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.
Robert “Bob” Voigt with Penn State University – METAL Program
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Robert “Bob” Voigt, Professor with Penn State University about “Educating the Future Manufacturing Leaders”.
The conversation highlights the importance of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, scheduled for November 3-5, 2023. The Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, features an interview with Robert Voight, a professor at Penn State Behrend, discussing the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program. Voight emphasizes the hands-on experience provided to students, including foundry visits and practical metal casting. He also discusses the evolution of materials like austempered ductile iron and the integration of digital technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality. Voight’s contact information is available for those interested in learning more.