Hi Folks, Our Forums are organized like this: Categories (we have a few major categories) --- Topics (areas for discussion within categories - you can create these) ------ Posts (Specific thoughts within topics, sort of like "sub-topics") --------- Replies (Replies to posts, to follow-up, chime-in, etc.) You can't make new categories, but you can request them by shooting me a note. New topics go into categories. For example, I'm creating this new topic "How to use the NORAMARK forums" in the "General Discussion" category. Someone might choose to create a post inside this Topic about "Ten tips for creating great posts". People can reply to posts with the reply button. Don't be shy... jump in and make a Topic or a Post or Reply to others. There's really no wrong way to do this. The goal is for everyone to share information and best practices related to US Manufacturing.

@Jared very cool, some of these are new to me. Always learning. I appreciate the share.

I will be there! On my way now.

BTW! For the initial introduction, the "complete" criteria is on the aggressive side. It's going to pop up if ANY fields are not filled in... I'm dialing this down to be just critical fields.

@andrew-kornuta @Jerika those videos are great!

@JacksonLefebvre Yes it is!

I’m Lucas Pacheco, a high school shop teacher specializing in manufacturing and pre-engineering, focused on preparing the next generation for careers in advanced manufacturing. I run a hands-on program that connects students directly with industry technologies and real-world practices. I’m here to connect with others who are passionate about investing in the future of manufacturing. Our program is located in Hawthorne, California — in the heart of metro Los Angeles, surrounded by defense and aerospace industries. Each year, we introduce about 150–200 students from 9th to 12th grade to the world of manufacturing and engineering. We pride ourselves on hands-on learning and exposing students to real-world problems and projects. We don’t just make widgets. We don’t just make machinists or engineers. We make young people who chase the dream of building. Great to meet all of you!

As an educator, my passion for manufacturing stems from its power to build lives and communities. I believe manufacturing is more than making things — it’s about problem-solving, innovation, craftsmanship, pride, and building the foundation for a strong economy. My goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry by giving students real-world experiences with modern technologies. I want students to leave my program with the skills, mindset, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Ultimately, I believe manufacturing education is not just about teaching technical skills. We need to start investing in our students the way we would invest in any critical natural resource — because that’s exactly what they are. At the end of the day, I’m here because I believe manufacturing can change lives. It changed mine — and I want my students to have that same chance.

@michael-kornuta I wouldn't say optimism right now haha. More like waiting out the uncertainty. Honestly, Trump needs to make up his damn mind. Are we having tariffs or not? There needs to be a clear direction put in place. Main reason is to serve the NA markets with local assembly and sales/technical support. They have existing business here, so instead of shipping over finished goods with long lead times, they can assemble domestically. Tariffs have companies interested for sure. EU companies don't have much of a concern. Chinese companies are more concerned. US companies want to strengthen supply chain resilience to get CMs out of China. IP protection is another reason for that. Another is the US does not allow Chinese BMS in utility BESS for grid security.

@nick-valentine Just north of Indianapolis.

All true but it's an art, hard to set a flat rate using these as a guide because we have different skill/pay levels on the shop floor.

This is scary to me. I think half is being generous and this might be where the trends come from in the first place. So many investors and content creators pushing wild dreams about things they have never even seen or touched in person.

I have seen this and thought about it for years. Such a simple (and heavy) part to make I never understood why they would make them in India. I would much rather see our tax dollars staying in the US

Hi Carlton, it was great to meet you! We want to keep the American manufacturers open and growing and get the next generation involved.