News and Insights
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.
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.
Digital Manufacturing in Action at GM’s Cadillac Plant in Tennessee
GM’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
Schneider 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
MLC 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
Craig 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
Manufacturing 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
Introducing 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
Rockwell 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
Rockwell 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
EV 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
Dr. 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
Schneider 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
Introducing 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
Davos 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
Manufacturing 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
Morgan 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
GM 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.
Rethink 2022: Supply Chain Through a New Lens
Greater visibility and an engaged workforce are key to overcoming long-lasting supply chain disruption
Industry leaders urged manufacturers to improve supply chain visibility, supplier readiness, and workforce agility to reduce disruption and build more resilient operations.
Experiencing M4.0 at The Smart Factory @ Wichita Tour
MLC members glimpse manufacturing today and tomorrow during The Smart Factory @ Wichita tour
MLC’s Smart Factory tour in Wichita showcased Manufacturing 4.0 technologies, from digital twins to cybersecurity, and highlighted how advanced data and automation are transforming factory operations.
