All-Axis

In this final episode of 2025, our host, Michael Thiessen, takes us through all the topics we've covered this year - from workforce development (several perspectives) and the aerospace and automotive industries to special guests talking about AI, manufacturing and trade disruptions. 

We consider the year a success and know it's all due to our listeners and guests - thank you to all. We look forward to even more insightful ...

In this episode, host Michael Thiessen welcomes Terry Szmagala, founder of TGS Advisory and a seasoned expert in governmental affairs. Together, they dive into one of the most pressing issues for manufacturers today: trade disruptions and their ripple effects on operations. From skyrocketing costs due to tariffs to the complexities of onshoring production and addressing labor shortages, Terry shares actionable strategies for turnin...

In this episode of The All-Axis Podcast, host Michael Thiessen sits down with Keven Wang, the founder of UnitX, a company specializing in AI-powered visual inspection for the manufacturing industry. Keven combined his love for the physical world with his software and AI background to create a company focused on solving manufacturing challenges. 

In his discussion with Michael, they touch on a variety of topics, including how AI has ...

In this episode of The All-Access Podcast, host Michael Thiessen welcomes guests Tom Skubal and Tony Gunn from MTDCNC for a lively and informative discussion that highlights the resiliency and adaptability of the manufacturing sector, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation to ensure future success. 

During the conversation, they talk about the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing industry, incl...

If you're a manufacturer who's been overwhelmed by doom-and-gloom economic headlines, this episode delivers the perspective you've been missing. Economic expert Michael Feuz of ITR Economics joins our host, Michael Thiessen, and cuts through the noise to reveal what's really happening in manufacturing today. And what he says may surprise you.

Feuz provides practical, actionable insights on how manufactu...

We took a different approach with this episode – not 1, not 2, but 4 guests join our host, Michael Thiessen. The guests, Tebis experts from Italy, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom, engage in an informative discussion about the aerospace and manufacturing industries in their country. Everything is on the table – automotive vs. aerospace, manufacturing and impact on the economy, investments in technology, getting the necessary...

We’re taking to the skies in North America as our host, Michael Thiessen, Sales Manager at Tebis Americas, is joined by Mike Stengel, Partner at AeroDynamic Advisory, a boutique aerospace consulting firm. No stranger to the skies (he’s been flying since before he could drive), Mike shares his insights on the North American aerospace industry, touching on toipcs from the state of the industry, supply chain challenges, electrificatio...

He’s baaaack! Joe McCabe, President and CEO of AutoForecast Solutions (AFS) makes his annual appearance, sharing automotive industry insights on the past year and what to look forward to in 2025. Highlights of the discussion with host Michael Thiessen include:

• Tariffs, specifically on USMCA partners (to date) and short- and long-term response by manufacturers
• The inevitable entry of China in the U.S. auto market and what to expec...

This is a regular topic for us, but in past episodes, we’ve only discussed from an industry perspective. Today, we look at manufacturing’s next-gen workforce from those on the front lines – educators. Our host, Michael Thiessen is joined by deans from two Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTC), David Wyatt and Paul Galbenski. The group discusses everything from how OTSC works with local school districts to provide students with ...

We’re taking to the skies for this episode. Our host, Michael Thiessen is once again joined by Tony Vernaci, president/founder of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM). It's been just over a year since Tony was on The All-Axis Podcast, so he and Michael talk about the current aerospace industry (in general and in Michigan), including: 

• Opportunities aerospace offers Michigan
• Similarities (e.g., technology cha...

Michael Thiessen, our host, is joined by John Kowalczyk, President of Tebis America, to talk about the big show coming up – IMTS 2024! John has been attending the show for decades and shares his insights on how it has evolved, like technology itself, over the years. 

The two also talk about what they expect to see at this year’s show (hint: AI), highlighting what visitors can expect to find in the Tebis booth, including ac...

Get ready for a high-energy discussion about manufacturing technology and IMTS 2024. Our host, Michael Thiessen, is joined by Stephen LaMarca, senior technology analyst at the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), the group behind IMTS. As expected, they talk about why you should attend IMTS 2024, including some of the unexpected companies you’ll see there (e.g., Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon Web Services). Outside of that, M...

We’re thrilled to welcome back Joe McCabe from AutoForecast Solutions (AFS) to The All-Axis Podcast. Once again, Joe lends his expert insight into the automotive industry. He and Michael Thiessen cover a number of topics, including OEMs approach to trim levels and subscriptions, how they have and should react to the slow adoption of EVs, the future labor force, China’s desire to have a NA footprint and what that means for suppliers...

We’re thrilled to have Laurie Harbour of Harbour Results, Inc. join us once again. In this episode, she and Michael talk about key issues related to the manufacturing and tooling industries. Topics include where we’re at, where we’re going and what needs to be done to get there, as well as automation, expanding into new industries, EVs and hydrogen powertrains. 

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Thanks for listening!

As a follow up to a January 2023 episode, Michael Thiessen and Marty Chaput take a deeper dive into MES software, including why manufacturers’ interest in it is growing, the biggest utilization of it within manufacturing operations, how it brings the shop floor to a digital environment (along with the benefits of doing so) and what they believe the future holds.  

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Thanks for liste...

If you have a small- to mid-sized job shop, you don’t want to miss this episode. Michael sits down with Brent Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Modern Machine Shop Magazine for an informative discussion about the trends machine shops are facing, including:

• Workforce challenges, education/training, attracting employees, antiquated perceptions of manufacturing and more
• Automation, its impact on the workforce and company culture, the ro...

If you are in machining, you don’t want to miss this episode! Michael is joined by Cullen Morrison from Hermle USA Inc. for a discussion on all things machining, including getting the perfect part and automation. They also talk about Hermle machines and the company’s 5-Axis Summit (Oct. 3-5, 2023) featuring 5-axis demos, in-person and virtual seminars and networking with industry experts.  

Tell us what you think - send us a text m...

In this episode, Michael is joined by Tony Vernaci, president/founder of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) to talk everything aerospace. The duo touch on the aerospace industry (e.g., various segments, growth), the similarities and differences between aerospace and automotive manufacturing, the history, purpose and annual AeroOne event of AIAM, and how to get into the aerospace manufacturing industry. They cover...

Change is all around us - and who better to talk about the changes in the mold making industry than someone who has been engrained in it for 25 years! In this episode, Michael is joined by Christina Fuges, editorial director of MoldMaking Technology Magazine. They touch on topics ranging from COVID's impact on the industry and the magazine, the evolution of mold manufacturing, the current state of the industry, labor shortages...