Derek Korn Leads Production Machining as Editor-in-Chief

Derek Korn is no longer Modern Machine Shop’s executive editor, but we’re happy to report that he has been named editor-in-chief of MMS’s sister publication, Production Machining.

Mr. Korn follows Chris Felix, who retired at the end of March 2020. Lori Beckman, former managing editor of Production Machining, has stayed with the publication and has been promoted to its senior editor. Mr. Korn will lead the brand’s editorial mission by building its content and presence throughout the precision machined parts market. Mr. Korn and Ms. Beckman will work together to cover the industry by visiting machine shops and attending industry events to report on the latest technology and trends. 

Mr. Korn began his career with Gardner Business Media more than 16 years ago as an editor with Modern Machine Shop. He was also the technical director of the brand’s Top Shops Benchmarking program for 10 years. 

“Visiting machine shops to write about how they leverage new technology and processes to their advantage has been, and will continue to be, the most enjoyable part of my job as an editor in this company,” Mr. Korn says. “I will enjoy focusing on the more niche machine shops in this particular industry, many of which perform precision turning work in high part volumes.”

Ms. Beckman has been with Production Machining since 2003. During her time with the brand, she has spearheaded PM’s Emerging Leaders program and is the editor of the Parts Cleaning section that appears in both Production Machining and Products Finishing magazines and websites. She is also the co-chair of this year’s Parts Cleaning Conference at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).

“I look forward to getting out in the industry more and meeting the people who can help sharpen my knowledge of machine tools and their applications,” Ms. Beckman says. “I’m also excited to start working on some new initiatives with Derek for the brand.”

Production Machining Publisher Joe Campise says he is excited to be starting a new chapter with his longtime colleague: “Working with Derek over the past 15 years on the Modern Machine Shop side has been fantastic, and now I get a chance to truly work alongside him to bring the best stories, ideas and technology advancements to the Production Machining audience. I also have had the pleasure of working with Lori over that same 15 year span, and seeing her take on more responsibility and have passion for the industry will serve her well in this new role.”