News and Insights
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.
Manufacturing Leadership Council Appoints Ron Castro as Chairman and Will Bonifant as Vice Chairman of Board of Governors
Manufacturing Leadership Council names IBM’s Ron Castro chairman and Hormel Foods’ Will Bonifant vice chairman of its Board of Governors to guide manufacturing digital transformation efforts.
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.
Future of Manufacturing Project: The Digital Leader’s Playbook
Manufacturing leaders must build digital expertise, agility, and cross-functional leadership to navigate AI, data-driven operations, and increasingly interdependent global networks.
Exploring Digital and Physical Convergence at Eclipse Automation
MLC members toured Eclipse Automation’s iPort to see digital twins, AR/VR demos, and shop-floor innovation in action. The event highlighted how digital transformation and automation are accelerating factory design and production.
The Industrial Data Foundation Imperative: Building Manufacturing’s AI Future
Manufacturers need strong industrial data governance and contextualization before scaling AI. Companies with mature data foundations are more likely to achieve real ROI and enterprise-wide AI success.
Connectivity and AI Drive the Future of Manufacturing
AI, fiber optics, 5G and edge computing are transforming manufacturing into agile smart factories with faster decisions, better quality control and stronger security.
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.
Reflections on Hannover Fair 2025
European manufacturers are broadly at a similar stage of digital transformation as U.S. peers, with leadership and legacy systems still slowing progress. Europe may be ahead in data management, especially interoperability, data sharing, and data sovereignty.
The Foundations of Enabling an M4.0 Supply Network
Manufacturing 4.0 supply networks require digital visibility, collaboration and agile execution. Treating suppliers as an extension of the business helps improve quality, speed and resilience.
The AI Glossary for Manufacturing Leaders: Key Terms You Need to Know
A quick guide to key AI terms reshaping manufacturing, from machine learning and generative AI to edge AI, physical AI, and vision systems.
February 25 Template
Connected worker solutions integrate MBD/E, IoT, and AR to give manufacturers real-time guidance and feedback. They can improve agility, compliance, quality, efficiency, and employee empowerment.
All Aboard the AI Train as Manufacturing Leaders Embrace the Future
Manufacturing leaders are rapidly embracing AI, with MLC highlighting its economic potential, rising investment and key challenges like data quality, skills gaps and measuring ROI.
Future of Manufacturing Project: The Growing Competition for AI Supremacy
MLC’s David Brousell says AI is reshaping manufacturing as global competition for AI leadership intensifies, with ChatGPT driving rapid growth, huge investment, and major opportunities and challenges for industry.
Seeing the Unseen: Observability in Manufacturing
Software observability principles can help manufacturers gain real-time visibility, enable remote monitoring, and improve decision-making. Computer vision and AI add rich real-world data to boost efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.
Effective Digital Transformation Leadership Practices
Digital transformation leadership works best by focusing on specific business problems, starting small and building flexible, scalable solutions. Influencing teams around clear goals helps smart factory initiatives deliver long-term value.
Dialogue: Next-Gen Winner on Leadership and Learning
IBM’s Marlon Gonzalez says AI can make supply chains more resilient and efficient, and that navigating the pandemic early in his career strengthened his adaptability, resilience, and innovation mindset.
Exploring Automation and Culture at Amazon
From garage to global giant: how innovation, data and machine learning drive Amazon’s BFI4 Fulfillment Center
Amazon’s BFI4 fulfillment center uses robotics, computer vision and machine learning to sort, pack and ship millions of items weekly. The article also highlights Amazon’s innovation culture, built on fast, data-driven decisions.
How Manufacturers Can Win With Industrial SaaS Business Models
Industrial SaaS offers manufacturers higher margins and growth, but only 15% have succeeded. Winning businesses combine connected products, customer relevance, and strong relationships, with CEOs able to use BCG’s framework to scale.
