November 2025 Volume 7

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T his November issue of FIA Magazine celebrates the Forging Foundation and the many ways research, education, and outreach continue to strengthen our industry’s foundation. At the Forging Industry Association (FIA) and the Forging Industry Educational & Research Foundation (FIERF), we believe that advancing education, awareness, and workforce development is just as critical to our future as innovation and

the forging community to cutting-edge advances in materials, automation, and robotics. Other partnerships, including America Makes, the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers, and Jobs for the Future, demonstrate how collaboration drives progress in training, diversity, and access to opportunity. These efforts ensure that forging remains not only relevant but also influential within the broader manufacturing ecosystem. Together, these partnerships represent the collective power of industry, academia, and government working toward a shared vision for growth and sustainability. [See page 52] Looking ahead, FIA enters an exciting new chapter of leadership and strategic direction. We are pleased to welcome Mark Ames, AAiP, as our new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective October 27, 2025. Mark brings more than two decades of experience in advocacy, workforce development, and organizational strategy. His proven leadership and forward thinking approach will help guide FIA as we continue to grow and serve our members in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. I will return to my role as Deputy Chief Executive, and I look forward to collaborating closely with Mark and the FIA Board to continue the momentum we’ve built together. [See page 41] The work featured in this issue—both through FIERF’s educational initiatives and FIA’s strategic partnerships—represents the best of what our community can achieve when we invest in people. Students, educators, and professionals alike are shaping the next generation of forging, blending tradition with innovation. Together, with renewed leadership and shared purpose, we’re not just supporting the next generation of forgers; we’re forging the future itself. Best Regards,

technology. The articles in this issue shine a light on the collective efforts that ensure forging remains a vibrant, essential part of the manufacturing landscape. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing how the Forging Foundation continues to make an impact on individuals and institutions across the country. Through scholarships that empower the next generation of engineers, grants that fund meaningful academic research, and programs that bring forging into classrooms and summer camps, FIERF is helping to build the future workforce our industry depends on. Whether it’s supporting student forging clubs or sparking curiosity in young minds at hands-on events, these initiatives demonstrate how industry investment in people yields long-term dividends. [See page 50] In addition to its outreach and educational initiatives, FIA continues to expand its library of technical and educational resources—tools designed to support companies, educators, and students alike. From updated technical handbooks to engaging children’s books that introduce manufacturing concepts, these materials help tell the story of forging to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The goal is simple: to make forging accessible, understandable, and inspiring. [See page 62] This issue also features an in-depth look at how FIA and FIERF are collaborating with partners across North America to address shared challenges in workforce development, innovation, and industry visibility. In the article “Better Together: How FIA and FIERF Build Partnerships to Advance the Future of Forging in North America,” we highlight partnerships with organizations such as LIFT, IACMI, and the ARM Institute—alliances that connect

Angela Gibian, CAE Deputy Chief Executive Forging Industry Association

Editorial Staff

Board of Directors

Antonio Alvarez Robert R. Bolin Robert Brodhead

James D. Kane Jeff Krueger Louis Philippe Lapierre

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Angela Gibian angela@forging.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Amanda Dureiko amanda@forging.org

DESIGN Lorean Crowder lorean@forging.org

CHAIRPERSON Jeffrey T. Jones VICE CHAIRPERSON Paul A. Spitz

Mark Derry Bret Halley

Jose Lozano Matt Natale

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025 3