Next-Gen Metal Fab

The wide spectrum of business models in sheet metal fabrication

Next-Gen Metal Fab

Show Notes

Cody Lee from Everyday Technologies and Lance Thrailkill from All Metals Fabricating join the Next-Gen Metal Fab and Tim Heston as new co-hosts with Caleb Chamberlain from OSH Cut. The discussion touches on the history and evolution of their businesses, the role of automation and software in improving efficiency and productivity, and the various models and trends emerging in the metal manufacturing industry.

Tim, Caleb, Cody, and Lance also talk about the evolving landscape of the industry, including the potential for symbiotic relationships between different types of sheet metal fabrication businesses, and the shift in mindset from focusing on machine productivity to optimizing the entire production flow.

Email Tim at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 2025 FMA Annual Meeting.

More from Next-Gen Metal Fab

Oct 2, 2026

On this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, The Fabricator Senior Editor Tim Heston and business advisor Mark Ernst, a longtime member of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) and its Management Advisory Council, examine one of the biggest challenges facing growing metal fabrication shops: developing the people and management structure needed to keep up with the business.

Sep 2, 2026

Why is so much new investment flowing into metal fabrication? Tim Heston of The Fabricator, Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut, and Lance Thrailkill of All Metals Fabricating discuss venture capital, automation, consolidation, digital manufacturing, and whether new tech-driven business models are a threat or an opportunity for traditional fab shops.

Jul 16, 2026

Estimating and quoting are no longer just about pricing parts. They're strategic tools that help metal fabricators and other manufacturers win the right work, improve profitability, and build more efficient operations.

Jun 16, 2026

Jonathan Sessa of Fabworks joins Tim Heston and co-host Caleb Chamberlain of OSH Cut to discuss how online manufacturing platforms are reshaping sheet metal fabrication.

May 7, 2026

In this episode of Next-Gen Metal Fab, host Tim Heston talks with Jay Phillips of Fresno, Calif.-based Valley Iron Inc. about the future of workforce development, shop culture, and technology in metal fabrication.

See all episodes →