News and Insights
Rheem, General Motors Named Top Winners in 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Competition
Rheem’s Alan Machuga was named 2026 Manufacturing Leader of the Year, while General Motors won Large Enterprise Manufacturer of the Year. Pure & Gentle earned Small/Medium Enterprise Manufacturer of the Year in the Manufacturing Leadership Awards.
Managing Data Complexity with Trusted Hybrid AI
A hybrid approach combining generative and symbolic AI brings control and explainability when interpreting complex, real-world data.
MLC Plant Tour: An Up-Close Look at Kohler’s OT/IT Integration
MLC members toured Kohler’s new 1-million-square-foot Arizona smart factory, learning how OT/IT integration, wireless networking and automation support bathtub production and warehouse operations.
Building An AI Governance Framework for the Factory Floor
AI governance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn the five key pillars manufacturers need to confidently scale AI.
Dialogue: Building Rheem’s AI-Ready Future
Joe Palomba shares how Rheem aligned leadership, process and data to build a connected AI-ready enterprise.
Engendering Technology Trust in Physical and Agentic AI
Manufacturers adopting physical and agentic AI must build trust in reliability, security, and safety. Success depends on safe operating boundaries and preserving human accountability in AI-driven processes.
Orchestrating Material Handling with AI & Automation
AI, automation, virtualization and secure IT/OT orchestration can turn material handling constraints into scalable competitive advantage. A unified digital foundation helps manufacturers reduce risk, unlock data and optimize operations across the enterprise.
Welcome New Members of the MLC May 2026
Introducing the latest new members to the Manufacturing Leadership Council
MLC welcomes new members from McCain Foods, Bosch, Bloom Energy, General Mills, Abbvie, Workday, Smurfit Westrock, Pioneer Service and Standex. Learn more about the association’s newest member leaders.
Building an OT Organization in an IT World
Manufacturers need intentional IT/OT structures to clarify ownership, automate workflows, and close capability gaps. A future-ready organization should fit company size, talent access, and evolving digital needs.
Manufacturing Leadership Council Announces Finalists for the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards
Manufacturing Leadership Council named finalists for the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards and Partners in Collaborative Innovation, recognizing digital transformation leaders across the manufacturing sector.
Survey: GenAI Adoption Surges In Manufacturing
Manufacturers are rapidly adopting generative AI, with 71% already using it and nearly 90% planning to expand use in two years. Most have corporate AI policies, though maturity remains early amid data and skills challenges.
From Smart Factory to Smart Enterprise
Manufacturers are digitizing production, but data gaps, workforce readiness and disconnected processes are limiting smart factory ROI. The next step is linking factory systems, product knowledge and enterprise workflows into a smart enterprise.
Practical AI Steps to Build Smarter Factories in 2026
AI is helping factories improve speed, resilience, and profitability by embedding digitization and automation into daily workflows. Successful 2026 pilots start with business outcomes, use ready data, and scale through human-in-the-loop governance.
Can AI Agents Catalyze Faster, Smarter Product Design?
AI agents help manufacturers speed product design by surfacing cross-system insights, reducing rework and automating routine tasks. They enhance human judgment with relevant options and historical context, especially when paired with strong governance and clear KPIs.
The Data-Ready Factory Starts With Trust
Manufacturers that master data governance and interoperability gain better agility, forecast accuracy, and capital allocation. Shared definitions and ownership are essential before AI can deliver reliable results.
Dialogue: Leading Manufacturing Through AI Change
Rockwell’s Blake Moret says manufacturing must urgently adopt AI and smart manufacturing, with supportive policy and a learning culture, to stay competitive amid tariffs and supply chain risks.
Welcome New Members of the MLC February 2026
Introducing the latest new members to the Manufacturing Leadership Council
MLC welcomes new members from leading manufacturing and technology companies, including Seagate, RYAM, Marvin, G.W. Lisk, GrayMatter Systems, MaintainX, Andersen Windows & Doors, and Infor.
Survey: Smart Factories Enter the Execution Era
Manufacturers say smart factories have moved into an execution era, with AI maturing, digital transformation becoming a competitive advantage, and more than 90% planning to maintain or increase investments in 2026.
The Best of Executive Dialogue
2025 Executive Dialogue highlights how manufacturing leaders are using AI, Industry 4.0 and digital culture to drive transformation, build talent, and prepare for the future.
The Best of Rethink 2025
Rethink 2025 highlighted Manufacturing 4.0 best practices, from AI and digital resilience to autonomous operations, with sessions on Eaton, IPG, Hershey, and strategies for accelerating transformation.
