About MLC

Bold Ideas. Powerful Connections. Winning Strategies.

About Our Members

The Council is comprised of the most innovative and insightful executives from all disciplines of manufacturing. The value members derive from these conversations they have with fellow members lead to both meaningful professional and personal relationships.

Functional Roles Represented in the MLC

Industries Represented in the MLC

MLC Board of Governors

The Manufacturing Leadership Council Board of Governors comprises senior manufacturing executives and industry experts at leading manufacturing and research organizations around the world.

See the Board of Governors

Events, Connections, Research

Events

At an MLC event, you’ll connect with other manufacturing leaders who are guiding the way to Manufacturing 4.0 and walk away with tangible strategies and insights you’ll be able to apply in your own operations.  

Rethink: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Rethink: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing is the MLC’s premier event for manufacturing executives, offering a unique blend of senior-level content, interactive discussions, and high-value networking.   

Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala

Honoring outstanding teams and leaders for their accomplishments in Manufacturing 4.0, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala is a celebration of world-class achievement. This exciting celebration takes place as the capstone to Rethink.   

The Future of Manufacturing Project

Each December, the MLC hosts an in-person Future of Manufacturing Project event, taking a deep dive into strategic decisions that must be made to ensure manufacturing competitiveness well into the future. The project also runs virtual calls and content series throughout the year.   

Plant Tours  

At an MLC Plant Tour, you’ll get an up-close look at leading manufacturing operations while networking with like-minded peers and finding solutions to your own challenges.   

Master Class Series

The MLC Master Class Series offers insights to help you move forward on your journey to manufacturing’s digital era.   

Connections

You pride yourself on staying on top of the latest manufacturing and technology topics. Here you’ll find like-minded business leaders who can help you achieve success. You’ll build meaningful relationships based on mutual experiences, visionary aspirations, and the pursuit of digital transformation. Together, you’ll share best practices, build impactful strategies, and create a powerful network.  

Decision Compass Groups 

Otherwise known as “working groups,” these sessions are facilitated by expert members based on focus areas aligned to our Critical Issues Agenda (Supply Networks, Next-Generation Leadership and the Changing Workforce, Operational Excellence, Digital M4.0 Technologies, M4.0 Sustainability and the Circular Economy). Groups meet online, via Zoom to discuss best practices at their respective organizations. All discussions are confidential and exclusive for MLC members.   

Manufacturing Leadership Awards 

The Manufacturing Leadership Awards honor high-performing teams whose projects drive measurable business results and the leaders spearheading innovative digital manufacturing initiatives. The Manufacturing Leadership Award finalists and winners are honored at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, taking place at the conclusion of Rethink.  

Research and Content 

Our research and content give MLC members a competitive edge, helping them to stay informed and prepared for the dynamic shifts in our industry.  

 Critical Issues Agenda

MLC’s Critical Issues Agenda is an annual member-approved topical framework that ensures the MLC is delivering the most relevant content and events to help members achieve their business goals. It is validated each year through a member survey followed by a discussion and vote at the Annual Council Meeting, which takes place at the start of Rethink.  

Survey Research

The MLC conducts survey research among its members, examining the current state of digital manufacturing and where it’s headed next.   

Manufacturing Leadership Journal 

The Manufacturing Leadership Journal provides senior-level perspectives, case studies with leading companies, and in-depth executive interviews with impactful, innovative manufacturing leaders.   

MLC Member Portal

MLC members receive access to the MLC Member Portal, an exclusive digital platform for connecting with fellow MLC members and accessing a robust library of on-demand content.  

About The National Association of Manufacturers

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of all private-sector research and development in the nation. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States.

The NAM’s world-class staff of policy experts provide unmatched access and information on the key issues affecting your business and bottom line. We are on the front lines of a wide range of policy battles, from immigration reform and labor relations, to energy and the environment, to trade policy and taxes. At every turn, we are working on behalf of manufacturers in America to advance policies that help manufacturers do what they do best: create economic strength and jobs.

Learn more about the NAM