Gene Lambert takes charge as chairman of the Precision Metalforming Association

On March 18, 2025, the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) has officially appointed Gene Lambert as its new Chairman of the Board. Gene Lambert, who serves as the vice president of sales at Batesville Tool & Die, Inc. located in Batesville, Indiana, succeeds Gregg Boucher, who held the position last year. In his new role, Lambert is looking forward to continuing Boucher's initiatives and focusing on the evolving needs of PMA's member companies, particularly emphasizing the integration of automation in manufacturing processes. Lambert also appointed Chris Zuzick, the vice president of Waukesha Metal Products in Wisconsin, to serve as vice chairman and treasurer for the upcoming year alongside him. Lambert expressed the importance of adapting PMA's association to meet the interests of not only the current leadership but also to engage the next generation of leaders within the industry. He mentioned that automation should be seen as a pathway to developing new technical skills which would ultimately secure job stability for employees rather than presenting a threat. To evaluate how PMA can best serve its members, a survey was conducted last year by Boucher’s leadership, identifying essential areas for attention and improvement. PMA sought expert consultancy by hiring Paul Kessler, the managing director of the Altus Group, who began aiding the management team in 2024 and will continue to help in outlining strategic approaches throughout 2025. While expanding membership is a continuous objective, Lambert is particularly focused on enhancing member engagement, encouraging businesses to make better use of the resources PMA offers. Acknowledging the value PMA has provided to Batesville Tool & Die over the years, he hopes to inspire greater participation. Lambert’s vision for his tenure emphasizes adapting the association to the evolving landscape of the metalforming industry, addressing economic factors like rising costs and workforce shortages, and fostering a future where automation is embraced. He aims to ensure that PMA remains a relevant resource for member companies in the face of the substantial changes occurring in the manufacturing sector.