Fabricators & Manufacturers Association

09/02/2026

A new machine can expand what a manufacturer can do. But it takes the right mindset to turn that capability into growth.

In our latest blog, Midlake Products & Manufacturing owner Jeff Rich shares how investing in technology, taking risks, and looking beyond the job at hand helped the company grow beyond its roots as a hinge manufacturer.

Jeff Rich remembers when Midlake Products began transforming from a company known primarily for one product into a one-stop fabrication shop. Rich is the owner of Midlake Products in Louisville, Ohio, an FMA business member and one of several manufacturers who opened their doors recently for The...

08/31/2026

Last chance to register! ⏰

Join Mark Ernst of Ernst Enterprises for a practical webinar on effective one-on-one formats, feedback strategies, and coaching tips you can use right away.

Save your spot today: https://ow.ly/kQxL50ZHphT

08/28/2026

Ten years in the rental car business taught Jordan Yost to look for opportunities.

After selling his business and joining a local job shop, he saw firsthand how hard small manufacturers were working to make a living. He also saw an opportunity to help them grow.

That experience led him to start Precision Tube Laser Las Vegas, built on an innovative approach to manufacturing and a commitment to inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in the industry.

FMA has been part of that journey, providing connections, support, and resources along the way.

Discover what the FMA community can do for you. https://ow.ly/lpfI50ZGBcf

➡️ Hear more from Jordan during his panel discussion at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas on October 21.

08/24/2026

💡Did you know? You can build your manufacturing knowledge without stepping away from the shop floor.

FMA’s e-learning courses make it easy to develop skills in areas like leadership, safety, quality, and more, whenever and wherever it works for you.

Ready to learn something new? 📚
Explore courses:
https://ow.ly/1c6p50ZBZPR

08/20/2026

One-on-ones shouldn’t just be another meeting on the calendar.

They should be an opportunity to build stronger relationships, provide meaningful feedback, and help your people succeed.

Join Mark Ernst of Ernst Enterprises for a webinar covering effective One-on-One formats, feedback strategies, and coaching tips.

Register today 🔗 https://ow.ly/Ueph50ZBXAr

08/18/2026

What makes someone a truly skilled metal fabricator? Is it years of experience? Technical knowledge? The ability to embrace new technology?

In this article for The Fabricator, Tim Heston explores how bridging experience with new technology can lead to success and why mentorship may be key to developing the next generation of skilled fabricators.

What do you think? 👇

Making connections, and relating past challenges to current ones, creates skill that can’t be replaced with an automated machine.

08/14/2026

This week, industry professionals came together for our Laser Welding Certificate Course, led by Dr. Najah George at PHOTON AUTOMATION, INC. Congratulations to all of the participants on completing their certificate!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event a success, and a special thank you to our sponsors for supporting continued learning and growth in the industry. We appreciate you! 👏

08/10/2026

🌟New Member Monday 🌟

Let’s give a big welcome to the newest members of the FMA community who joined us in June and July!

🤝 14 Individual Members
🤝 30 Student Members
🤝 10 Business Members
🤝 6 Premier Members

We’re proud to have you on board and can’t wait to see how you’ll grow, connect, and make an impact. Together, we’re building the future of metal fabrication and manufacturing.

Learn more about FMA membership:
➡️ https://ow.ly/zTs650Zy8Rp

Steel King Industries Inc | Flextur | Laserax | Mika Metal Fabricating | Rite-Hite | KOCH Finishing Systems | UFG Insurance | The Tarrier Steel Company | Threaded Fasteners, Inc.

08/06/2026

How does your shop compare to others across the industry?

The Forming & Fabricating Job Shop Consumption Report gives fabricators a clearer picture of current spending trends, business outlook, and market activity.

Download the report today.
👉https://ow.ly/QuUr50ZwNHJ

08/03/2026

Manufacturing offers many career paths, but young people can't pursue opportunities they don't know exist.

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, is helping change that by providing schools and instructors with the resources to introduce students as young as 12 to the possibilities within manufacturing.

Dan Davis recently visited a summer manufacturing camp at MeetMcc. Read about the program in The Fabricator. 👇

McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Ill., introduces middle school students to welding, robotics, machining, fabrication, and other skilled trades through hands-on summer camps.