Exploring Roll Forming Fundamentals and Justification with Brian Rodgers at FABTECH 2025

FABTECH 2025 is heading back to McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, from September 8–11, taking place in the North and Central Halls. Formtek is excited to share that Brian Rodgers, Senior Applications Engineer, will lead several insightful sessions within the Forming and Fabricating track. These presentations are ideal for professionals looking to build a strong foundation in roll forming fundamentals and better understand how to justify roll forming as a smart investment for their operations.

Brian brings decades of hands-on experience to his FABTECH 2025 presentations, beginning his career as a roll form operator and advancing through roles in troubleshooting, supervision, and tooling engineering. Now a Senior Applications Engineer at Formtek, he uses this background to help customers develop effective roll forming solutions. As a longtime member and past Chair of FMA’s Roll Forming Council, Brian offers a well-rounded perspective on both roll forming fundamentals and practical justification strategies.

What Attendees Can Expect from Brian Rodgers’ Presentations at FABTECH 2025

Attendees of Brian Rodgers’ sessions at FABTECH 2025 can look forward to clear, practical insights drawn from real-world experience in the roll forming industry. Brian will cover essential topics such as the fundamentals of roll forming and how to evaluate whether roll forming is the right solution for specific manufacturing applications. Whether you're new to roll forming or looking to better understand its value, Brian’s presentations will offer actionable guidance, thoughtful discussion, and proven strategies to help you make informed decisions about equipment, tooling, and process implementation.

1. Understanding the Roll Forming Journey: From Basics to Advanced Automation

In his first presentation at FABTECH 2025, Brian Rodgers will guide attendees through the fundamentals of roll forming, starting with the history of the process and its evolution into today’s highly automated systems. He’ll highlight the wide range of machines and line configurations used in the industry—from simple blank-fed roll formers to complex, integrated lines equipped with presses, welders, and other value-added processes. This session will provide attendees with a clearer understanding of roll forming technologies and equip them with the right questions to ask when looking to improve existing operations or invest in new equipment.

Date: Monday September 8, 2025
Track: Forming and Fabricating
Session Name: F061 - Roll Forming Basics
Session Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Presentation Title: Roll Forming Basics

2. Making the Case for Roll Forming: Value, Efficiency, and Opportunity

In his next presentation at FABTECH 2025, Brian Rodgers will focus on roll forming justification for companies exploring the adoption of this process. He’ll discuss the key benefits roll forming offers—including consistent, high-volume output and the ability to integrate value-added processes with minimal labor. Attendees will gain insights into the types of materials that can be roll formed, the operational efficiencies it delivers, and how roll forming can be a smart investment for scalable, long-term production.

Date: Wednesday September 10, 2025
Track: Forming and Fabricating
Session Name: F071 - Roll Forming Justification
Session Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Presentation Title: Roll Forming Justification

Get Ready for Expert Insights on Roll Forming Quotes with Paul Williams of Formtek

Coming soon! Stay tuned for information about a third shared presentation with Formtek’s Paul Williams titled “Requesting a Quote for Roll Forming 101: Let Us Help You.”

Gain Insight, Maximize Value, and Make Informed Roll Forming Decisions

FABTECH is the largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event in North America—bringing together over 1,500 exhibitors, more than 40,000 attendees, and a wide range of expert-led educational sessions. Brian Rodgers’ presentations offer valuable, experience-based insights tailored to those exploring or expanding their use of roll forming. Whether you're evaluating the process for your operation, looking to understand its full potential, or planning future investments, these sessions will equip you with the knowledge to make informed, cost-effective decisions.

Get Your Complimentary Exhibit Hall Pass – Courtesy of Formtek

Attending FABTECH 2025? Formtek is pleased to offer a free exhibit hall pass to all show attendees. This complimentary pass gives you access to the industry's leading event, where over 1,500 exhibitors will showcase the latest advancements in metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new technologies, gather insights, and network with top professionals. Visit the official FABTECH 2025 registration page and use Formtek’s promo code to claim your free pass.

Be sure to connect with Brian Rodgers and the Formtek team at the show—and stay tuned for more details on additional Formtek presentations.

Visit Formtek at Booth A4907 to Connect and Discover What’s Next in Metal Forming

While attending FABTECH 2025, make sure to stop by Formtek’s booth A4907 on the show floor at McCormick Place in Chicago, September 8–11. As a proud exhibitor, Formtek welcomes you to connect with our team, gain insight into the latest trends in metal forming, and explore how we support manufacturers in navigating today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether you're seeking to optimize your current processes or learn more about roll forming solutions, our experts will be available to answer questions and share valuable knowledge throughout the event. To learn more about Formtek exhibiting at FABTECH 2025, click here.

About Brian Rodgers

Brian Rodgers began his career as a roll form operator, where he quickly developed a strong interest in roll form methodology. He pursued an apprenticeship focused on troubleshooting and leadership, gaining hands-on experience with new tooling tryouts, process troubleshooting, setups, and team coordination. His career progressed into a supervisory role overseeing 22 roll mill lines and a team of 25 operators and setup personnel. Brian later transitioned into tool engineering, concentrating on new tooling design, continuous improvement initiatives, and equipment buy-offs. Today, Brian serves as a Senior Applications Engineer at Formtek, using his extensive background to deliver effective roll forming solutions through equipment and tooling. He is also an active member and past Chair of FMA’s Roll Forming Council.

About FABTECH

FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. At FABTECH, you can expect to see world-class exhibits showcasing high-tech metalworking machinery, network with other industry professionals, and learn the latest from expert-led educational sessions. FABTECH offers the opportunity to gain new knowledge and information to help build a better business. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. FABTECH strongly believes in the power of in-person events to discover, educate, and motivate the metal fabrication industry.

About Formtek

Formtek is a group of long-established metal forming equipment manufacturing companies, each with a well-known name and a history of providing innovative and reliable equipment to the metal forming and metal processing industries. Dedicated to the highest industry standard and technical accountability for our domestic and international customers, Formtek specialists comprise a well-built team of management, sales engineers, and support staff who pride themselves on being true experts with an in-depth knowledge of all our brands of equipment. With multiple brands spread across several facilities, as well as a network of dealers covering six continents, Formtek’s expansive network is here to support your metal forming and fabricating equipment needs. The Formtek family of brands include B&K, Coilmate/Dickerman, CWP, Dahlstrom, Hill Engineering, Lockformer Custom Machinery, Rowe, Tishken, Winpro, and Yoder.