News and Insights
Survey: Manufacturers Embrace AI Tools to Speed Product Innovation
October 9, 2026GenAI tools are slated for further investment in the next two years to help accelerate design and engineering processes. Artificial intelligence tools, particularly those of the GenAI variety, are making significant inroads in the new product innovation process as manufacturers seek to accelerate engineering and design to bring innovations to market faster. At the same…
The Scaling Constraint: Trusted Operational Information
October 5, 2026As manufacturers scale analytics and AI, hidden OT technical debt often undermines trusted operational information. Manufacturers rarely discover information-scaling problems when a machine fails; they discover them when comparable plants produce different answers to the same performance question. For example, one site reports higher uptime than another. Both teams trust their numbers, yet the comparison…
Scale and Accuracy with the Buyer-Centric Smart Factory
September 15, 2026When engineering, sales and production keep separate versions of the same configurable product, complexity turns into cost, delay and risk. Today’s buyers want products built around their exact requirements, but they want to buy them with the ease of ordering something off a shelf. Manufacturers are trying to deliver on that expectation, and many are…
A Practical Approach to Physical AI in Manufacturing
September 1, 2026Measurable value from physical AI begins with existing assets, laying the foundation for autonomous operations in the future. At trade shows and conferences worldwide, humanoid robotics are taking the stage, heralding for some a new era in industrial automation. The growing availability of robotics and other physical AI-enabled machines might suggest manufacturers are poised to…
Upskilling the Manufacturing Workforce for AI
August 31, 2026To bridge labor gaps, manufacturers must upskill their workforce to transition from task execution to AI supervision and operational governance. Manufacturers are under growing pressure to do more with a constrained workforce. In June 2026, there were 481,000 manufacturing jobs open nationwide, according to the
Embracing the Industrial Intelligence Era of Manufacturing
August 7, 2026The next era of manufacturing will be won by companies who strategically plan, architect, and know how to derive value from their technologies.
Rheem, General Motors Named Top Winners in 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards Competition
June 25, 2026Rheem’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
June 9, 2026A 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
June 5, 2026MLC 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
May 21, 2026AI 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
May 18, 2026Joe Palomba shares how Rheem aligned leadership, process and data to build a connected AI-ready enterprise.
Managing Data Complexity with Trusted Hybrid AI
May 13, 2026A hybrid approach combining generative and symbolic AI brings control and explainability when interpreting complex, real-world data.
Engendering Technology Trust in Physical and Agentic AI
May 13, 2026Manufacturers 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
May 1, 2026AI, 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
April 30, 2026Introducing 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
April 24, 2026Manufacturers 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.
Engendering Technology Trust in Physical and Agentic AI
April 19, 2026Manufacturers adopting physical and agentic AI must build trust in reliability, security, and safety by using defined safety envelopes and preserving human accountability. As adoption grows, trust will separate leaders from laggards.
Manufacturing Leadership Council Announces Finalists for the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards
April 10, 2026Manufacturing Leadership Council named finalists for the 2026 Manufacturing Leadership Awards and Partners in Collaborative Innovation, recognizing digital transformation leaders across the manufacturing sector.
