The Manufacturing Leadership Journal
Bold Ideas for a Better Future
Dialogue: Building Rheem’s AI-Ready Future
Joe Palomba, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at Rheem Manufacturing, discusses how aligned leadership, process and data are essential to building a connected AI-ready enterprise.
Report: The Future of Digital Leadership
The Future of Manufacturing Project analyzes the essential skills that manufacturing leaders need for the future.
Survey: GenAI Adoption Surges in Manufacturing
MLC research shows that 61% believe AI will be a game-changer by 2030.
“We talk about [data] all the time, but it’s probably the single most important aspect to digital transformation and it’s probably the single most difficult part of that journey to stand up.”
Joe Palomba, Senior Vice President Information Technologies, Rheem Manufacturing Company
Also in this issue
SURVEY ARCHIVE
Survey: Manufacturers See Data, Lack Strategy
September 30, 2025
Manufacturers say data is driving efficiency, cost savings and better decisions, but nearly half lack corporate governance plans and many still struggle to turn data into strategy.
Survey: Tariff Tumult Roils Supply Chains
April 1, 2025
More than 40% of manufacturers say tariffs are already hurting supply chains, with rising costs the biggest impact. Most are turning to digital tools, analytics and resiliency efforts to boost visibility and reduce disruption.
Survey: M4.0 Appears Poised for A Significant Leap
January 31, 2025
Manufacturers are boosting AI and smart factory investments as digital transformation gains momentum. Most expect economic growth, and 75% now rate their digital maturity at a mid-level.
Survey: Leadership Preparedness Improves, but Gaps Remain
October 1, 2024
Digital manufacturing leaders are improving change management and restructuring for M4.0, but most still lack formal training and feel unprepared for future digital demands.
Survey: Manufacturers See AI as a “Game-Changer” as They Ramp Up Investments
August 1, 2024
Manufacturers are rapidly increasing AI investment, with 78% planning higher spending and nearly half already using generative AI tools. Despite early-stage adoption and workforce/data challenges, 55% expect AI to transform the industry by 2030.
Survey: Smart Factories Are Still a Work in Progress
February 1, 2024
Manufacturers are steadily investing in smart factories, but most remain at an intermediate stage of M4.0 adoption. Cultural resistance and organizational change remain the biggest obstacles.
SURVEY: Manufacturers Go All-In on AI
October 1, 2023
MLC survey shows manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI, with 40% using it widely or in pilots and most expecting it to have the biggest future impact. Companies also say AI is driving process improvement, predictive maintenance, and broader supply chain use.
SURVEY: Choppy Supply Chain Seas Making Skilled Sailors
August 1, 2023
MLC’s survey finds supply chain disruptions remain widespread, driven by shortages, inflation and labor issues, with 36% expecting them to last over a year. Manufacturers are responding with digital tools, reshoring and regional partnerships to boost resiliency.
Survey: On Board with Technology, At Sea with Strategy
June 1, 2023
Manufacturers want digital transformation benefits but often lack a clear strategy, change management, and training plans. Many executives feel unprepared, raising concerns about future competitiveness.
Survey: Data Mastery is Slow to Mature but Essential
April 1, 2023
Manufacturers are slowly improving data mastery, with more formal strategies and better data collection, but many still struggle to measure value. The survey says data is already helping make faster, more accurate decisions.
Survey: More Expect M4.0 Tech Adoption to Increase
October 1, 2022
MLC survey finds 89% of manufacturers expect M4.0 technology adoption to increase over the next two years. The post-pandemic surge is driving sustained innovation across operations, jobs and investment.
Survey: Smarter Factories Are on the Way
February 1, 2023
Manufacturers are continuing M4.0 investments despite economic uncertainty, with more company-wide digital deployments and strong expectations for major gains in factory digitization by 2025.
Survey: Sustainability Momentum Surges Dramatically
December 1, 2022
MLC research shows sustainability is now a major driver of manufacturing transformation, with 68% of companies using corporate-wide strategies and 58% calling it essential to competitiveness. 90% of executives say the industry has a special responsibility to move toward a circular economy.
SURVEY: Manufacturers Get Tough on Cybersecurity
August 1, 2022
Manufacturers are strengthening cybersecurity with formal plans, dedicated budgets, training, and higher confidence in internal expertise, according to an MLC survey. The biggest risks now are business disruption and vulnerabilities in connected networks.
SURVEY: Digital Leadership Playbook Still Work in Progress
June 1, 2022
Manufacturing leaders need new digital skills, including technology fluency, data-driven decision-making, and more collaborative structures. Survey respondents say digital transformation is still reshaping the leadership playbook.
SURVEY: Manufacturing Supply Disruptions to Last Well Into 2023
April 1, 2022
MLC survey finds 90% of manufacturers hit by supply disruptions, with over half expecting no major improvement for one to two years. Companies are now redesigning supply chains for greater resilience.
SURVEY: Future Outlook: Hazy
February 1, 2022
MLC’s survey finds pandemic-driven M4.0 adoption has slowed or stalled for many manufacturers, as talent shortages, supply constraints and budget pressures temper digital transformation plans.
