May 2025 Volume 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

lead time stability, traceability, and sovereign control of melt sources. In sectors where forgings are mission-critical, that level of diligence is becoming standard — and in some cases, expected. I see that as a positive shift. From the Canadian perspective, I’m also seeing movement. There's more policy attention on how Canadian industry contributes to the broader North American industrial base — whether through our critical mineral resources, clean energy, or advanced manufacturing capacity. The idea is gaining traction that Canada must offer more than raw materials — that we must deliver finished, high-integrity components that support continental supply chain resilience. FIA: Are you hopeful that the U.S. and Canada can work more closely together on these challenges? RD: What’s also becoming clear is how deeply interdependent our two economies are. In sectors like forging, processes, materials, and customer programs are integrated across borders. The strategic challenge is how to reinforce the partnerships we already rely on. FIA: The forging industry partnerships do seem to be tightening and expanding. RD: I see an alignment forming — between producers, customers, and policymakers — around the idea that industrial readiness can’t be taken for granted. Whether it’s surge capacity, traceable sourcing, or integrated North American standards, the things we used to assume would always be there now require conscious effort and investment. From my side of the border, I see this as a turning point. There’s a shared sense that we’re moving from a model of lowest-cost global sourcing to one rooted in strategic alignment, reliability, and resilience. The forging industry — along with the governments and institutions that rely on it — has an important role to play. What we build together now will determine how ready we are for what lies ahead. FIA: Like many industries, forging companies are facing headwinds and new uncertainty about the cost and access to raw materials, skilled workers, and more. What do you see as the biggest challenge to stability in your supply chain and future growth? RD: The biggest challenge is the inertia of complacency of North American society, including government, industry, and the greater public. In North America we must address our common assumptions that critical supply chains will always be there when needed. We have been overly reliant on overseas sources. As a society, we don’t provide incentives to private industry to actively invest in maintenance and renewal. The events of recent years have shown we must change this trend. Forging is not a commodity—it is a strategic capability. It is foundational to energy security, defense readiness, and industrial sovereignty.

FIA: There are also very likely new opportunities to emerge in the current environment. What are you most bullish about in the industry or what initiative are you most excited about and why? RD: We are most energized by the opportunity to help reindustrialize North America – this time with smarter tools, cleaner energy, and digitally integrated systems. At Patriot Forge, we are embracing digital manufacturing and AI-driven engineering support tools that help our people deliver faster, more accurate, and more strategic solutions to customer challenges. We’re not just reacting to the market – we’re anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s infrastructure, energy, and defense programs. We also see great opportunity in working with partners across the continent to restore secure, sovereign, North American supply chains. In that effort, we are proud to help build Canada’s contribution to Fortress North America. “We also see great opportunity in working with partners across the continent to restore secure, sovereign, North American supply chains.”

Credit: Patriot Forge Co.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2025 75