PMA is pleased to highlight Mary Fitzgerald, president, Acme Wire Products Co., Inc., Mystic, CT.  Acme Wire Products specializes in precision fabrication of components, parts and products. While much of the company's work focuses on industrial applications – from stainless steel baskets and machine guards to medical carts and frames – it also produces consumer goods from sporting goods components to custom sink accessories.

Read Mary's thoughts about game-changing metalforming technology, the importance of workforce development, and more!

Q: As PMA is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2017, what do you value most from being a member?

A: I love the peer-to-peer networking. Having open and honest discussions with others in the metal-fabrication field is invaluable. Although many of us operate in different markets and different areas, many of our challenges are similar. I also value the economic and wage-data survey information.

Q: What is on your wish list for your shop this year and why?

A: Acme Wire Products is undergoing a transition as we are in the process of having senior experienced employees impart their technical and tribal knowledge to newer employees. The employees joining the organization have different skills, aptitudes and outlooks and marrying the old and new can lead to new ways of viewing the way we do business. My wish list includes the ability to use employees’ talents in fresh and innovative ways to create a vibrant company climate.

Q: What do you see as a technology game-changer for metalformers?

A: The utilization of 3D printing for sampling is a way that will allow companies to make prototypes and small batches so customers can "try before they buy." The continued advances in this technology are amazing.

Q: What would be on the agenda of your ideal metalforming conference?

A: Ideas and information on how to engage potential employees outside of the traditional labor pool to careers in metalforming.

A: Engaging current employees and increasing their talents is as imperative as training new employees. As new techniques and technologies become available and new equipment is acquired, employees need to be able to understand and utilize what the equipment and systems can do and how to use them effectively.

A: God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth so we should listen twice as long as we speak and when we speak we should say something worth listening to.