Inside a forward-thinking fabrication business with Kirk McCauley

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Kirk McCauley, owner of American Engineering and Metalworking (AEM) in North Canton, Ohio, shares his journey from the tool and die world to running a modern, full-service metal fabrication shop. McCauley explains how embracing automation, laser welding, and robotic material handling has helped AEM stay competitive, and why investing in people and creating a collaborative workplace culture are just as important as investing in technology. Tune in for insights on leading a small to mid-sized fab shop through innovation and adaptability. At the top, we also chat about The Fabricator's 2025 Industry Award winner Special Products & Mfg. (SPM) and Nora Harding's upcoming appearance on the Ed Talks podcast. This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Om Podcasten

The Fabricator Podcast brings you conversations with people who make things out of metal. We speak with manufacturing leaders, metal fabricators, welders, job shop owners, small business entrepreneurs, artists, marketers, educators, and more. Host Dan Davis, Editor-in-Chief of The Fabricator, and a rotating co-hosts also go beyond discussing just manufacturing and the skilled trades, and chats about pop culture, current events, food, music, movies, comedy, and, of course, robots. The Fabricator Podcast is presented by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and part of the FMA Podcast Network.