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.
Peyton Ford with norelem US
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Peyton Ford, Vice President of Sales at norelem US about “Streamlining manufacturing design process”.
The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by MD&M West and Informa, features Scott MacKenzie interviewing Peyton Ford, VP of U.S. Sales at norelem. norelem, a German family-owned company with a 60-year history, specializes in mechanical engineering components. Peyton discusses their extensive product line of over 130,000 standard parts, emphasizing their customer-centric approach and the ability to provide CAD data for free. They aim to streamline the design process for engineers by offering off-the-shelf solutions that can be semi-customized. Peyton highlights the importance of brand visibility in the U.S. market and the company’s mission to be a one-stop shop for mechanical engineering needs.
Bradley White with Penn State – METAL Program
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Bradley White with Penn State University METAL Program about “The Profession of Metallurgy”.
The Industrial Talk podcast episode, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, features a discussion with Bradley White from Penn State’s METAL program. The program, which stands for Metallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, Trade, Apprenticeship, and Learning, aims to train the next generation of workers in foundry skills. White, with 32 years of industry experience, is helping to establish a foundry lab at Penn State Barron, expected to be operational by 2027-2028. The program, funded by the Department of Defense, is expanding nationwide, with schools like Ohio State, Tennessee, and Purdue joining. The initiative emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world skills to inspire future industrial leaders.
Matthew Bishop with VATIT STREAM
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Matt Bishop, Head of Global Sales at VATIT STREAM about “International Logistics Compliance”.
The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, features Scott Mackenzie discussing the importance of industrial innovation and celebrating industry professionals. At MD&M West in Anaheim, California, Scott interviews Matthew Bishop, the head of sales at VATIT STREAM, a company specializing in VAT efficiency and logistics compliance. Bishop explains how VATIT STREAM helps manufacturers navigate tariffs and VAT, particularly for medical manufacturers, by setting up foreign entities and handling logistics. They discuss the complexities of international trade, the importance of compliance, and the benefits of their services in simplifying global shipments. Bishop also shares his experience attending the conference and the challenges of international travel.
Mehdi Kargar with Maxterial
Industrial Talk is talking to Mehdi Kargar, CEO/Co-Founder at Maxterial, Inc. about “Innovative coating platform that significantly reduces corrosion”.
Mehdi Kargar, founder of Maxterial, discussed the company’s innovative coatings that replace hexavalent chromium, which is being phased out due to health and environmental risks. Maxterial’s coating, tested in steel mills and hydraulic systems, offers superior durability, reducing downtime by up to 50% and improving energy efficiency by four times. The coating is manufactured using standard electrodeposition processes and existing chemical suppliers. Maxterial aims to create a scalable, cost-effective solution that meets regulatory deadlines and enhances industrial efficiency. The company’s strategy includes building trust and partnerships.