By: Natalie Johnson

Most manufacturing experts develop their expertise within the boundaries of one country, perhaps one region. Tony Gunn has taken a radically different approach, traveling to more than 80 countries to understand how different cultures approach the art and science of making things.

This global perspective has transformed Gunn from a skilled machinist into a unique voice in manufacturing thought leadership. Where others see regional practices, he sees patterns. Where others encounter language barriers, he finds universal truths about craftsmanship, innovation, and human ingenuity.

“Every country has something to teach about manufacturing,” Gunn observes. “Germans approach precision differently than Japanese manufacturers. American innovation differs from Korean efficiency. When you see how the whole world solves problems, you realize there is no single ‘right way’: just different solutions for different contexts.”

His travels have taken him from advanced manufacturing centers in Western Europe to emerging industrial hubs in Southeast Asia. He has visited precision workshops in Switzerland, massive production facilities in China, and innovative startups in Israel. Each experience has added layers to his understanding of what manufacturing is and what it could become.

Gunn’s approach to these visits goes deeper than industrial tourism. He connects with head engineers, spends time on shop floors, and asks questions about not just what is being made, but how decisions are made, how workers are trained, and how companies adapt to change. This ethnographic approach to manufacturing reveals insights that purely technical analysis would miss.

One recurring theme from his global travels is the human element of manufacturing. While technologies and processes vary, Gunn has found that successful operations everywhere share common characteristics: respect for workers, commitment to continuous improvement, and leadership that values both efficiency and quality. These principles transcend cultural boundaries.

The cross-cultural competence Gunn has developed serves him well in his role as a global manufacturing advocate. He can speak credibly about European automation trends, Asian supply chain strategies, and American manufacturing renaissance efforts. This breadth of knowledge makes him a valuable bridge between industries, companies, and countries that might otherwise remain isolated.

His travels have also shaped his values. Exposure to so many different cultures has reinforced Gunn’s commitment to patience, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. In countries with dramatically different social norms and business practices, these universal values have helped him build relationships and earn trust. They remind him that manufacturing is ultimately about people working together to create value.

Gunn brings these global insights to his podcast, The Gunn Show, where he shares stories and lessons from his travels. Listeners gain access to perspectives they would never encounter in their local manufacturing ecosystems. A machinist in Virginia can learn from practices in Germany. An engineer in California can consider approaches used in Japan.

The timing of Gunn’s global work is significant. As supply chains become more complex and international, manufacturing leaders need to understand how different regions operate. As companies consider reshoring or nearshoring, they need insights into comparative advantages. Gunn’s experiences provide exactly this kind of strategic intelligence.

His travels have also given him a unique vantage point on global manufacturing challenges. Skills gaps are not just an American problem: they affect nearly every industrialized nation. Automation anxieties are universal. Sustainability pressures are mounting worldwide. By seeing these challenges in multiple contexts, Gunn can identify solutions that work across borders.

For young people considering manufacturing careers, Gunn’s story offers an appealing vision. Manufacturing is not about being stuck in one place doing one thing. It is a passport to the world, an opportunity to learn continuously, and a chance to connect with fascinating people everywhere. This narrative could help address workforce shortages by making manufacturing careers more attractive.

Not every manufacturing professional can travel to 80 countries, but Tony Gunn’s experiences benefit the entire industry. Through his advocacy, content creation, and thought leadership, he brings the world’s best manufacturing practices and innovations to audiences who need them.

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, manufacturing cannot afford to be provincial. It requires leaders who understand different approaches, appreciate diverse perspectives, and can synthesize lessons from anywhere into actionable insights. Tony Gunn embodies this global mindset, and manufacturing is better for it.