Shows
Manufacturing Culture PodcastThe Long Game of Culture Change: Darryl Gratrix on Leadership, Outreach, and the Next Generation of TradespeopleIn this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Darryl Gratrix, who shares his insights on manufacturing culture, leadership, and the importance of attracting the next generation to skilled trades. Darryl discusses his career path in tool and die, the transition to leadership, and the cultural turnaround he has experienced in his workplace. He emphasizes the need for collaboration in the industry and the importance of promoting skilled trades to younger generations. The conversation also touches on the future of the industry and the initiatives being taken to enhance training and apprenticeship programs.Takeaways...2025-08-1348 min
Rapid Fire ManufacturingBridging the Gap: Darryl Gratrix on Communication, Workforce Development, and Skilled Tradeskeywordsmanufacturing, skilled trades, education, communication, career paths, youth engagement, industry advocacy, production management, workforce development, trades educationsummaryIn this conversation, Darryl Gratrix, a production manager at Molded Precision Components, discusses the critical role of communication in manufacturing, the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue skilled trades, and the need for better education and awareness about career opportunities in the industry. He shares insights on how to engage youth and the challenges faced in replacing retiring workers, emphasizing the need for community involvement and advocacy in promoting skilled trades.2025-08-0211 min
CMMSradioA Voice for the Skilled Trades and the Journey into Manufacturing and LeadershipA Voice for the Skilled Trades and the Journey into Manufacturing!New episode - Warning, there's some summer fun noise in the background.In this episode, we sit down with Darryl Gratrix, Production Manager at Molded Precision Components (MPC) and a passionate advocate for skilled trades.From a geography degree to tool and die making, Darryl's unconventional journey through stamping, molding, and management gives him a rare perspective across the manufacturing floor. His story is about more than machines—it's about culture, communication, and lifting up the trades that power industry.🛠️ Key Highlights:Bridging the gap...2025-07-3137 min
Machine Shop Tech TalkFrom Invisible to Influencer: Darryl’s Manufacturing MissionBe Inspired: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenskilledtrades/Todays guest is Darryl Gratix, from Barrie Ontario. Darryl Gratrix is the Production Manager at Molded Precision Components, where he leads a team of high-performing tradespeople focused on advanced manufacturing and innovation. With over 25 years of experience in tool and mold making, CNC machining, and production leadership, he’s passionate about efficiency, quality, and mentorship. Darryl is a strong advocate for the skilled trades, founding NextGenSkilledTrades Consulting to help bridge the gap between education and industry. He’s committed to empowering the next generation of tradespeople and strengthening Cana...2025-05-2318 min
Manufacturing Transformed: Real Shops, Real StoriesMold Making, Skilled Trades & ProShopPlenty of people still picture manufacturing as dark, dirty, and dangerous. That image sticks, even though the real day-to-day inside many shops couldn’t look more different. But when perception lags behind reality, it’s no wonder few young people see themselves in roles like toolmaker or machinist. Darryl Gratrix didn’t grow up knowing he’d land in the trades. He went the university route first. Nearly three decades into his career today, he's running production at Molded Precision Components and doing everything he can to ensure the next generation sees what’s possible. That includ...2025-05-1434 min
Manufacturing InsidersCanadian Manufacturer Unloads on Trump TariffsCanadian election upset; Chinese competition, Impact of Tariffs on Canadian Manufacturers. Darryl Gratrix an advocate for trade apprenticeships and a 20+ year tool and die professional works as the the production manager for MPC Components. His insight into trade relations between the U.S. and Canada and in generating interest with the next generation of manufacturing gives U.S. manufacturers some insight into the solutions for our labor shortage. We discuss the booming automotive manufacturing industry in Canada, the impact of Trump tariffs on Canadian manufacturers, and how we're going to staff operations for newly on-shored jobs.2025-05-1446 min
That Plastics GuyThe Skilled Trades in Ontario - an Interview with Darryl Gratrix of MPCToday's show talks about a topic that is crucial to the success of industry in Ontario and across Canada...the skilled trades.Overlooked for decades, our province needs youth to consider the trades as a viable and fulfilling career opportunity.We have an in depth discussion with Darryl Gratrix of Moulded Precision Components, who has adopted the promotion of the skilled trades as his passion. This is a truly important topic for our industry and our economy! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on...2024-12-2336 min