A Voice for the Skilled Trades and the Journey into Manufacturing and Leadership

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 between tool rooms and production with real-world experience
• How internal customers and shared goals shape stronger teams
• Using custom-built tech (like MPC’s internal portal) to align with company culture
• Promoting the skilled trades through tours, outreach, and straight talk
• Darryl doesn’t just manage production—he helps lead the conversation about what manufacturing careers really offer.

Listen now and hear why the next generation of skilled trades needs more voices like his.