Manufacturers are addressing data security, employee retention, and workplace culture in 2025. Amy Weader, VP, Manufacturing Division at First American, emphasized the need for manufacturing leaders to stay ahead of these trends to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness. Underscoring the significance of adapting to different market conditions, host Tony Gunn emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. His experience as a machinist and international consultant provided valuable insights into the practical implementation of technologies.
Explore Top Takeaways from Industry Leaders
As manufacturers navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, our recent webinar brought together industry leaders to explore the key trends shaping the sector in 2025.
Here are the top takeaways from their discussion:
Embracing Innovation and Technology
Leadership and Culture: Driving Accountability and Improvement
Leadership plays a crucial role in driving accountability and enhancements in the manufacturing workforce. Hernan Ricaurte, President of Ricaurte Precision, emphasized this point, saying “Leadership is about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and using digital technologies to enhance efficiency and scalability.” Ricaurte’s approach involves creating a collaborative environment where everyone shares in the success and challenges of the organization.
“We look at automation as job security, and establishing that trust with your people is very critical.” - Lance Thrailkill, CEO, All Metals Fabricating
Automation and Digital Transformation: Enhancing Efficiency
The progression of the manufacturing industry continues to be bolstered by advancements in automation and digital transformation. Steve Cochenour, EHS Director at American Tool and Mold, provided several compelling examples of rapid prototyping and 3D printing innovations. “We can now produce a thousand parts in just a few days, a process that used to take several weeks,” Cochenour shared. His team developed a method to 3D print cores and cavities for tools, significantly reducing lead times and increasing production efficiency. Additionally, the use of 3D printing for steel parts allows for the creation of complex cooling channels that were previously unachievable through traditional machining methods.
Also seeing success with machine monitoring and employee dashboards, Lance Thrailkill, CEO of All Metals Fabricating, shared how these implementations have driven substantial increases in machine utilization and overall efficiency. “Involving employees in the decision-making process and using digital tools to gamify performance metrics fosters a culture of continuous improvement,” Thrailkill noted.
45% of webinar attendees identified digital transformation as their leading priority in 2025.
Supply Chain Stability: A Constant Balancing Act
With geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions continuing into 2025, manufacturers are focused on stability, predictability, and adaptability. “Manufacturing has always been important, but in the last few years, we’ve seen more attention on just how essential it is to economic stability,” said Salim Awad, President & CEO of SPINNER North America. “Supply chain predictability is one of the biggest concerns we hear from manufacturers, and businesses need strategies in place to navigate these uncertainties.” For many, this means reshoring and diversifying suppliers. Companies that can pivot quickly and keep production local when needed will have a competitive advantage.
Overcoming Challenges: Innovative Solutions
Manufacturing leaders face several key challenges, including labor shortages, rising operational costs, and regulatory compliance. Innovative solutions to these challenges include leveraging automation to increase throughput and reduce dependency on manual labor. The importance of cybersecurity in protecting digital assets and maintaining operational integrity was also highlighted. By addressing these challenges head-on, manufacturers can ensure their operations remain resilient and competitive.
Future Outlook: Continuous Improvement
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends are crucial. A proactive approach to adopting new technologies and fostering a culture of innovation will ensure organizations remain competitive and resilient.
Featured Speakers & Contributors
Tony Gunn, Director of Global Operations, MTDCNC
Tony Gunn's journey from a machinist to the Director of Global Operations at MTDCNC showcases his dedication to excellence and innovation in the manufacturing industry. With over 25 years of experience, he has climbed the ranks through his passion for learning and extensive knowledge. At MTDCNC, Tony not only manages global operations, contributing greatly to growth and international reach, but also serves as a public face, engaging with industry leaders and presenting at major conferences. His influence extends through his work as an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and host of "The Gunn Show" podcast, making complex manufacturing topics accessible and engaging. Known for his ability to navigate cultural and industry landscapes, Tony's leadership is marked by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of manufacturing, inspiring others with his strategic vision and adaptability.
Salim E. Awad, President & CEO, SPINNER North America
Salim Elias Awad serves as President & CEO of SPINNER North America, overseeing operations for SPINNER Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik, the global leader in high-precision CNC machine tools. With over two decades of experience in manufacturing, international business, and strategic leadership, Salim has driven innovation and growth in advanced manufacturing technology.
His career began as a deep aea diver in the U.S. Army, followed by roles as a litigation attorney and various leadership positions in manufacturing. Salim holds a Juris Doctor degree from Saint Louis University School of Law and a bachelor's degree in intelligence studies from American Military University, with executive training from Harvard Business School. Under his leadership, SPINNER North America has become a trusted partner in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Salim is multilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, and is a Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE).
He is passionate about mentoring future leaders and advancing STEM education, with accolades, including "Rising Star" and "Forty under 40", reflecting his dedication to professional excellence and societal impact.
Hernan Ricaurte, President, Ricaurte Precision
Hernan Ricaurte is the President of Ricaurte Precision Inc. (RPI), a premier Southern California-based contract manufacturer specializing in precision (CNC) machining for the aerospace, space, defense, and medical device industries. Under his leadership, RPI has become a trusted partner to some of the world’s most advanced and demanding OEM’s.
Hernan has over 20 years of international experience spanning manufacturing and healthcare including a decade living and working in Japan. His commitment to leveraging advanced technologies, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement has driven RPI’s year-over-year growth of more than 20% for the past three years.
Hernan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University and is certified in advanced Japanese language proficiency.
Steve Cochenour, Project Manager & EHS Director, American Tool & Mold
Steve Cochenour is a seasoned Project Manager and Environmental Health and Safety Director with over three decades of experience in the manufacturing industry, specifically in CNC shops. Currently serving at American Tool and Mold in Clearwater, Florida, Steve has been instrumental in overseeing the progress of tool builds, managing customer and vendor communications, and conducting environmental health and safety audits. His notable achievements include coordinating the purchase and installation of millions of dollars of capital equipment and recruiting and managing a highly skilled team of tool makers. Steve's extensive experience and leadership make him an invaluable asset to manufacturing processes and safety standards.
Lance Thrailkill, CEO, All Metals Fabricating
Lance is the third-generation owner and current CEO of All Metals Fabricating, a contract manufacturer specializing in various metalworking processes. After earning his MBA in accounting from SMU in 2008, he joined the company, advancing from Controller to CFO by 2010, and eventually becoming CEO in 2018. Recognized as an industry trendsetter, Lance has driven technological advancements and automation within the company, earning accolades such as IndustryWeek's "Best Plant Award" in 2019 and CorporateLiveWire's "Manufacturing Employer of the Year" in 2022. Under his leadership, All Metals Fabricating was also featured in a 2022 episode of Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid.
Lance is known for his servant leadership, prioritizing relationships and community involvement. He has served on various boards, mentored a fatherless boy for over a decade, and participated in international evangelism trips. In 2022, he was honored as one of the Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, reflecting his dedication and leadership.
Amy Weader, VP, Manufacturing Division, First American
For more than a decade, Amy has been dedicated to supporting the innovation of manufacturers. She is inspired by the manufacturing leaders she works with and enjoys learning each company’s unique story. Growing up, her father worked as an electrician for a factory in Rochester, NY; Amy feels the manufacturing sector has always been a part of her life and she holds the highest respect for the manufacturers she encounters each day.
Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from The College at Brockport and maintains her designation as a Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP). She is also engaged with several industry associations such as the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA).
Outside of work, Amy, her husband, and their two children enjoy traveling in their pop-up camper. They also spend time tending to their half acre garden each summer and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
