Recent News

After thirty-five years of direct involvement in the metal cutting industry, I can say with confidence: I’ve never seen a time quite like this.

Throughout Davalyn Corporation’s journey, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with individuals and companies across every facet of this sector—from cutting tools and carbide, to EDM, lasers, and workholding. The conversations I’m having today—with candidates, clients, and industry leaders—are deeper, more complex, and more forward-looking than ever.

Uncertainty is the common thread. Questions about global tariffs, shifting trade dynamics, workforce strategy, and the timing of key decisions are top of mind for everyone. And while the landscape feels more volatile, it’s also revealing who’s prepared to act with purpose—and who risks being left behind.

What follows is a summary of these recent discussions—a reflection of what we’re hearing every day from the people shaping the future of our industry. I hope it offers some clarity, perspective, and a few ideas worth considering as you plan your next moves.

The ripple effects of global tariffs and evolving trade policies are colliding with a sudden need for scalability, talent redeployment, and manufacturing agility.

Strategic Stillness or Smart Movement?

Manufacturers—especially those serving aerospace, medical device, automotive, and semiconductor end users—are walking a tightrope between waiting and acting. Many have voiced concerns about:

• Reacting too quickly and overcommitting resources
• Reacting too late and missing a potential surge
• Making headcount or infrastructure moves without a clear forecast

But the most proactive companies aren’t standing still—they’re mapping multiple contingency paths. They’re analyzing high and low-end financial scenarios. They’re quietly building capacity, training key personnel, and preparing strategic hires—even when positions aren’t yet public.

Metal Cutting Outlook: Pressure Beneath the Surface

Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, data suggests the U.S. metal cutting and chip-making industries are on the verge of a growth phase—driven not just by reshoring efforts but by fundamental demand from key sectors.

According to the latest U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT data, cutting tool consumption in 2024 rose 6.1% year-over-year, a trend expected to continue modestly into 2025 as OEMs restock capacity and drive toward domestic sourcing strategies. Meanwhile, demand for high-precision components in aerospace, defense, and EV/lithium battery development is placing renewed pressure on manufacturers to accelerate timelines—especially in sectors requiring Swiss turning, 5-axis machining, and carbide tooling.

What We’re Seeing on the Ground

From metalworking facilities in Ohio to aerospace hubs in Southern California, the same themes emerge:

• Companies are reevaluating how many skilled machinists and programmers they’ll need in six months.
• Sales leaders are being asked to identify new markets for traditional products.
• Plant managers are looking to redeploy CNC talent for quick-shift product line changes.
• Operations executives are preparing for “just-in-case” inventory models versus just-in-time delivery.

In this environment, having access to industry-embedded recruiting partners—those who understand not just job descriptions but the machines on your floor and the end users you serve—is proving to be a competitive edge.

Positioning for the Surge—Without Guessing Wrong

The companies that will win in 2025 and beyond are not the ones waiting for the market to stabilize—they’re the ones planning around the unknown, assembling talent pipelines, and preparing their facilities for speed and flexibility.

We believe now is the time to:

• Audit your workforce for scalability gaps
• Identify future-ready roles you may need to fill by Q3 or Q4
• Consider cross-training programs for chip-making professionals to move across disciplines
• Align your sales and manufacturing heads to the same forecast scenarios

In Closing

If you’re navigating the complexities of international trade, production capacity, and workforce readiness in the chip-making and precision manufacturing sector—know this: you’re not alone. The path forward isn’t clear, but for those willing to act decisively and prepare smartly, the opportunity to capture market share is real.