News and Insights
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.
Dialogue: Leading Manufacturing Through AI Change
March 1, 2026Rockwell’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.
Digital Manufacturing in Action at GM’s Cadillac Plant in Tennessee
October 9, 2025GM’s Cadillac plant in Tennessee uses robotics, AI and automation to improve safety, quality and efficiency, including battery inspections and a robot installing seats on a moving line.
In Mexico, Schneider Electric Showcases “Lighthouse” Accomplishments
May 13, 2025Schneider Electric showcased its Monterrey, Mexico Lighthouse plant, highlighting EcoStruxure-driven digital manufacturing gains, including 25% less downtime, 29% lower energy use, and zero waste to landfill.
MLC Announces Finalists of Manufacturing Leadership Awards
April 18, 2025MLC announced finalists for the Manufacturing Leadership Awards, recognizing companies advancing digital transformation in manufacturing. Winners will be revealed at the June 18 gala in Florida, alongside the Rethink conference.
Dialogue: Scaling Industry 4.0 at Eaton
April 1, 2025Craig Sutton explains how he built Eaton’s Industry 4.0 strategy from the ground up, drawing on decades of manufacturing experience to drive smart factory transformation.
A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Managing Change
May 31, 2024Manufacturing 4.0 technologies like connected devices, XR, and AI are empowering frontline workers, but adoption depends on overcoming cultural resistance with small, measurable pilots.
Welcome New Members of the MLC June 2024
May 31, 2024Introducing the latest new members to the Manufacturing Leadership Council
MLC welcomes new members from TE Connectivity, Field Fastener, and Jabil, including operations leaders Mike Coubrough, Jim Derry, Jim Tobojka, and Michal Wierzchowski.
A Pioneer in Automation Becomes a Champion for Digital Transformation
May 6, 2024Rockwell Automation is using MES, IoT, digital twins and real-time analytics to drive digital transformation at its Twinburg plant, boost efficiency and reduce silos. The company is now exploring AI and generative AI to deepen data-driven operations.
Dialogue: Manufacturing is Still a People Business
April 1, 2024Rockwell CEO Blake Moret says automation is accelerating, but manufacturing will remain people-driven, with workers empowered by data and AI. He sees autonomous operations growing, not replacing human decision-making.
Revolutionizing EV Battery Manufacturing with Data and Smart Factory Technologies
February 1, 2024EV battery manufacturers are using Manufacturing 4.0, data, AI and blockchain to improve efficiency, quality and supply chain resilience. These smart factory tools also help them scale, innovate and respond faster to market and regulatory changes.
Dialogue: Reflections on a Lifetime of Innovation
August 1, 2023Dr. Don A. Kinard reflects on lessons from a career in manufacturing, including integrity, customer understanding, and cross-functional leadership. He also highlights supply chain challenges and the future of U.S. manufacturing.
Dialogue: Driving AI at Scale at Schneider Electric
May 25, 2023Schneider Electric’s Chief AI Officer says AI is essential for industrial efficiency, sustainability, and the energy transition, and the company is scaling it across global operations and customer solutions.
New Members of the MLC
March 6, 2023Introducing the latest new members to the Manufacturing Leadership Council.
The Manufacturing Leadership Council welcomes five new members from EnerSys, MSA Safety, Nestlé Purina, Emerson Automation Solutions, and Sukup Manufacturing. The list highlights leaders in global operations, digital manufacturing, and operational technology.
Davos 2023: Takeaways for Manufacturing
February 16, 2023Davos 2023 highlighted manufacturing’s shared challenges, growing focus on sustainability and skills, and the rise of glocalized, more resilient supply chains powered by technology.
Exploring Sustainability and Resilience at Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory
December 14, 2022Manufacturing leaders toured Schneider Electric’s Lexington smart factory, a WEF-recognized Lighthouse showcasing AI, IIoT, and digital tools that improve efficiency, sustainability, and uptime.
Morgan Advanced Materials Case Study
November 27, 2022Morgan Advanced Materials’ thinkGREEN initiative has cut waste, water use, and energy intensity at its St. Marys plant through projects like acetone recycling, improving sustainability, safety, and costs.
CASE STUDY: GM’s Award-Winning Factory ZERO
July 18, 2022GM transformed a 38-year-old Detroit plant into Factory ZERO, a $2.2 billion all-electric EV assembly facility with integrated battery production. The award-winning renovation supports GM’s zero-emissions future.
