I'm a manufacturer, and I'm listening, I'm online, and it's saying that this AI is the bomb. It's the fantastic thing. It gives you just tremendous That, to me, is hype, what is real. And I think from what I hear you saying, if you have some training, PMA is providing some new training in a AI where that's real, yep, yep,
08:02
we're looking into that. So our training right now, so even though the economy is flat and some of our members flat training is going off the charts, yeah, we're doing a ton of implant training for members, doing assessments. See where they're doing where that we can help them and fill gaps. So we can bring subject matter experts in to help with training in those areas. And then we have an online tool called metal form edu that's been very popular, but people buy and they can do that training on demand, when they when, then they want it so and then we'll bring that AI tool within that metal form edu is, is the goal? Well, you know, it's
08:35
going to be, yeah, hit pretty hard Yes, because everybody's just trying to wonder how that is going to benefit them. Is that all a part of the membership? It
08:45
r. And so some of our members:
09:31
so there's 52 weeks in a year. Yeah, 70. So
09:37
our members were doing golf outing, supplier nights, plant tours, and some of our members engage us on the national level. Some engages both, but then some members just engage us locally. And so we try to multiple different touch points, but it's, it's a great resource for our members. Why?
09:55
Why is that important for that? I
09:57
mean, well, they can go see best practices. Let's take tour facility and see what kind of capital equipment they've bought, you know, what new process they put in place. And then from that, we've created seven networking groups that are really powerful, you know, executive level networking groups, kind of like YPO, that meet two three times a year, and they tour each other's shops. They tell what they see is, you know, what were pros and cons, what they on their tours, and they get feedback to that member directly. How
10:24
do you deal with the competition? Like AI,
10:27
it's been like this for a long time. And I think all PMA staff will say that that, you know, it's they all want it. What's great about it, everybody's intent is they want to continue to grow that the Metalforming their, you know, community, yeah, and they're all looking out. And so, you know, you help out each other out, you get a stronger community, and that makes better and that benefits everybody. True?
10:48
Yes, it's true. I just, and I think that sort of old school thinking like, I can't share my secret sauce, because my secret sauce is mine and, and I think that that's going because I always say you need to educate, which you guys do real well. You need to collaborate. You do real well, right? And then there is that innovation component there, because I know that that you want to be competitive, you want to get the latest best practice, whatever it might be. So that that whole innovation component is being represented, too, as as a member of PMA.
11:27
Yeah. And then so we have a whole publish publication, and Metalforming magazine, which is the number one magazine for all metal formers and fabricators in the universe, in the universe, and, and. And there we focus on technology, and so every month there's an issue, and we talk on the latest and greatest technologies and how that's being used in our in our in our field. So it's so that's a great way to educate the community as well. I bet you that gets hammered. So Brad COVID and the team Mike bowl, and they've done a phenomenal job with that, with that magazine. And really, the last, you know, three, four years of really taking off to another level.
12:02
Can I get the magazine and not be a member? Yes, you can, yeah, okay, then we'll be calling you to become a member. Well, no, I have
12:08
a problem being a member. I just if somebody's saying I'm online and I get that magazine and I can get it, get it, you can
12:14
print it and print or digital. There's both options are available. You still print. We do print. There's still people that want the hard copy. No kidding,
12:23
yes, stick it on the shop floor, coffee table thing.
12:27
They say that's when they read it more is and they'll show like, three, four or five issues, go to a company, and they'll and they'll put it in the dye shop area, and people are looking at it, and some people still like that for but the trend is obviously moving more and more to digital.
12:41
Well, I know I I'll be a digital subscriber. Definitely. I've got my whatever Kindle, it's on Kindle. I could do it on Kindle, right? Yeah, see
12:56
what I like. And I really want to say thank you to you. You have been really supporting our you really have been supporting our area and in the manufacturing our last couple years. We connected, and it was been great. So it's been, I appreciate the opportunity to be on
13:09
here. Well, I was on your podcast. What's the name of the podcast? Destiny manufacturing
13:13
for Dean Phillips, yeah, yeah.
13:16
See that. That was pretty cool. Yeah, yeah. They have a much better booth than I have, sort of envious of what they had, and I don't we,
13:24
Dean's been working on that, and then PMA purchased that whole destiny and manufacturing. So now that's part of PMA. About a year and a half ago, we bought that, so no kidding. And then dem, Dean's a full time employee with PMA now, and so he's doing that along with the, you know, leading up the technical training,
13:42
well, I was a, it was an honor being on it. I really, I I can definitely geek out on all this stuff. And when I walk around and I look at all this stuff, it's, it's hard for me not to, I don't know, it's like drinking from a fire hose, because you want to, you know, there's this machine, and you're walking by the machine, and the machine is doing something, right? And you want to just really investigate that machine. And then, of course, right next to it is another machine, and it's doing stuff, and you want to, by the time you've already sucked up about an hour's worth of your time trying to just look at that machine. Look you can just walk
14:20
down, down one or two aisles, and it'll take you an hour, an hour and a half, definitely, and you're saying, Hello, you can't beat, you cannot beat the trade show and FABTECH. Because how can you go into one place and see all the innovation and all the vendors that are in the industry at one time? And it's and you know, both in Metalforming, tubing, pipe fabrication, welding, all in one, encoding, all in one time. And when you know three days, it's the best.
14:48
It is, it is, oh, you know you're you're spot on. So let's talk a little bit about how people can get a hold of you. So
14:56
multiple ways. Obviously, the best way is pma.org, um. A lot of information on our website. Feel free to there if you're looking in for membership. Diana Novak and her team will reach out to you and talk about membership. There's you could talk about, get a hold of magazine for getting enrolled for prescription all different ways, but we're heavy on LinkedIn and social media. You should be yes, because
15:22
I had somebody say I'm in marketing, but I'm not out on LinkedIn. I just said, what? Yeah, I can't do the math. Math is hard. Well, you were absolutely wonderful. You never, never, ever disappoint. I love what is happening at PMA. That's Precision Metalforming Association put that metal for me. All right. Association, go out to pma.org. Find out more. Reach out to David and the team members at PMA. You will not. You will not. I mean, you will not be disappointed. All right, we're going to wrap it up on the other side. Once again, we are broadcasting from FABTECH here in Orlando. Stay tuned. We will be right back. You're
16:00
listening to the industrial talk Podcast Network.
16:09
That's David Klotz, Precision Metalforming Association. Please make a note. I misspoke at the beginning. It's not manufacturing. It's Metalforming please note it is Precision Metalforming Association. I can't edit it out. So that's my problem. That's my issue. So it's Precision Metalforming Association. FABTECH was the event, and it said It's gigantic. Put that on your calendar. You get to kick the tires of all of the great equipment, all of the great innovation and individuals you get to have that conversation of solving challenges. It's an amazing event. Put that on your calendar once again. David Klotz, Precision Metalforming Association. Make a note of that. Reach out to him. All right. Industrial talk is here for you. You have a podcast. Put it on in industrial talk. You want a podcast, come and talk to me. Go out to industrialtalk.com if you have technology that you really want to amplify. Yes, industrialtalk.com Be bold, be brave. There greatly. Hang out with David PMA, change the world. We're gonna have another great conversation shortly.
