Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders - The State of Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing, 429

The State of Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing, 429

10/03/24 • 33 min

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

In the wake of 9/11, the aerospace and defense industry experienced a dramatic transformation, with new regulations like the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 reshaping how manufacturers handled sensitive data.

For many small shops, it was a turning point—forcing them to adapt while navigating a surge in defense demand. Companies either thrived or struggled under tighter compliance and rising production needs.

Today, the industry faces new hurdles: a looming skills gap, escalating production requirements, and the ever-present threat of data breaches. To remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace automation, invest in robust systems, and prioritize building strong customer relationships. Those prepared to align with these demands will be positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape.

Panelists Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer join Mike Payne and Paul Van Metre in this special episode recorded live at IMTS to address what can be done to meet the challenges the manufacturing industry is facing head-on.

Segments

[1:01] Introducing Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer
[3:21] How 9/11 changed the defense industry
[6:54] Leveraging the increased demand in the industry
[9:33] We need to grow the aerospace and defense sector
[13:41] Where is the current customer demand?
[15:54] Why you should listen to Manufacturing Transformed
[18:44] How to improve sales and marketing
[24:16] Why shops are starting plating businesses
[26:32] The importance of product safety
[27:42] Preparing to serve the defense industry

Resources mentioned on this episode

Connect With MakingChips

Segments

[1:01] Introducing Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer
[3:21] How 9/11 changed the defense industry
[6:54] Leveraging the increased demand in the industry
[9:33] We need to grow the aerospace and defense sector
[13:41] Where is the current customer demand?
[15:54] Why you should listen to Manufacturing Transformed
[18:44] How to improve sales and marketing
[24:16] Why shops are starting plating businesses
[26:32] The importance of product safety
[27:42] Preparing to serve the defense industry

Resources mentioned on this episode

Connect With MakingChips

Previous Episode

How AI Implementation Can Be Transformative with CloudNC Founder Theo Saville, 428

Theo Saville was frustrated by the lack of real-world applications for 3D printing. Then it struck him: Why not make CNC machining as simple as 3D printing? What if we could make machines smarter by installing more sensors? What if we gave the software more inputs to work with?

Theo immediately set out to disrupt a 600-billion-dollar industry and, together with Chris Emery, founded CloudNC. When Jeff Maki and Austin Whitmer came across CloudNC and their CAM Assist software, they knew they had to implement it immediately.

In this episode of MakingChips, they share the real-world impact of CAM Assist on a machine shop’s efficiency, quoting, and ability to win new business.Because if you can’t quote quickly enough, you won’t win business. And if you’re not winning new business, you’re not MakingChips, and you’re not making money. BAM!

Segments

[0:51] Introducing Theo, Jeff, and Austin
[3:52] The origin story of CloudNC
[13:35] Learn about Maki CNC
[15:00] Why you need ProShop ERP
[16:08] Implementing CloudNC in the shop
[21:31] How Maki is using CAM Assist
[24:00] Getting buy-in from the industry
[25:38] What is CAM Assist best for?
[30:14] What’s next at Maki?
[31:10] What’s next for CloudNC?
[34:54] Check out MakingSparks!

Resources mentioned on this episode

CloudNC
CloudNC CAM Assist
Maki CNC
Connect with Theo Saville on LinkedIn
Connect with Jeff Maki on LinkedIn
Connect with Austin Whitmer on LinkedIn
ProShop ERP

Connect With MakingChips

Next Episode

How the Mexican Manufacturing Industry Can help you Grow Your American Business, 430

Why would an American company want to consider expanding operations to Mexico? With more experienced engineers retiring and a decreasing number of new blood entering the manufacturing workforce, Mexico has become a viable option for operations. But is the process worth the potential hassle?

Today’s guest is the Senior Director of Latin America for AMT and he's been an invaluable part of helping AME and Hennig rework their growth strategy and commercial structure in Mexico: Carlos Mortera.

He shares why American manufacturers should consider leveraging the Mexican market in this episode of MakingChips.

Segments