About MLC

About the MLC

ABOUT THE MLC

Chart the Right Course for your Business in the Era of Manufacturing 4.0

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Senior manufacturing executives and industry experts guiding the direction of the council.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

The team dedicated to helping manufacturing leaders accelerate innovation and progress toward Manufacturing 4.0.

CONTACT US

NEWSROOM
Insights & Research
Insights & Research
ML JOURNAL

Industry insights for manufacturing leaders navigating AI, workforce and digital transformation.
LATEST INSIGHTS

Rethink Opening Address: The Inevitability of Autonomous Operations

Rheem, General Motors Named Top Winners in 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Competition

Managing Data Complexity with Trusted Hybrid AI
CRITICAL ISSUES

The industry challenges that shape the MLC agenda, from digital transformation to workforce readiness.

FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING PROJECT

Exploring AI, automation and next-generation production.

MLC RESEARCH

Benchmarking studies and original industry research.

PLANT TOUR REVIEWS

Inside looks at leading smart factories and facilities.
Events & Awards

Events & Awards

RETHINK 2027

The MLC’s flagship summit returns June 27–30, 2027 — emerging technologies, operational strategies and leadership trends transforming modern manufacturing.

ALL EVENTS

Browse the full calendar of upcoming conferences, programs and member-exclusive experiences.

MASTER CLASS SERIES

Virtual executive learning sessions — webinars, Tech Talks and Rethink Deep Dives.

PLANT TOURS

Exclusive behind-the-scenes visits to advanced
manufacturing facilities and smart factories.

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Recognizing operational and leadership excellence on the transformation journey to digital manufacturing.

2026 FINALISTS & WINNERS

See the companies and leaders honored in this year’s competition.

START YOUR NOMINATION
Membership

About MLC
About the MLC

ABOUT THE MLC

Chart the Right Course for your Business in the Era of Manufacturing 4.0

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Senior manufacturing executives and industry experts guiding the direction of the council.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

The team dedicated to helping manufacturing leaders accelerate innovation and progress toward Manufacturing 4.0.

CONTACT US

NEWSROOM
Insights & Research
Insights & Research
ML JOURNAL

Industry insights for manufacturing leaders navigating AI, workforce and digital transformation.

LATEST INSIGHTS

Rethink Opening Address: The Inevitability of Autonomous Operations

Rheem, General Motors Named Top Winners in 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Competition

Managing Data Complexity with Trusted Hybrid AI

CRITICAL ISSUES

The industry challenges that shape the MLC agenda, from digital transformation to workforce readiness.

FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING PROJECT

Exploring AI, automation and next-generation production.

MLC RESEARCH

Benchmarking studies and original industry research.

PLANT TOUR REVIEWS

Inside looks at leading smart factories and facilities.
Events & Awards
Events & Awards

RETHINK 2027

The MLC’s flagship summit returns June 27–30, 2027 — emerging technologies, operational strategies and leadership trends transforming modern manufacturing.

ALL EVENTS

Browse the full calendar of upcoming conferences, programs and member-exclusive experiences.

MASTER CLASS SERIES

Virtual executive learning sessions — webinars, Tech Talks and Rethink Deep Dives.

PLANT TOURS

Exclusive behind-the-scenes visits to advanced
manufacturing facilities and smart factories.

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Recognizing operational and leadership excellence on the transformation journey to digital manufacturing.

2026 FINALISTS & WINNERS

See the companies and leaders honored in this year’s competition.

START YOUR NOMINATION
Membership

Autonomous Optimization in Manufacturing

Erin Barden February 27, 2025

Members-Only Content