FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Gene Lambert

Live from the show floor at FABTECH 2025, Dean Phillips sits down with Gene Lambert, 2025 chair of the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and VP of Sales at Batesville Tool & Die, to discuss the future of manufacturing and the power of industry collaboration. Gene shares his perspective on the latest innovations in AI and automation, and how FABTECH serves not just as a showcase of technology but also as a valuable recruiting tool for the industry. He also dives into Batesville's workforce development journey, including partnerships with Ivy Tech to create apprenticeship and degree programs that combine hands-on training with classroom learning. Gene explains how these initiatives are helping to build a smarter, more adaptable workforce. Finally, Gene highlights the unique value of PMA membership—from networking and problem-solving with peers to creating unexpected business opportunities, even with competitors. His insights demonstrate how collaboration, education and innovation are shaping the destiny of manufacturing today.