All-Axis: Recent Episodes
By the experts from Tebis and the manufacturing industry
Technology is evolving in every industry, including manufacturing. This evolution toward automation, IoT and Industry 4.0 mean manufacturers need an even stronger focus on quality, value and operational efficiency. The All-Axis podcast will address the topics, technology and solutions that are critical for manufacturers to successfully evolve their business with the changing industry. It is brought to you by the experts at Tebis, provider of technology solutions that improve efficiency, drive quality and produce better products for the manufacturing industry. To learn more, visit www.tebis.com.
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 advanced to accurately detect random defects, like scratches that are often missed by traditional, rule-based vision systems; that it's not a magic solution but a powerful tool, capable of improving quality and reducing scrap rates; how it's best suited for high-volume, low-mix manufacturing scenarios where quality is critical (e.g., automotive and EV batteries); and how AI is a tool that, when used correctly, can help manufacturers improve efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness.
To learn more about UnitX, visit their website.
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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, including the impact of tariffs, the importance of embracing new technologies (e.g., AI) and the need for better education and training to bridge the skills gap.
This is a fun episode – and you’ll probably learn a thing or two!
Learn more about MTDCNC.
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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 manufacturers should position themselves during this critical preparation period. From the ideal timing for investments in automation and training to strategies for weathering tariff uncertainties, this conversation offers a roadmap for manufacturing leaders who want to maximize the coming growth cycle. Also covered in the discussion:
- Current economic cycle phase
- Impact of tariffs on trade with Canada and Mexico
- Auto industry's temporary slump
- Specific recommendations for the next 6-12 months
Whether you're concerned about rising costs, workforce challenges, or when to make your next major investment, this episode delivers data-backed guidance that will help you see beyond the headlines and make strategic decisions with confidence.
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Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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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 experience to be competitive, digital twins, AI and more!
Don’t miss the fascinating discussion about the similarities and differences the aerospace and manufacturing industries are seeing across the globe.
Thanks to our guests:
Pedro Nunes, Tebis Portugal
Guillaume Bansard, Tebis France
Giancarlo Grinza, Tebis Italy
Paul Scally, Tebis UK
Tell us what you think - send us a text message!
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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, electrification, getting involved, and much more!
Aerospace is a growing industry, and manufacturing within it is growing as well. If you’ve thought about dipping your toes in it, this episode will give you valuable information and advice to test the waters.
To learn more about AeroDynamic Advisory, visit https://www.aerodynamicadvisory.com/
Tell us what you think - send us a text message!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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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 expect
- A look at Stellantis, where it’s going and what’s happening with the Chrysler brand
- The “almost” merger of Honda and Nissan – could it still happen?
- The U.S. used-car market and its future
- And, of course, what to look out for in 2025
Don’t miss this incredible annual discussion. To learn more about AFS, visit www. autoforecastsolutions.com
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- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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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 technical curriculum to what programs are the most popular, as well as the benefits and opportunities these schools and programs provide to students – those who may or may not be on an educational track that includes college.
It’s an insightful conversation, even for those who aren’t in the area of OTSC, because these types of programs are critical to the future of manufacturing and other industries. To learn more about OSTC, visit https://www.ostconline.com/.
Tell us what you think - send us a text message!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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- YouTube: tebisamerica
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 changes, talent challenges) and differences (e.g., OEM/supplier relationships) with the automotive industry
- Recent challenges experienced by Boeing
- AIAM and the AeroOne event in 2025
- Cybersecurity
- Outlook for 2025 and beyond
- And more!
To learn more about AIAM, visit aiamnow.com.
Tell us what you think - send us a text message!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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- LinkedIn: Tebis
- X: @TebisUSA
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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 access to Tebis experts, CAD/CAM and MES solutions, automation, digitalization (i.e., virtual environment), as well as a very special guitar project that will rock your world!
Tell us what you think - send us a text message!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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- LinkedIn: Tebis
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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, Michael and Steve talk about:
- Automation:
- Progression since 2018
- Various uses
- Current and future impact on manufacturing
- Building blocks to the future: automation, AI, digital twins
- Their role in manufacturing (hint: it's NOT to replace workers)
- Their impact on today and tomorrow's workforce
- Simulation: why you should be using it
- The AMT Test Bed: what it is and why they have it
Whether or not you plan to attend IMTS 2024, if you are in manufacturing, you don’t want to miss this energetic discussion.
To learn more about IMTS, visit www.imts.org or www.amtonline.org
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
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- LinkedIn: Tebis
- X: @TebisUSA
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- YouTube: tebisamerica
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 and manufacturing in general, and how the market conditions, not government mandates, drive what gets built. And Joe provides advice to anyone in auto manufacturing – be proactive and cautiously optimistic, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
To learn more about AFS, visit www. autoforecastsolutions.com
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
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.
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
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.
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
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 role data plays and integrated vs. piece-meal approach
- Business strategies
- AI
- “Made in the US” supply chain
- And more!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
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.
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
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 a lot, and it’s all really interesting for anyone in or considering the aerospace manufacturing industry. Enjoy!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
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 and attracting younger talent, the thrill of making something with your hands and more!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
In this episode, Michael is joined by Marion Wells, Founder and Managing Partner of Human Asset Management, to talk about a topic relevant to everyone - talent. What worked in the past to attract and retain talent, probably won't work today. Today's workers want to make a difference and know their voice is being heard. Marion and Michael talk through all this and what business owners need to do to bring and keep talent - spoiler alert: be intentional, devote time, make a plan. If you're a small- or middle-size manufacturer, you are going to want to hear these valuable insights.
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
Marketing is the name of the game for this episode. Michael is joined by Shelly Otenbaker, President of WayPoint Marketing Communications. In this valuable conversation for any manufacturer, Michael and Shelly cover a range of topics, including:
- The difference between sales and marketing
- The importance of a website
- How marketing can help all manufacturers, including mold and die makers
- COVID's impact on marketing
- The evolution of video - anyone can do it now
- The role of social media in marketing
Enjoy and let us know what you think!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
Our host, Michael Thiessen is joined by Tebis team member, Marty Chaput to talk about Pro-LeiS MES, which enables manufacturing companies to improve their processes and increase production capacity. They discuss everything from what it does and how it benefits your business to the differences between ERP and MES. Also, during their chat, Michael and Marty mention a whitepaper, which you can find here.
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
In this not-to-be-missed episode, Michael is joined by Laurie Harbour of Harbour Results, Inc. Laurie shares her valued and respected thoughts and insights on manufacturing for automotive tooling shops. Michael and Laurie take a look at what happened in 2022 and what to expect in 2023 and beyond. If you are in automotive tooling, you don't want to miss this episode!
Thanks for listening!
- Contact us at info@tebisusa.com
- Tweet us at @TebisUSA
- Follow us on LinkedIn: Tebis
In this bonus episode, Michael Thiessen talks about the upcoming IMTS show in Chicago. In addition to why you should go and what you’ll see there, Michael highlights what you can see and experience in the Tebis booth (#133230). If you are planning to be in Chicago, Sept. 12-17, 2022, this episode will tell you what to expect. If you are on the fence about attending, this might be just the nudge you need to pack your bags and head to Chicago for IMTS 2022!
Michael Thiessen is joined by Joe McCabe from AutoForecast Solutions. With more than 25 years of automotive industry experience, Joe has his fingers (and data) on the pulse of the industry and where it’s going. Michael and Joe have an interesting conversation about the future of the industry. focusing on the impact of electric vehicles and technology. If you are in the auto industry, you want to hear this discussion – it’s full of valuable insight and advice.
In June, Tebis AG hosted an Open House for suppliers, customers and industry colleagues. The key themes around presentations and exhibits focused on automation, digitalization and the skilled labor shortage. In this special podcast episode, Michael Thiessen talks to John Kowalczyk and Mickey Gukian who attended the event to get insight on exactly what took place, including the Tebis Challenge, what’s expected in release 4 and 5 of Tebis 4.1, and more!
In this episode, Michael Thiessen is joined by Ken Seawell from Sandler Training by EAM Consulting Group to talk about selling in this competitive market. The two have an informative and fun discussion about everything from balancing your outreach methods (nope, it’s not a one-and-done approach) to the importance of having an “it’s not about me, it’s about you” mindset and everything in between (including how breaking patterns helps start and/or keep conversations on track. If you're in manufacturing sales, you don't want to miss this episode!
As the Tebis team prepares to attend the American Mold Builders Association's (AMBA) conference May 11-13, 2022, Michael takes the opportunity to talk about the importance and benefits of industry organizations and associations. When you combine all the benefits - expanding your network, problem solving, enhancing your reputation, staying updated on industry trends, gaining political influence and more - association/organizational membership gives you an advantage in the market, especially over competitors who don't participate.
In his role at the Franklin Partnership, Omar Nashashibi provides updates to the current administration on the real status and challenges manufacturers face and works with Congress and the White House on a variety of topics. He joins Michael to talk about many of today’s hot topics, including technology, tariffs, the war in Ukraine and talent, specifically some tactics manufacturers need to consider to attract the next generation of workers. If you are a manufacturer, you are going to want to hear what Omar has to say about keeping the industry in the forefront of the current administration.
The manufacturing industry is facing a labor shortage. In this episode, Michael is joined by Julian Odeh, team manager of international consulting at Tebis AG, who has worked with companies in several companies to bring an interesting perspective and ideas on how to attract people to manufacturing jobs. From automation to training and more, Julian and Michael talk about the factors influencing this labor shortage and what companies across the globe can do to attract and retain skilled workers. Let us know what you think!
In this episode, recorded in November 2021, Michael talks with Cara Walton, director at Harbour Results, Inc., about the economy – recent past, present and future. Cara and Michael touch on topics including demand and its impact on spending, labor and tools; causes of supply chain challenges (hint, it’s not just COVID); how to attract talent (hint, what was done in the past won’t work today) and the future workforce; the growing importance of automation (hint, it’s time to stop talking about it and start implementing it); and more. Let us know what you think!
In this episode, we are joined by James Ricci, a 25-year manufacturing industry veteran to talk about Industry 4.0 and why you need to start implementing more automation in your company now. The discussion includes the future workforce, what Industry 4.0 is and what it entails, cybersecurity and more. It all comes together with James’ three key points: Start Small. Think Big. Scale Fast. It’s an interesting discussion – check it out and let us know your thoughts!
In our first full-length episode, we take a look at the future of CAD/CAM software. In this discussion, Michael Thiessen, sales manager at Tebis Americas is joined by Gerardo Mueller, international director of sales at Tebis AG. They share insights on where the machining industry has been, where it's going and the role that CAD/CAM and technology is going to play in the journey. Check out the discussion - and then let us know what you think!
John Kowalczyk and Michael Thiessen from Tebis North America introduce listeners to The All-Axis Podcast. John and Michael briefly explain how All-Axis came to be and the type of topics that will be discussed in future episodes.
Tebis North America provides technology solutions that improve efficiency, drive quality and produce better products for the manufacturing industry.