Andy Bomberger with METAL and Bomberger Industry Graphics
We keep saying “manufacturing is dying”—then I walk into a place like Penn State’s METAL program in Erie and watch 18-year-olds safely pouring molten steel and calculating real production costs like business owners.
That’s not a dying industry. That’s a talent pipeline we’ve been ignoring.
In my conversation with Andy Bomberger, 29-year foundry veteran turned casting design consultant, one thing was crystal clear:
Foundries are more technical, data-driven, and materials-savvy than most people realize.
The work is hands-on, high-consequence, and deeply satisfying.
And when you bring young people into that environment, they don’t know the “rules” yet—so they try things the industry says can’t be done… and often make it work.
Victor Okhuysen with Cal Poly Pomona
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Victor Okhuysen, Professor with Cal Poly Pomona about “Strengthening the future of manufacturing”.
Scott Mackenzie from Industrial Talk discusses the importance of training the next generation of industrial leaders with Victor Okhuysen from Cal Poly Pomona. The Penn State Erie campus hosts the METAL program, which aims to inspire and educate students in metallurgy and manufacturing. Victor, a principal investigator, highlights the program’s hands-on approach, including boot camps and workshops, to expose students to potential careers. The program has conducted four boot camps and ten workshops, using a system called Foundry in a Box. Victor emphasizes the need for skilled workers in an increasingly automated industry and the role of community colleges in providing relevant training.
Ashley Donohoo and Darin Greifenkamp with Multi Skill Training
Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2026 and talking to Ashley Donohoo and Darin Greifenkamp with Multi-Skill Training about “Training the future of Industry”.
Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, featuring Ashley and Darren from Multi-Skill Training Services. Ashley, with 12 years at the company, focuses on client training programs, while Darren, a senior project engineer for 17 years, aligns training with customer needs. The company, in business for over 30 years, offers customized training tailored to specific industries and plant needs, including food and beverage, automotive, and chemical plants. They employ retired engineers with extensive experience and use an independent contractor model for instructors. The company also provides online assessments and refresher courses to ensure knowledge retention. They emphasize the importance of training to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving industry.
Jeannine Kunz and Deb Volzer with SME
Lew Weiss with the Manufacturing Talk Radio
On this week’s Industrial Talk we’re talking to Lew Weiss, Founder and Host of the Manufacturing Talk Radio about “The current state of Manufacturing and Marketing Strategies”. Get the answers to your “Manufacturing” questions along with Lew’s unique insight on the “How” on this Industrial Talk interview!