Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

Automation and lights-out manufacturing are often framed as the future of machining, but for many shops that future is already here.
In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with longtime industry leader Keith Grano to talk about what lights-out machining actually looks like in practice. Drawing on years of experience working with manufacturers, Keith explains how automation, machine monitoring, and disciplined processes allow shops to run more efficiently and extend production beyond the traditional workday.
Lights-out machining isn't about replacing people. It's about using technology to make better use of the time, talent, and equipment already inside a shop. When done well, it increases capacity, improves consistency, and helps manufacturers grow even when skilled labor is limited.
Keith walks through the practical considerations behind unattended production, including machine reliability, process stability, tooling strategy, and the systems required to keep parts running when no one is standing at the control. Along the way, we explore why many shops struggle to implement automation and why incremental steps often work better than trying to jump straight into fully autonomous production.
This conversation also connects to a theme we've been exploring across our Generation CNC series: the next generation of manufacturing leaders is entering an industry where automation and digital systems are becoming foundational capabilities. Understanding how lights-out machining works, and when it makes sense, will shape how the next generation builds and scales their shops.
Segments
(1:28) Introducing Keith Grano and his background in manufacturing automation
(3:06) What "lights-out machining" actually means in a modern shop
(7:23) Why automation is about maximizing equipment and people, not replacing labor
(12:09) The operational discipline required to run machines unattended
(14:52) How ProShop ERP can help you achieve on-time delivery
(20:11) Why process stability matters more than the machine itself
(25:08) Tooling strategy, monitoring, and the systems that support unattended production
(29:38) If you want the speed of AI without the risk, go to PaperlessParts.com
(30:53) The mindset you need to have to implement lights-out machining
(33:13) Where do you start with lights out automation? 
(40:08) How to adjust your mindset to allow for automation
(46:33) How machine monitoring and data change decision-making on the shop floor
(51:27) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
(51:58) The most affordable way to automate a five-axis setup
(58:54) How state, local, and federal grants can help cover purchases
(1:00:47) How to determine what to charge for a machine's time 
Resources mentioned on this episode
Visit proshoperp.com/95 to get a free guide to achieve on-time delivery
If you want the speed of AI without the risk, go to PaperlessParts.com
Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
ROI Calculator
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At 17 years old, Michael King bought a brand-new CNC machine despite never having seen one in person. With no formal trade school background or apprenticeship, he relied on years of self-directed learning, curiosity, and a steady stream of YouTube machining content to take the leap. He sectioned off space in his dad's warehouse, installed a Haas DM2, and started figuring it out in real time.
What began as a personal interest in building things quickly turned into real production work. A stainless steel contract gave him early traction. A used Swiss machine that arrived broken forced him to learn diagnostics and hand-code thousands of lines of G-code. Over time, one machine became several, including a dual-spindle lathe and a five-axis Matsura, forming the foundation of what is now The Monk Works.
In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we talk through how Michael has approached growth with unusual discipline. He's kept overhead low, relied entirely on word-of-mouth instead of advertising, and leaned heavily into technology from day one. Rather than scaling by adding headcount immediately, he's focused on automation, standardized tooling, and building systems that allow the business to operate beyond what he can personally track in his head.
The conversation also explores how he thinks about cash flow, process maturity, quality, and long-term sustainability. At just 20 years old, married with two kids, Michael is already navigating the tension between capacity and structure, ambition and patience. His story challenges the idea that manufacturing has a high barrier to entry while reinforcing that longevity still depends on discipline and intentional decision-making.
Segments
(0:00) Buying a brand-new Haas DM2 at 17 (before ever seeing a CNC machine in person)
(1:24) RC planes, 3D printing, Fusion 360, and discovering machining through YouTube
(6:24) The YouTube channels that shaped Michael's journey
(8:27) Paperless Parts: secure AI-powered quoting built for manufacturers
(9:42) Landing the first year-long stainless contract and realizing the machine had more capacity
(11:00) How Michael learned business fundamentals from his dad
(12:21) Becoming a firefighter, HVAC tech, drone pilot, and getting married
(13:38) The $5,000 "working" Swiss machine and the lessons that followed
(16:39) The Monk Works brand story: small, fast, agile, and intentionally different
(18:58) IMTS 2026: Why getting out of the shop and into the show matters
(20:07) Financing growth: bootstrapping under an established family business
(21:44) Homeschooling, self-directed learning, and defining meaningful work
(22:38) Faith, diligence, and quality as a leadership philosophy
(23:52) Realizing systems must scale before workload does
(25:35) Building his business entirely through word-of-mouth
(26:52) Launching proprietary titanium suppressor accessories alongside contract work
(28:00) Certifications, ERP systems, and preparing for higher-regulated industries
(29:47) Embracing paperless workflows, CAM, automation, and standardized tooling
(33:09) Adding automation to unlock capacity without adding labor
(35:50) SMW Autoblok, RASRAM, and the seven habits of highly effective workholding
(37:50) Advice for young entrepreneurs: low overhead, low risk, and just start
Resources mentioned on this episode
The Munkworks
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
TITANS of CNC
NYC CNC
John Grimsmo
Adam Savage
Hacksmith Industries
Donnie Hinske
Paperless Parts
Join us at IMTS 2026
SMW Autoblok
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In this episode of MakingChips, we continue our young founders series with a story that challenges the traditional growth narrative in manufacturing. 
At just 26, Walter Peters is balancing a full-time job at a defense-focused shop with building MW Machine Co. from a modest 500-square-foot industrial unit.
Walter didn't start with a big loan or a brand-new machine. He bought a used CNC mill for $6,500, kept overhead intentionally low, and focused on getting good at both machining and business fundamentals.
But what makes this conversation especially interesting isn't just how he started. It's how he defines success. Walter isn't chasing 100 spindles or a massive payroll. He's building toward a highly automated, small-footprint, lifestyle-oriented shop that gives him time freedom and intellectual stimulation without the burden of heavy overhead or HR complexity.
We talk about finding work with no formal sales plan, leveraging Google reviews, balancing a day job while building a business, using AI as a thinking partner, and why low stress starts with low fixed costs.
This episode is a grounded, practical look at modern entrepreneurship in manufacturing — especially for the next generation.
Segments
(0:00) Introducing Walter Peters and MW Machine C.
(2:31) Walter's unconventional path from video production to woodworking to machining
(6:13) Leaving cabinet work and moving toward CNC-focused fabrication
(8:42) Meet us at MFG Meeting 2026
(9:32) Buying his first CNC mill and signing a lease in late 2023
(11:21) Landing early work through cold calls and a serendipitous utility customer
(14:31) The reality of entrepreneurship: quoting, purchasing, and doing the "business stuff"
(16:03) Working full-time while building MW Machine Co.
(19:31) The current shop setup: one CNC mill, manual lathe, TIG welder, 500 sq. ft. space
(20:18) Bootstrapping with less than $30,000 and reaching profitability in year two
(22:52) Managing cash flow and keeping monthly overhead intentionally low
(23:57) His long-term plan to go full-time and why he's staying employed for now
(25:25) His long-term vision: a small, automated shop connected to his home
(26:43) Time freedom, automation, and the Lights Out mindset
(30:20) The goal of owning the building and eliminating rent as overhead
(31:45) Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips
(32:48) Growing up around content creation and craftsmanship with his father
(37:43) Using ChatGPT and AI tools to think through quoting and problem-solving
(41:18) Generating work through Google reviews and inbound RFQs
(46:12) Why low overhead and small, shippable parts create leverage
(46:56) Need workholding? Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog
Resources mentioned on this episode
Walter Peters
MW Machine Co.
Meet us at MFG Meeting 2026
Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips
Need workholding? Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog
The Long View Podcast
Longview Woodworking
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What happens when a 26-year-old machine shop kid decides the real bottleneck in American manufacturing isn't machining—it's metal supply?
In this episode, we sit down with Zane Hengsperger, founder and CEO of Knox Metals, to talk about building a modern service center powered by AI, automation, and software. Zane's mission is bold: supply every factory in America in under 24 hours at a fair, transparent price.
Raised in his father's injection molding shop, Zane grew up on shop floors before pivoting into software, startups, and eventually reindustrialization. After publicly sharing his ideas online, Y Combinator reached out—and within 24 hours, he had funding and a flight to San Francisco.
We explore what it takes to modernize the metals supply chain, the friction of accessing domestic mills, the realities of startup logistics, and why focusing exclusively on aluminum plate might be Knox's smartest strategic move yet.
This is a conversation about speed, ownership, risk, and the future of American manufacturing—not just at the machine level, but across the entire supply chain.
Segments
(1:34) Introducing Zane Hengsperger and Knox Metals' mission
(2:46) Growing up in a machine shop and learning manufacturing early
(3:35) Paperless Parts ad — Secure AI for quoting
(4:48) From software startup to reindustrialization
(6:48) Early struggles gaining access to domestic mills
(8:53) Why Knox is narrowing focus to aluminum plate
(10:05) Instant quoting and automated cutting — what makes it different
(11:30) Building a hybrid team: industry veterans + software talent
(13:05) Potential integrations and vertical integration strategy
(16:23) Team structure and rapid early growth
(18:26) How Y Combinator found Zane — and funded Knox in 24 hours
(20:59) Young founders, machine shop resurgence, and generational opportunity
(25:00) How to attract young talent into manufacturing
(27:05) MFG 2026 ad — Executive leadership event
(29:48) The overlooked opportunities in manufacturing careers beyond the shop floor
(30:59) Early lessons: building selection and trying to serve everyone
(32:52) Why narrowing their focus created leverage
(33:42) How Knox manages inventory, mills, and lead times
(36:10) The massive aluminum block story (18,000+ pounds)
(39:21) Mentorship, investors, and surrounding yourself with believers
(41:46) YC's push into reindustrialization
(45:50) Technology vs. tribal knowledge in rebuilding industry
(47:24) Has age been an obstacle? Building trust over time
(49:59) Biggest wins so far — stacking consistent progress
(51:47) Expansion plans: LA, regional giga-factories, and automation
(54:19) ProShop ad — Investing in your own shop first
(55:56) Where to find Knox Metals and connect with Zane
Resources mentioned on this episode
NOX Metals 
Connect with Zane on X and LinkedIn
[email protected]
The Technological Republic 
Y Combinator
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Recorded live from McCormick Place in Chicago, this episode marks the official kickoff of the MakingChips journey toward IMTS 2026. With nine months to go, we sit down with two leaders helping shape the show itself: Michelle Edmondson, Vice President of Exhibitions for IMTS, and Bonnie Gurney, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations.
What unfolds is a behind-the-scenes look at how the largest manufacturing technology show in North America is built — from campaign strategy and theme development to visitor planning, education tracks, emerging technologies, and student engagement.
This year's theme, "Achieve the Impossible," paired with the campaign message around "Six Days," reflects what IMTS is really about: momentum. It's not just about buying a machine this year. It's about seeing where the industry is heading five years from now.
We explore how exhibitors should define ROI, why attendees need a strategy before walking the floor, what's new in 2026 (including the Industrial AI Arena and the 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center), and how young people — including our own kids — can get plugged into manufacturing through Smartforce and the Student Summit.
Whether you're an exhibitor, an attendee, or still on the fence, this episode is a practical roadmap for how to get the most out of IMTS — and why it matters more than ever in today's manufacturing climate.
Segments
(0:00) Live from Chicago: Exhibitor Workshop energy and early IMTS planning
(2:17) Hennig's evolving booth strategy and bringing real machines to the floor
(3:43) Why you need to be at the MFG Meeting 2026
(4:38) Introducing Michelle Edmondson and Bonnie Gurney from IMTS
(7:04) The power of long-term partnerships and IMTS' impact on careers
(8:58) Defining ROI for exhibitors: Setting measurable goals before the show begins
(11:16) Planning IMTS as an attendee: short-term shopping list vs. long-term vision
(13:21) IMTS 2026 theme: "Achieve the Impossible" and the Six Days campaign
(14:52) How real visitors shape the ad campaign and messaging
(16:07) Student Summit and engaging the next generation
(17:40) Family business, succession, and getting kids into manufacturing
(21:55) Common exhibitor mistakes — territory gatekeeping and lost opportunities
(23:48) Factur: Building consistent pipeline systems for manufacturers
(24:54) Behind the scenes: how IMTS develops its theme and campaign strategy
(29:25) 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center
(30:04) Launch of the new Industrial AI Arena and AI conference
(30:59) Education tracks, co-located conferences, and specialized programming
(33:56) MakingChips live podcast studio plans at IMTS 2026
(35:47) Rockford IMTS summer party and nonprofit partnership
(37:35) Smartforce, Student Summit, and how schools can get involved
(39:12) What visitors should be doing right now to prepare
(41:19) Housing deadlines and avoiding scam hotel vendors
(43:24) Hire MFG Leaders: Recruiting leaders who understand manufacturing
(43:52) Will IMTS 2026 be the best show ever? Why optimism is high
(45:53) Young founders in manufacturing and the entrepreneurship tailwind
Resources mentioned on this episode
Connect with Michelle Edmondson
Connect with Bonnie Gurney
IMTS 2026
IMTS Smartforce Student Summit
IMTS Show Planner
USMTO Report
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