In the latest episode of The Manufacturing Report podcast, host Scott Paul sits down with Rachel Zapernick, general manager of Thomas, to discuss the company’s rich history, its role in connecting suppliers and makers, and the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing industry today. Thomas, now part of Xometry, has been a cornerstone of American manufacturing for over 130 years, evolving from its iconic Thomas Register catalogs to a dynamic digital marketplace.
Zapernick, a tech executive with a passion for solving complex problems, shares her insights on the company’s journey and its mission to strengthen American manufacturing by facilitating connections between buyers and suppliers. She emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and adapting to their needs, a key factor in Thomas’s successful transition from print to digital.
Thomas is synonymous with American manufacturing, like I mentioned, with our brand and our deep-rooted history. So it’s kind of a natural fit to be one of the companies that’s sponsoring this initiative with the SVA. And their mission with this initiative was to identify partners like us to help connect small and medium businesses with verified US manufacturers.
The podcast delves into the partnership between Thomas and Xometry, highlighting their shared vision of supporting the manufacturing ecosystem. While Xometry serves as a real-time marketplace, Thomas focuses on supplier discovery, making it easier for buyers to find the right partners for their projects.
Zapernick also discusses the company’s collaboration with the Small Business Administration, aimed at connecting small and medium businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers. This initiative underscores the importance of supporting the backbone of American manufacturing, particularly during times of uncertainty.
The conversation turns to the trends and challenges facing the industry, including pricing, reshoring, supply chain resiliency, and legislation. However, the most pressing issue remains the labor market and the need for skilled workers. Xometry has taken proactive steps to address this challenge by investing in STEM-related talent and offering scholarships to students across the country.
“The statistics show, again, on average in the industry, our survey showed 75 percent of women, or almost 75 percent of women kind of fell into the industry, myself included, and 50 percent of men fell into the industry. I think it highlights the discrepancy of women aren’t actively pursuing manufacturing jobs, so they don’t see themselves as that career for them.”
Zapernick passionately advocates for diversifying the manufacturing workforce, emphasizing the economic and social benefits of attracting women and underrepresented groups to the industry. She shares strategies for making manufacturing more accessible and appealing to diverse talent, such as offering flexible work opportunities and ensuring representation in marketing content.
Throughout the episode, the impact of Thomas’s work in facilitating connections between buyers and suppliers is evident. By powering the manufacturing industry through effective matchmaking, the company continues to play a vital role in the ongoing revival of American manufacturing.
To learn more about Thomas and explore their platform, visit thomasnet.com. For insights into Xometry’s marketplace, head to xometry.com. As always, remember to support the podcast by leaving a review and rating, and join the conversation on social media to help keep manufacturing Made in America.
