Manufacturing Talks

Hosted by Jim Vinoski

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Episodes

225

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

There are millions of cool stories in manufacturing. Your host, Jim Vinoski, helps share them by talking to the people who are making them happen. Manufacturing is where the rubber meets the road. There's no hiding. You're either making good products people will buy for enough to keep you in business, or you're not. Meet the amazing folks who thrive in that survival-of-the-fittest world.

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60 recent

October 20, 20269 min

Jim Vinoski's Book, Chapter 4: Vendome Copper & Brass Works!

Send us Fan Mail Continuing solo shows for each chapter of his new book, *American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation,* your host Jim Vinoski today talks about Vendome Copper & Brass Works in Louisville. They make the vessels that make your bourbon (and other distilled spirits), and it's as much art as science. Their work is gorgeous. Plus they're a family firm that got its start back before the Civil War, so it's a great story of a company that's survived a long time in a typically boom-and-bust industry. Jim talks about how they've done that and what great folks are behind their work. Vendome Copper & Brass Works Website: https://vendomecopper.com/ Get your copy of Jim's book here: https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/american-manufacturing-book

October 14, 202643 min

Professor Howard Baetjer Jr: Government Involvement in Manufacturing IS the Problem!

Send us Fan Mail Retired economics professor Howie Baetjer, who was the instructor for an online class your host Jim Vinoski took way back when, joined us to discuss how free markets, private ownership, and decentralized decision-making are the strongest foundations for productive and resilient manufacturing. Howie described his path from psychology and English teaching to political philosophy and economics at Towson University. He discussed how his books, including Free Our Markets, explore market processes, private ownership, and the knowledge problem. Jim and Howie discussed the strength of U.S. manufacturing, including high worker productivity and output that ranks second globally behind China. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 02:26 - Background And Books 09:37 - Free Markets And Manufacturing 13:13 - Government Intervention 24:44 - Regulation And Capture 34:32 - Ownership And Knowledge This was such a rich and wide-ranging discussion! Tune in for the whole thing! A couple of Howie's books: - Software as Capital - https://tinyurl.com/c47zk8bs - Free Our Markets - https://tinyurl.com/3dwapp83

September 29, 202637 min

America! The Bradley Foundation's Support for Freedom and Our Founding Principles

Send us Fan Mail Rick Graber, president and CEO of the Bradley Foundation, joined us to explain the mission and activities of his organization, which was founded based on the free enterprise, limited government, and human dignity principles of the brothers who founded Allen Bradley. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction and Rick's Background 04:03 - Allen-Bradley History 10:11 - Foundation Principles 14:43 - Grant-Making Areas 24:52 - Long-Term Strategy 32:08 - Emerging Issues Far too many foundations are founded on the wealth of those who built American industry through adherence to free markets and American principles, then stray badly from those very principles and espouse radical big-government policies. It's refreshing to learn that the Bradley Foundation has stayed true to its founders' vision and values. Resources: The Bradley Foundation: https://www.bradleyfdn.org/ The Bradley Impact Fund: https://www.bradleyimpactfund.org/ Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/hardware/allen-bradley.html Book: *The Bradley Legacy:* https://tinyurl.com/ppmkvbax CROWE: https://crowe.wisc.edu/ SFOF: https://sfof.com/ Snow Institute: https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/capitalism/sisc/ American Institute for Economic Research: https://aier.org/ Network of Enlightened Women: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Advancing American Freedom: https://advancingamericanfreedom.com/ Mackinac Center for Public Policy: https://www.mackinac.org/

September 22, 202615 min

All About Victaulic!! Chapter 3 of American Manufacturing

Send us Fan Mail Your host Jim Vinoski goes solo this week and explains why Victaulic is featured in Chapter Three of his book *American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation.* 01:15 - Victaulic Origins Victaulic began in England in the 1800s with pipe couplings and later established itself in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Its couplings join pipes with little or no preparation, reducing the need for welding and specialized labor. The company has expanded through acquisitions, including fire-protection companies and foundries, while retaining its core coupling business. 01:45 - Career Connection Jim first encountered Victaulic couplings while working as a mechanical engineer at Vista Chemical’s PVC plant in Little Aberdeen, Mississippi. He encountered them on firewater lines, where they support systems used to protect buildings and keep people safe. His later Forbes reporting included interviews with the company’s CEO and executives, including Eric Luftig. 06:05 - History And Culture Victaulic supported World War II fuel logistics through pipeline-related efforts, including Project Pluto and Pharos. The company’s Lehigh Valley connection overlaps with Jim’s interest in cycling, the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, and Rodale Press. Its couplings are also associated anecdotally with the steampunk aesthetic of some craft breweries and distilleries. 11:15 - Next Episode The next episode will feature Rick Graber of the Bradley Foundation and will focus on its free-market tradition and mission. Link to where to buy Jim's book: https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/american-manufacturing-book

September 8, 202639 min

Stop Fighting Canada and Unleash American Manufacturing Might!

Send us Fan Mail Dave Hebert - native of Detroit and son of a manufacturing worker - and how an economist and manufacturing guru with the American Institute for Economic Research, discusses the economic productivity of American manufacturing and the negative impact of current trade tensions with Canada. Dave argues that American manufacturing remains highly productive despite political narratives suggesting the sector has been hollowed out. He highlights specific data points to contrast domestic capabilities with international competitors: Dave calls out the deteriorating relationship between the United States and Canada due to recent tariff threats and rhetoric from the Trump administration. He notes several concerns regarding these diplomatic frictions. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:48 - Dave's Background 06:35 - U.S. Manufacturing Productivity 11:47 - U.S.-Canada Trade Relations 17:10 - Negotiation Styles and Diplomacy 26:45 - Correcting Economic Policy 35:39 - The Value of Manufacturing Workers Dave really covered a tremendous amount of ground here, and it's all fascinating and vital stuff! You owe it to yourself to check out the whole thing. Dave's AIER page: https://aier.org/people/david-hebert/ Dave's article "Made in (North) America: Canada Is Not Our Enemy:" https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/made-in-north-america-canada-is-not-our-enemy/

September 2, 202645 min

Let's bring our youth back to manufacturing!

Send us Fan Mail Who are your manufacturing heroes? Your host Jim Vinoski interviews Avi Reichental, highlighting his extensive background in manufacturing and technology, including his roles at 3D Systems and Exponential Works. Reichental emphasizes the need to inspire the next generation into manufacturing, arguing that the current challenge is a "belief shortage" rather than a skills shortage. He stresses the importance of tacit knowledge, mastery, and storytelling to attract talent. Reichental also discusses the critical need for manufacturers to invest in people and adapt to new technologies, including humanoid robots and physical AI, to overcome workforce challenges and drive the manufacturing renaissance. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 02:24 - Avi Reichental's Background and Career Journey 07:56 - The Importance of Manufacturing and Skilled Workforce 16:35 - Challenges and Solutions in Manufacturing Education 20:10 - The Role of Tacit Knowledge and Mastery 33:32 - Age Discrimination and the Need to Value Our Most Experienced Workers 35:41 - The Responsibility of Manufacturers to Solve Workforce Challenges 39:35 - Conclusion and Future Steps Avi's article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/factory-coming-back-people-arent-avi-reichental-uuv3c/ The book *The Tacit Dimension:* https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/T/bo6035368.html

August 26, 202612 min

From the book American Manufacturing: Worksman Cycles is the oldest bike company in the U.S.!

Send us Fan Mail Your host Jim Vinoski discusses the history and business evolution of Worksman Cycles, which is Chapter 2 of his new book, *American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation.* Company History Jim details the origins of Worksman Cycles, founded by Morris Worksman in Manhattan in 1898. Originally a dry goods store owner, Morris developed delivery bicycles and tricycles to assist local vendors. The company achieved nationwide scale after securing a contract with the Good Humor ice cream company to create specialized delivery vehicles. During World War II, the company pivoted to manufacturing maintenance tricycles for industrial and military plants, such as Lockheed. Business Strategy Jim highlights key strategic decisions that shaped the company's current market position. Niche Focus: The company declined a major purchase order from Toys R Us in the late 20th century to avoid low-margin consumer bike production and stay focused on their core expertise. Relocation: In 2015, due to taxes and regulations in the New York City area, the company moved its bicycle production assembly to Conway, North Carolina, while maintaining headquarters in New York. Product Range: Current offerings include maintenance tricycles, e-bike add-ons, consumer tricycles, and purpose-built models for special needs individuals. Future Outlook Jim concludes by mentioning upcoming topics for the show. Worksman Cycles: https://worksman.com/ Buy the book!! https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/american-manufacturing-book

August 18, 202648 min

Larry Harrell with Perfect Point EDM on their new way to remove aircraft rivets!

Send us Fan Mail It's always cool to learn about breakthrough new tech, so Jim's discussion with Larry Harrell from Perfect Point EDM was a treat! Larry discusses how Perfect Point uses advanced electrical discharge machining (EDM) to revolutionize aircraft fastener removal. He explains that traditional twist drilling for titanium fasteners is labor-intensive, requiring up to seven minutes of high-force manual work and risking structural damage. The E-drill solves this by using a fly-by-wire EDM process that removes fasteners in approximately 10 seconds with only 12 pounds of force. Larry highlights the shift from aluminum to titanium and composite materials, which has increased maintenance complexity and reduced the available skilled workforce. While automation works in fixed jigs, the flexibility of the E-drill is required for aircraft that flex and bend during service. Drawing from his 26 years at Northrop Grumman, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a nimble environment for small businesses to foster rapid prototyping. He notes that while large corporations focus on platform procurement, small businesses drive the necessary process innovations. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - The Fastener Removal Challenge 04:09 - The Impact of Maintenance Requirements 11:13 - Perfect Point EDM Technology 13:45 - Managing Heat and Coatings 15:56 - Training and Workforce Integration 19:48 - Navigating Industry and Government Gaps 32:18 - Lessons from Aerospace Leadership 41:43 - Economic Benefits and Reshoring This is a chat you can really geek out on! Perfect Point EDM website: https://ppedm.com/

August 13, 202612 min

Zamboni is Chapter 1 of American Manufacturing for a Reason!

Send us Fan Mail Your host Jim Vinoski kicks off his series that will highlight each company in turn that he featured in his new book, *American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation.* Jim starts out here with Chapter 1 about Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Jim details the origins of the Zamboni company, founded by Frank Zamboni in California. Originally an ice industry professional, Frank transitioned from selling ice blocks to operating an ice rink. To solve the labor-intensive problem of manual ice resurfacing, he utilized post-war surplus jeeps to develop the first machines. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - Zamboni Company Origins 05:34 - Evolution and Growth 09:54 - Legacy and Brand Identity There's some really fascinating stuff here. Tune in for the whole thing! Buy the book: https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/ The Zamboni company: https://zamboni.com/

August 4, 202614 min

There's a great new book out you've got to read!!

Send us Fan Mail Jim Vinoski discusses his new book, "American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation," highlighting the importance of American manufacturing. He chose 22 companies, emphasizing their deep community roots and critical roles in national defense and everyday life. Jim aims to educate the public and policymakers on the necessity of reindustrializing America, noting the decline in sectors like textiles and steel. He believes the book's lessons on business fundamentals and resilience are crucial for the industry's future. He encourages readers to purchase the book and plans future episodes to delve deeper into each company featured. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to Jim Vinoski's New Book 01:15 - Purpose and Inspiration Behind the Book 03:20 - Selection of Companies Featured in the Book 05:30 - Audience and Goals of the Book 09:11 - Business Lessons and Future Plans Here's a link with all your options to get your very own copy! https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/american-manufacturing-book