E814 - Building Manufacturing's Future Workforce, Chris Zuzick, Vice President, Waukesha Metal Products
Tue Nov 04 2025
Join host Dean Phillips as he sits down with Chris Zuzick, vice president at Waukesha Metal Products, to explore the future of metalforming and fabrication. Chris shares his vision for the next five years of manufacturing, emphasizing the critical importance of workforce development, AI integration, and the growing role of fabrication in providing nimble, value-added services to customers.
Drawing from his unique career journey—from hands-on manufacturing to investment banking and back—Chris offers insider perspectives on what makes manufacturing companies successful. He discusses how Waukesha Metal Products approaches fabrication as a "cradle to grave" partner for customers, helping them navigate product development through flexible processes before scaling to full production stamping.
The conversation dives deep into workforce challenges and solutions, with Chris making a compelling case that companies need to stop "recruiting" and start "selling" the value of manufacturing careers. He emphasizes that workforce development should be treated as a leadership function, not just an HR checkbox, and that every person in an organization plays a role in attracting and developing talent. Chris also addresses the rising cost of education and how manufacturing offers viable, debt-free career paths for the next generation.
About the Guest: Chris Zuzick
Chris Zuzick is vice president of Waukesha Metal Products (WMP) and has been with WMP since 2016. He has more than 36 years of experience in various areas including manufacturing, investment banking, private equity, education, youth sports and various communication organizations.
Chris is results-orientated and has a track record of building effective teams with empathy to grow, achieve success, maximize results, drive results and provide a roadmap for success for all members of the team.
Waukesha Metal Products has more than 50 years of experience in high-quality precision metal stamping, metal fabrication, component assembly, and tool and die manufacturing. An agile, reliable provider of full-service solutions for its customers, WMP has operations located in Sussex, WI, Grafton, WI, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Chris is an active PMA member, currently serving on the PMA finance committee and as PMA's 2025 vice chair and treasurer.
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Join host Dean Phillips as he sits down with Chris Zuzick, vice president at Waukesha Metal Products, to explore the future of metalforming and fabrication. Chris shares his vision for the next five years of manufacturing, emphasizing the critical importance of workforce development, AI integration, and the growing role of fabrication in providing nimble, value-added services to customers. Drawing from his unique career journey—from hands-on manufacturing to investment banking and back—Chris offers insider perspectives on what makes manufacturing companies successful. He discusses how Waukesha Metal Products approaches fabrication as a "cradle to grave" partner for customers, helping them navigate product development through flexible processes before scaling to full production stamping. The conversation dives deep into workforce challenges and solutions, with Chris making a compelling case that companies need to stop "recruiting" and start "selling" the value of manufacturing careers. He emphasizes that workforce development should be treated as a leadership function, not just an HR checkbox, and that every person in an organization plays a role in attracting and developing talent. Chris also addresses the rising cost of education and how manufacturing offers viable, debt-free career paths for the next generation. About the Guest: Chris Zuzick Chris Zuzick is vice president of Waukesha Metal Products (WMP) and has been with WMP since 2016. He has more than 36 years of experience in various areas including manufacturing, investment banking, private equity, education, youth sports and various communication organizations. Chris is results-orientated and has a track record of building effective teams with empathy to grow, achieve success, maximize results, drive results and provide a roadmap for success for all members of the team. Waukesha Metal Products has more than 50 years of experience in high-quality precision metal stamping, metal fabrication, component assembly, and tool and die manufacturing. An agile, reliable provider of full-service solutions for its customers, WMP has operations located in Sussex, WI, Grafton, WI, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Chris is an active PMA member, currently serving on the PMA finance committee and as PMA's 2025 vice chair and treasurer.