PMA is pleased to highlight Steve Izzo, manufacturing engineer, metal stamping, Bridgeport Fittings, Inc., Stratford, CT. Steve also is the PMA Southern New England District Chair.

Read Steve's thoughts about game-changing metalforming technology, what keeps him up at night as a metalformer, and more!

Q: What is on your wish list for your shop this year and why?
A: Two new 60-ton straightside presses with compact coil lines to replace older press lines. These would improve our productivity and extend tool life. Also, a pneumatic shear end welder (coil end joiner) which would greatly reduce or even eliminate scrap between coil changes for our high-volume jobs.

Q: What do you see as a technology game-changer for metalformers?
A: Servo-press technology.

Q: What would be on the agenda of your ideal metalforming conference?
A: An in-depth discussion with industry leaders and legislators regarding the importance of bringing metalforming manufacturing jobs back into the United States to increase our GDP and give Americans more opportunities for employment. It would be ideal once again to see an abundant increase in metal fabricated products that are labeled “MADE IN THE USA.”

Q: As a metalformer, what keeps you up at night and why?
A: The increasing cost of new pressroom equipment and the lack of experienced people in the workforce to support a pressroom environment, such as tool designers, tool & die makers, die setup and press operating personnel.

Q: What was the best piece of business advice you were ever given?
A: Get into a career that you’ll have a sincere lifelong passion for and seek to learn something new every day be it technically, professionally, or in your personal life.

Q: If you could have a dinner party with three famous people (living or dead), who would you invite?
A: Dale Carnegie, George Carlin and Mick Jagger