Supply Chain Now — “Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2025”

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Scott Luton
Co-host: Mary Kate Love
Guest: Danny Gonzalez, Founder, Optimum Productions; CEO & Founder, Industrial Sage; Creator, “American Makers” Documentary

Episode Overview

In this special Manufacturing Day 2025 episode, Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love welcome Danny Gonzalez, a leading industry storyteller and advocate, to spotlight the modern realities of manufacturing. They discuss shifting public perceptions, the state of the manufacturing sector in the US and globally, workforce and labor trends, and the power of storytelling to re-energize the industry. Danny also shares insights into the forthcoming “American Makers” documentary—celebrating hidden heroes on the factory floor. This episode is a lively celebration of those who keep the world moving, offering critical insights, engaging anecdotes, and a call for collective action and pride in the world of modern manufacturing.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing Manufacturing’s Image

Modern Manufacturing Myths Busted:
- Danny Gonzalez sets the tone by challenging the outdated perception of manufacturing as “dirty, obsolete, [and] not innovative,” insisting that “that’s absolutely dead wrong. When you actually see what’s going on, you see the backbone of global economies, you see innovation, you see how it touches your life” ([00:00]).
Value Across Every Link:
- Both Danny and Mary Kate illustrate that manufacturing isn’t just about factories; it involves high-tech processes, smart factories, and significant innovation touching lives “thousands upon thousands of times every single day” ([00:23]).

2. The Fun Warm-up: Dream Factory Jobs ([03:21]—[06:44])

Danny’s Pick:
- Chooses a day on the Big Green Egg line, fascinated that their high-heat ceramics are related to space shuttle technology.
- “I think it’d be interesting to kind of help put that together and see the behind the scenes.” (Danny, [04:31])
Mary Kate’s Pick:
- Would love to join the supply chain behind Beyoncé’s tour—everything from elaborate stage setup to sourcing custom performance outfits—marveling at the intricacy and perfection required.
- “Her outfits were out of this world and changed every single night … that kind of intricacy in the supply chain is super interesting to me.” (Mary Kate, [05:06])
Scott’s Non-Pick:
- Humorously notes the only line he’d avoid is hot dog manufacturing: “I would not want to work on a line making hot dogs for a day … I’ll pass.” (Scott, [06:10])

3. Personal Journeys—Falling in Love with Manufacturing

Danny’s Why:
- Pivoted from general video production to focus on manufacturers and discovered rich storytelling, problem-solving, and overlooked innovation.
- Shares how Industrial Sage was created to close knowledge gaps and shift perceptions: “Our mission really is to change that perception … away from it being dirty, obsolete, not innovative.” (Danny, [07:08], [09:08])
Mary Kate’s Why:
- Started her career in an innovation institute, aiming to highlight the clean, tech-driven nature of modern manufacturing with an emphasis on jobs of the future and daily problem-solving opportunities.
- “Seeing students … have the same realization I had years before, which is, wow, this is really cool.” (Mary Kate, [10:09])

4. State of Manufacturing—US and Global Snapshots

US Manufacturing Landscape ([11:36]—[17:58])

By the Numbers:
- ISM Manufacturing PMI up slightly: 49.1 in September 2025 (from 48.7 in August; <50 still signals contraction).
- New orders slipped, employment remained weak, and supply chain bottlenecks persisted.
- Tariffs remain a significant burden, with more proposed.
Analysis and Outlook:
- Danny: “We’ve actually been sort of at this level for a while … that rate of contraction has slowed down. I think there’s still cautiously optimistic about what the future might hold.” (Danny, [14:22])
- Mary Kate: “To me, I would say optimistic or cautiously optimistic. So it seems like things are headed in the right way.” (Mary Kate, [16:27])

Global Manufacturing Trends ([17:58]—[21:26])

PMI Expansion:
- Global PMI at 50.8 (suggesting growth, albeit slight).
- India and ASEAN countries drive expansion, while Taiwan, Russia, Brazil, and the UK face declines.
Market Dynamics:
- Danny draws parallels to past “peak seasons,” predicting curious impacts from recent overstock and return policies.
- Mary Kate points to the key role tariffs play in distorting regional dynamics, with hope for future stabilization.

5. Interesting Industry Factoids and Anecdotes ([21:53]—[27:25])

Supply Chain Costs:
- “Supply chains represent two thirds of a manufacturer’s total cost of doing business.” (Mary Kate, [21:53])
- Both Mary Kate and Danny share “extra couch” return stories, reflecting inefficiencies and modern logistical challenges.
Investment & Reshoring:
- Danny reveals his team’s “US Manufacturing Investment Tracker” (over $1.5 trillion in committed investment):
  - “We’re tracking right now over $1.5 trillion worth of committed dollars of US manufacturing investment in the United States. … I do know for a fact that some of that is influencing where some of those new orders are coming from.” (Danny, [23:33])
- Host Scott notes foreign direct investment trends, with South Korea leading in Georgia.
Robots & R&D:
- 2025 saw a record $16.5B in global robot installations; China leads with nearly 10x the amount of US robot installations.
- US manufacturing contributes nearly $3T to the economy (about 10% of GDP), and accounts for 53% of all private sector R&D.

6. Workforce & Skills Gap ([27:25]—[34:10])

Labor Realities:
- Citing Carolyn Lee, the US will need 3.8 million manufacturing workers by 2033, but 1.9 million jobs may remain unfilled.
- Danny: “Labor obviously is like the number one issue … we have to solve that problem if we want to be able to bring back more of that manufacturing here.”
- Points out low labor participation, especially among young men; stresses need for meaning and purpose in recruitment.
Modern Skills & Education:
- Mary Kate describes the “factory floor of the future” initiative at MXD in Chicago, a hands-on tech showcase for students and adults.
- “Having partnerships between universities and companies … [is] super important … because things are just changing so fast now.” (Mary Kate, [32:31])

7. Emerging Trends: Technology & Energy

Automation & AI:
- “Manufacturer already uses so much energy … and AI is an energy addict.” (Scott, [33:26])
- Danny highlights Dow’s investment in mini nuclear sites and GE Vernova’s work with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as solutions.
- “I think that is probably the number one challenge … all the data centers that are going up and then all the manufacturing that is coming back in. They’re big energy consumers.” (Danny, [34:10])

8. Opportunities & Worker Benefits ([34:45]—[35:57])

Competitive Compensation:
- Average wage for US manufacturing workers in 2023 was ~$103,000; 93% had health insurance eligibility.
Shout-Out to Manufacturing Institute:
- Applause for Carolyn Lee and Manufacturing Day’s efforts to raise awareness.
- “Learn more at mfgday.com.”

Special Spotlights

National Supply Chain Day ([36:10]—[37:02])

Mary Kate Love: Founder of National Supply Chain Day (April 29), registration open at supplychainnow.com/NSCD.
“It’s meant to be the celebration of all the people that connect the world, right. That get our products to our door, that come up with the technology that can track our products, everything.” (Mary Kate, [36:10])

AMERICAN MAKERS Documentary Project ([37:02]—[46:40])

The Vision:
- Multi-year, on-the-ground video storytelling project showing transformative manufacturer stories—especially the unseen and underappreciated.
- “Our goal is simple: to celebrate the makers building America’s future.” (Scott quoting project tagline, [37:42])
Behind the Scenes & Impact:
- Danny shares story from Cumming, GA’s Blastech:
  - “I had no idea this was happening in my darn backyard. That is happening all across the United States…” (Danny, [39:17])
- Factory workers feel pride when their stories are told:
  - “[They say] ‘I didn’t know other people, like, cared about this…’ And it’s giving them a greater sense of purpose.” (Danny, [39:17])
Power of Storytelling:
- “No matter what you do, I think it’s just human nature to be interested in that story behind how something is made and the people behind it.” (Mary Kate, [41:37])
Trailer Reaction:
- “It makes me want to get out—I really wish I knew how to weld… Man, that’s got to send chills up your spine…” (Scott, [44:15])
Watch & Participate:
- Episodes released monthly at industrialsage.com and YouTube (“eventually I want to scale this … every week across the country”).
- Upcoming “Workforce of Tomorrow” miniseries will spotlight both young entrants and upskilling workers.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

“Our mission…is to change that perception of the manufacturing industrial space away from it being dirty, obsolete, not innovative. That’s absolutely dead wrong.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([00:00], [09:08])
“Manufacturing and supply chain go hand in hand. So this will be a great show.”
— Mary Kate Love ([02:15])
“The only thing that’s been consistent is inconsistencies. … I think a lot of manufacturers are…getting a little fatigued with having indecision because of the constant changing environment.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([14:22])
“To me, I would say optimistic or cautiously optimistic. So it seems like things are headed in the right way.”
— Mary Kate Love ([16:27])
“Supply chains represent two thirds of a manufacturer’s total cost of doing business.”
— Mary Kate Love ([21:53])
“We’re tracking right now over $1.5 trillion worth of committed dollars of US manufacturing investment …”
— Danny Gonzalez ([23:33])
“Labor obviously is like the number one issue … we have to solve that problem if we want to be able to bring back more of that manufacturing here.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([28:14])
“Having partnerships between universities and companies … is super important … because things are just changing so fast now.”
— Mary Kate Love ([32:31])
“I had no idea this was happening in my darn backyard. That is happening all across the United States all day, every day. And it’s very cool to be able to do that.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([39:17])
“No matter what you do, I think it’s just human nature to be interested in that story behind how something is made and the people behind it.”
— Mary Kate Love ([41:37])

Key Timestamps

00:00 – Reframing Manufacturing’s Image
03:21 – Fun Warm-Up: Dream Factory Jobs
07:08 – Danny’s Path to Manufacturing Storytelling
11:36 – US Manufacturing PMI & Analysis
17:58 – Global Manufacturing PMI & Regional Breakdown
21:53 – Industry Factoids: Supply Chains & Returns
23:33 – US Manufacturing Investment Tracker
27:25 – Labor Trends and the Skills Gap
32:31 – Education Partnerships for Skills Development
33:26 – The Energy Challenge in Manufacturing
34:45 – Benefits & Compensation in Manufacturing
36:10 – National Supply Chain Day Announcement
37:02 – American Makers Documentary Project
45:13 – American Makers Trailer & Rollout Details
47:12 – How to Connect/Resources

How to Connect & Learn More

American Makers & Industrial Sage:
- Watch episodes, subscribe, and access more content: industrialsage.com
- YouTube: “Industrial Sage”
- LinkedIn: Danny Gonzalez
National Supply Chain Day:
- Register or learn more: supplychainnow.com/NSCD
- LinkedIn: Mary Kate Love

Closing Thoughts

This energetic Manufacturing Day episode celebrates the sector’s resilience, evolution, and unlimited potential. The panel’s mix of stories, analysis, and advocacy makes it clear: manufacturing is not yesterday’s business—it’s tomorrow’s opportunity. Whether you’re a student, parent, policy-maker, or maker yourself, there’s a role for you in shaping the next chapter of the world’s supply chain.

“Deeds, not words. That’s how we’re going to continue transforming the global supply chain manufacturing, global business world.”
— Scott Luton ([50:05])

Listen and act: Reach out, share a positive manufacturing story, check out “American Makers,” and plan to celebrate National Supply Chain Day!

Supply Chain Now — “Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2025”

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing Manufacturing’s Image

Modern Manufacturing Myths Busted:
- Danny Gonzalez sets the tone by challenging the outdated perception of manufacturing as “dirty, obsolete, [and] not innovative,” insisting that “that’s absolutely dead wrong. When you actually see what’s going on, you see the backbone of global economies, you see innovation, you see how it touches your life” ([00:00]).
Value Across Every Link:
- Both Danny and Mary Kate illustrate that manufacturing isn’t just about factories; it involves high-tech processes, smart factories, and significant innovation touching lives “thousands upon thousands of times every single day” ([00:23]).

2. The Fun Warm-up: Dream Factory Jobs ([03:21]—[06:44])

Danny’s Pick:
- Chooses a day on the Big Green Egg line, fascinated that their high-heat ceramics are related to space shuttle technology.
- “I think it’d be interesting to kind of help put that together and see the behind the scenes.” (Danny, [04:31])
Mary Kate’s Pick:
- Would love to join the supply chain behind Beyoncé’s tour—everything from elaborate stage setup to sourcing custom performance outfits—marveling at the intricacy and perfection required.
- “Her outfits were out of this world and changed every single night … that kind of intricacy in the supply chain is super interesting to me.” (Mary Kate, [05:06])
Scott’s Non-Pick:
- Humorously notes the only line he’d avoid is hot dog manufacturing: “I would not want to work on a line making hot dogs for a day … I’ll pass.” (Scott, [06:10])

3. Personal Journeys—Falling in Love with Manufacturing

Danny’s Why:
- Pivoted from general video production to focus on manufacturers and discovered rich storytelling, problem-solving, and overlooked innovation.
- Shares how Industrial Sage was created to close knowledge gaps and shift perceptions: “Our mission really is to change that perception … away from it being dirty, obsolete, not innovative.” (Danny, [07:08], [09:08])
Mary Kate’s Why:
- Started her career in an innovation institute, aiming to highlight the clean, tech-driven nature of modern manufacturing with an emphasis on jobs of the future and daily problem-solving opportunities.
- “Seeing students … have the same realization I had years before, which is, wow, this is really cool.” (Mary Kate, [10:09])

4. State of Manufacturing—US and Global Snapshots

US Manufacturing Landscape ([11:36]—[17:58])

By the Numbers:
- ISM Manufacturing PMI up slightly: 49.1 in September 2025 (from 48.7 in August; <50 still signals contraction).
- New orders slipped, employment remained weak, and supply chain bottlenecks persisted.
- Tariffs remain a significant burden, with more proposed.
Analysis and Outlook:
- Danny: “We’ve actually been sort of at this level for a while … that rate of contraction has slowed down. I think there’s still cautiously optimistic about what the future might hold.” (Danny, [14:22])
- Mary Kate: “To me, I would say optimistic or cautiously optimistic. So it seems like things are headed in the right way.” (Mary Kate, [16:27])

Global Manufacturing Trends ([17:58]—[21:26])

PMI Expansion:
- Global PMI at 50.8 (suggesting growth, albeit slight).
- India and ASEAN countries drive expansion, while Taiwan, Russia, Brazil, and the UK face declines.
Market Dynamics:
- Danny draws parallels to past “peak seasons,” predicting curious impacts from recent overstock and return policies.
- Mary Kate points to the key role tariffs play in distorting regional dynamics, with hope for future stabilization.

5. Interesting Industry Factoids and Anecdotes ([21:53]—[27:25])

Supply Chain Costs:
- “Supply chains represent two thirds of a manufacturer’s total cost of doing business.” (Mary Kate, [21:53])
- Both Mary Kate and Danny share “extra couch” return stories, reflecting inefficiencies and modern logistical challenges.
Investment & Reshoring:
- Danny reveals his team’s “US Manufacturing Investment Tracker” (over $1.5 trillion in committed investment):
  - “We’re tracking right now over $1.5 trillion worth of committed dollars of US manufacturing investment in the United States. … I do know for a fact that some of that is influencing where some of those new orders are coming from.” (Danny, [23:33])
- Host Scott notes foreign direct investment trends, with South Korea leading in Georgia.
Robots & R&D:
- 2025 saw a record $16.5B in global robot installations; China leads with nearly 10x the amount of US robot installations.
- US manufacturing contributes nearly $3T to the economy (about 10% of GDP), and accounts for 53% of all private sector R&D.

6. Workforce & Skills Gap ([27:25]—[34:10])

Labor Realities:
- Citing Carolyn Lee, the US will need 3.8 million manufacturing workers by 2033, but 1.9 million jobs may remain unfilled.
- Danny: “Labor obviously is like the number one issue … we have to solve that problem if we want to be able to bring back more of that manufacturing here.”
- Points out low labor participation, especially among young men; stresses need for meaning and purpose in recruitment.
Modern Skills & Education:
- Mary Kate describes the “factory floor of the future” initiative at MXD in Chicago, a hands-on tech showcase for students and adults.
- “Having partnerships between universities and companies … [is] super important … because things are just changing so fast now.” (Mary Kate, [32:31])

7. Emerging Trends: Technology & Energy

Automation & AI:
- “Manufacturer already uses so much energy … and AI is an energy addict.” (Scott, [33:26])
- Danny highlights Dow’s investment in mini nuclear sites and GE Vernova’s work with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as solutions.
- “I think that is probably the number one challenge … all the data centers that are going up and then all the manufacturing that is coming back in. They’re big energy consumers.” (Danny, [34:10])

8. Opportunities & Worker Benefits ([34:45]—[35:57])

Competitive Compensation:
- Average wage for US manufacturing workers in 2023 was ~$103,000; 93% had health insurance eligibility.
Shout-Out to Manufacturing Institute:
- Applause for Carolyn Lee and Manufacturing Day’s efforts to raise awareness.
- “Learn more at mfgday.com.”

Special Spotlights

National Supply Chain Day ([36:10]—[37:02])

Mary Kate Love: Founder of National Supply Chain Day (April 29), registration open at supplychainnow.com/NSCD.
“It’s meant to be the celebration of all the people that connect the world, right. That get our products to our door, that come up with the technology that can track our products, everything.” (Mary Kate, [36:10])

AMERICAN MAKERS Documentary Project ([37:02]—[46:40])

The Vision:
- Multi-year, on-the-ground video storytelling project showing transformative manufacturer stories—especially the unseen and underappreciated.
- “Our goal is simple: to celebrate the makers building America’s future.” (Scott quoting project tagline, [37:42])
Behind the Scenes & Impact:
- Danny shares story from Cumming, GA’s Blastech:
  - “I had no idea this was happening in my darn backyard. That is happening all across the United States…” (Danny, [39:17])
- Factory workers feel pride when their stories are told:
  - “[They say] ‘I didn’t know other people, like, cared about this…’ And it’s giving them a greater sense of purpose.” (Danny, [39:17])
Power of Storytelling:
- “No matter what you do, I think it’s just human nature to be interested in that story behind how something is made and the people behind it.” (Mary Kate, [41:37])
Trailer Reaction:
- “It makes me want to get out—I really wish I knew how to weld… Man, that’s got to send chills up your spine…” (Scott, [44:15])
Watch & Participate:
- Episodes released monthly at industrialsage.com and YouTube (“eventually I want to scale this … every week across the country”).
- Upcoming “Workforce of Tomorrow” miniseries will spotlight both young entrants and upskilling workers.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

“Our mission…is to change that perception of the manufacturing industrial space away from it being dirty, obsolete, not innovative. That’s absolutely dead wrong.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([00:00], [09:08])
“Manufacturing and supply chain go hand in hand. So this will be a great show.”
— Mary Kate Love ([02:15])
“The only thing that’s been consistent is inconsistencies. … I think a lot of manufacturers are…getting a little fatigued with having indecision because of the constant changing environment.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([14:22])
“To me, I would say optimistic or cautiously optimistic. So it seems like things are headed in the right way.”
— Mary Kate Love ([16:27])
“Supply chains represent two thirds of a manufacturer’s total cost of doing business.”
— Mary Kate Love ([21:53])
“We’re tracking right now over $1.5 trillion worth of committed dollars of US manufacturing investment …”
— Danny Gonzalez ([23:33])
“Labor obviously is like the number one issue … we have to solve that problem if we want to be able to bring back more of that manufacturing here.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([28:14])
“Having partnerships between universities and companies … is super important … because things are just changing so fast now.”
— Mary Kate Love ([32:31])
“I had no idea this was happening in my darn backyard. That is happening all across the United States all day, every day. And it’s very cool to be able to do that.”
— Danny Gonzalez ([39:17])
“No matter what you do, I think it’s just human nature to be interested in that story behind how something is made and the people behind it.”
— Mary Kate Love ([41:37])

Key Timestamps

00:00 – Reframing Manufacturing’s Image
03:21 – Fun Warm-Up: Dream Factory Jobs
07:08 – Danny’s Path to Manufacturing Storytelling
11:36 – US Manufacturing PMI & Analysis
17:58 – Global Manufacturing PMI & Regional Breakdown
21:53 – Industry Factoids: Supply Chains & Returns
23:33 – US Manufacturing Investment Tracker
27:25 – Labor Trends and the Skills Gap
32:31 – Education Partnerships for Skills Development
33:26 – The Energy Challenge in Manufacturing
34:45 – Benefits & Compensation in Manufacturing
36:10 – National Supply Chain Day Announcement
37:02 – American Makers Documentary Project
45:13 – American Makers Trailer & Rollout Details
47:12 – How to Connect/Resources

How to Connect & Learn More

American Makers & Industrial Sage:
- Watch episodes, subscribe, and access more content: industrialsage.com
- YouTube: “Industrial Sage”
- LinkedIn: Danny Gonzalez
National Supply Chain Day:
- Register or learn more: supplychainnow.com/NSCD
- LinkedIn: Mary Kate Love

Closing Thoughts

“Deeds, not words. That’s how we’re going to continue transforming the global supply chain manufacturing, global business world.”
— Scott Luton ([50:05])

Listen and act: Reach out, share a positive manufacturing story, check out “American Makers,” and plan to celebrate National Supply Chain Day!

Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2025

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Supply Chain Now — “Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2025”

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing Manufacturing’s Image

2. The Fun Warm-up: Dream Factory Jobs ([03:21]—[06:44])

3. Personal Journeys—Falling in Love with Manufacturing

4. State of Manufacturing—US and Global Snapshots

US Manufacturing Landscape ([11:36]—[17:58])

Global Manufacturing Trends ([17:58]—[21:26])

5. Interesting Industry Factoids and Anecdotes ([21:53]—[27:25])

6. Workforce & Skills Gap ([27:25]—[34:10])

7. Emerging Trends: Technology & Energy

8. Opportunities & Worker Benefits ([34:45]—[35:57])

Special Spotlights

National Supply Chain Day ([36:10]—[37:02])

AMERICAN MAKERS Documentary Project ([37:02]—[46:40])

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Key Timestamps

How to Connect & Learn More

Closing Thoughts

Summary

Supply Chain Now — “Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2025”

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing Manufacturing’s Image

2. The Fun Warm-up: Dream Factory Jobs ([03:21]—[06:44])

3. Personal Journeys—Falling in Love with Manufacturing

4. State of Manufacturing—US and Global Snapshots

US Manufacturing Landscape ([11:36]—[17:58])

Global Manufacturing Trends ([17:58]—[21:26])

5. Interesting Industry Factoids and Anecdotes ([21:53]—[27:25])

6. Workforce & Skills Gap ([27:25]—[34:10])

7. Emerging Trends: Technology & Energy

8. Opportunities & Worker Benefits ([34:45]—[35:57])

Special Spotlights

National Supply Chain Day ([36:10]—[37:02])

AMERICAN MAKERS Documentary Project ([37:02]—[46:40])

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Key Timestamps

How to Connect & Learn More

Closing Thoughts