Each month, the PMA Member Spotlight features an outstanding member sharing his/her insights into the latest industry trends and technologies.

PMA is pleased to highlight Julius Feitl, president of Progressive Machine Die, Inc., Macedonia, OH. In 1957, Julius’s father emigrated from Germany to the United States as a blacksmith. After perfecting his skill as a machinist, he started his own business, Progressive Machine Die (PMD), in 1963. Today, PMD operates from an 80,000-sq.-ft. facility that houses its administrative headquarters, engineering and design facility, and manufacturing plant. The company supplies stamped metal parts such as conduit straps, hangers and other hardware items to the electrical industry.

Hear Julius's thoughts about technology challenges facing metalformers, what’s on his wish list for his plant in 2015, the best conference he and his employees have attended in the last year, and more!

Q: Which job classifications are the most challenging to find skilled workers?
A: Press operator and setup person – Most schools tend to focus on CNC operators, machinists and laser cutting, but there aren’t any programs in schools specifically designed for press operators and setup people. At this point, the best way to find a skilled press operator or setup person is to hire them away from a competitor. This position is essential to stamping. I hope that in the future, schools start to offer training programs to develop these roles.

Q: What is the biggest technology challenge metalformers face today?
A: Understanding the benefits that servo presses offer by way of improving efficiencies.

Q: What is on your wish list for your shop in 2015 (i.e., a new piece of equipment)?
A: To buy a new servo press or potentially some feed equipment.

Q: What is the best conference or seminar you or your employees attended in the past year and why?
A: The CEO Roundtable hosted by PMA. This particular roundtable promoted great discussions that were very pertinent to me as a company owner. The conversation was focused, and I spent quality time interacting with peers that face the same challenges and issues I do.

Q: What conference topic (related to the metalforming/manufacturing industry) would you be most interested in attending?
A: Succession planning would be a great topic of interest to me.

Q: Minivan, SUV or sedan?
A: SUV

Q: What are the top three songs on your play list right now?
A: I don’t have a play list per se, but I like to listen to Eric Clapton, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, the Allman Brothers, and just about any classic rock.