The Fabricator Podcast Fabricators and Manufacturers Association

Chaz Schroeder of Black River Group joins The Fabricator Podcast this week to talk about evolution of his family's manufacturing business, adapting to change, staying ahead of the industry curve, and more.


Chaz explains how Black River Group, a third generation family-owned company in Mansfield, Ohio, evolved over 55 years from a marketing agency to a full-fledged manufacturing operation that offers a full range of services, including design, engineering, fabrication, and warehousing.


He also talks about how the business specializes in custom in-stock displays and components and operates out of a 175,000-sq.-ft facility.


Chris Miano joined Chaz to discuss Black River Group's partnership with X-Series USA and how it's help the company expand its metal fabrication capabilities. Miano also talked about the trends in laser cutting technology.


Chaz and Chris also talk about the growth of automation and what it means for the the metal manufacturing sector.


At the top, the guys talk about the movie "The Shawshank Redemption," which was filmed in Mansfield, Ohio, and is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. More specifically, they focus on Andy Dufresne's dubious prison escape scene and how he was able to bust open a thick metal sewer pipe with a rock.


This episode is brought to you by X-Series USA.


Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Cameron Adams of Laser Precision, a contract metal fabricator in the Chicago area, joins the podcast to talk about how the family-run business has grown from a small 6,000-sq.-ft. shop to a 130,000-sq.-ft facility that serves large OEMs in the heavy equipment industry.


Adams describes Laser Precision as a one-stop shop by providing end-to-end processes with laser cutting, CNC machining, welding, press brake forming, and powder coating.


He also discusses Laser Precision's recent acquisition by Weller Metalworks, its plans for future growth, and the trend of mergers and acquisitions in metal manufacturing.


He explains that many OEMs are looking to consolidate their supplier base and work with a select few trusted suppliers, and how Laser Precision works to be on that shortlist.


Adams also discusses the company's focus on workforce development and its efforts to attract and train skilled employees. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the manufacturing industry and the opportunities it offers.


Adams also mentions the potential for AI and automation in the industry, particularly in areas such as scheduling and quoting, as well as the importance of near-shoring supply chains.


At the top, the guys discuss Nuts, Bolts, & Thingamajigs summer manufacturing camps and Back to the Future.


This episode is brought to you by MC Machinery Systems, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation.


Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Patrick Brunken, VP of Addison Machine Engineering, joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about the tube and pipe industry, running a multi-generational family-owned business, keeping up with tube mill technology, and moving operations from Chicago to Reedsburg, Wis.


Brunken discusses the challenges and rewards of running a family-owned mid-sized company in the tube and pipe industry, and how his son has become the family's fourth generation to work in the business. He also about the changes in technology and the need for skilled workers in the industry. Brunken also mentions the growth in structural steel due to the increase in warehousing and the importance of serving the automotive industry. He emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with technology and the need for continuous learning in the industry.


Brunken also discusses the competitive landscape and the advantages of being a family-owned company. He mentions the challenges of working with new customers and the importance of building relationships with them. Finally, he talks about the rewarding aspects of his job, the excitement of working in a diverse industry, and the valuable resources the organizations like Fabricators and Manufacturers Association offer to the sector.


At the top, the guys about how a shop in Texas designed and fabricated the world's largest hex nut, which has been dubbed "Big Tex the Incredible Hex." The structure was built for Houston-area company Patriot Bolt.


Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Seth Feldman of Iowa-based Wertzbaugher Services joins The Fabricator Podcast to offer his take as a Gen Zer working in metal fabrication, why he turned to the skilled trades instead of the traditional college path, and thoughts on representing what's been dubbed the "toolbelt generation."

Feldman explains how after high school, he pursued a traditional college route by attending University of Iowa, where his parents and siblings attended, but quickly realized that wasn't for him.

He talks about how Lisa Wertzbaugher recruited him to work for her fabrication business, which put him on a 10-year success plan while learning how estimate jobs, fabricate and weld, and manage a team.

Feldman adds his thoughts on the perception of the skilled trades among Generation Z and how more and more Gen Zers are exploring more career options outside of the traditional college path.

The guys also talk Hawkeyes football and the best way to eat corn.

This episode was recorded on location at the 2024 FMA Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Fla.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Caleb Chamberlain, co-founder and CEO of OSH Cut, discusses his company’s unique approach to sheet metal fabricating.


Chamberlain explains how OSH Cut offers an online platform that allows customers to upload their designs and receive instant quotes for laser cutting and bending services. He also describes how they have developed their own software to automate the quoting and production processes, as well as their efforts to expand their capabilities to include other services such as welding.


Chamberlain also discusses their use of digital advertising and their focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. He emphasizes OSH Cut’s aim to streamline the metal fabricating process and provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for their customers.


Chamberlain also addresses the issue of the wage gap in the industry and stresses the importance of paying livable wages to attract and retain skilled workers.


At the top, hosts Dan Davis and Tim Heston talk about the impact OSH Cut's "web shop" business model is making on the metal fabrication sector, especially with its design for manufacturing (DFM) services on top of its automated online ordering and instant quoting systems to support its laser cutting and press brake capabilities.


Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

In this podcast episode, Brian Steel, CEO of Cadrex Manufacturing, discusses the challenges of acquiring, merging, and integrating multiple metal fabrication businesses under one organization.


He emphasizes the importance of aligning technical expertise, managing capacity, and implementing ERP systems. Steel highlights the need for speed and agility in the industry and the importance of people and culture in the integration process. He also discusses the use of data and automation in improving efficiency and decision-making. Steel sees the acquisition strategy as a way to build trusted partnerships with innovative companies and rapidly bring their ideas from concept to scale.


Steel believes there is a need for large, fully integrated mechanical solution providers in North America and sees the opportunity for organic growth in the industry as well. He also emphasizes how he’s optimistic about the future of the fabrication industry and sees it as a great time to be in the business.


At the top, the guys talk about Cadrex's impressive and aggressive roll-up strategy, and how's it's impacted The Fabricator's FAB 40 list. There's also a mention of Dig Dug.


Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.