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.
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.
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.
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.
MLC 2025 Photo Gallery
MLC’s 2025 highlights included plant tours at United Scrap Metal and GM, Rethink sessions on digital manufacturing, and an awards gala honoring Merck’s Besu Alemayehu and standout manufacturing teams.
2025 in Photos at the MLC
MLC’s 2025 highlights included plant tours at United Scrap Metal and GM, Rethink sessions on digital manufacturing, and a Manufacturing Leadership Awards gala honoring leaders and breakthrough projects.
The Best of the Manufacturing Leadership Journal 2025
A best-of collection from Manufacturing Leadership Journal 2025 highlights key insights on AI, digital twins, supply networks, sustainability and data governance. These articles offer practical strategies for leading manufacturing through rapid transformation.
The Best of Rethink 2025
Rethink 2025 marked 20 years of Manufacturing 4.0 insights, featuring sessions on digital transformation, innovation, and next-generation leadership from industry experts and manufacturers.
The Best of 2025 Decision Compass Calls
MLC’s Decision Compass calls explore key Manufacturing 4.0 topics, from generative AI and workforce engagement to predictive maintenance, cloud supply chains, and carbon reuse. Archived sessions are available to members in the content library.
Transforming Manufacturing with AI: Applications, Benefits, and How to Begin
AI and machine learning are helping manufacturers improve quality, maintenance, scheduling, sustainability and supply chains. Success depends on data readiness, skills development and a plan to scale.
Using AI to Boost Supply Chain Visibility and Resiliency
AI improves supply chain visibility and resilience with real-time data, predictive insights, and automation. It helps manufacturers anticipate disruptions, respond faster, and reduce downtime across operations.
Scenes from Rethink 2025
Manufacturing leaders gathered in Florida for MLC’s record-setting Rethink 2025, focusing on accelerating digital transformation, AI, and Manufacturing 4.0 through panels, case studies, and awards.
Maximizing Continuous Improvement with GenAI
GenAI can help manufacturers overcome CI sustainability and connectivity challenges by automating workflows, capturing knowledge, and measuring savings. It also improves human decision-making, though data security, legacy integration, and ROI remain key hurdles.
MLC Announces 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Award Winners
MLC named Celanese, Pure & Gentle and Merck’s Besu Alemayehu as 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Award winners for digital transformation, sustainability and innovation in manufacturing.
Merck, Celanese and Pure & Gentle Named Top Winners in Manufacturing Leadership Awards Competition
Merck’s Besu Alemayehu was named 2025 Manufacturing Leader of the Year, while Celanese and Pure & Gentle won top Manufacturing Leadership Awards for digital transformation and sustainability.
Welcome New Members of the MLC June 2025
Introducing the latest new members to the Manufacturing Leadership Council
MLC welcomes new members from SAF-Holland, Merck, McCormick, Hutchens Industries, Condumex and General Motors. Learn more about the association’s growing membership.
Decarbonizing Scope 3 Emissions through Circular Strategies
Circular economy strategies can help companies cut Scope 3 emissions by reducing upstream supplier impacts and product-use emissions. Circular procurement and supplier engagement offer practical decarbonization levers across the value chain.
Building a Practical Sustainability Management System for Manufacturers
A Sustainability Management System helps manufacturers embed sustainability into daily operations, leadership, and continuous improvement. It moves companies beyond reporting to practical, business-driven action across the value chain.
The Business Case for Circularity
Circular manufacturing helps reduce waste, protect profitability and build resilient supply chains by redesigning products, processes and partnerships. Consumer demand and regulation are pushing companies toward closed-loop, regenerative business models.
