MT Magazine January/February 2026

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

9

Manufacturing Matters Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

TECHNOLOGY

Opportunity Lives Between the Sectors Sometimes the fastest path to growth isn’t in your market – it’s in someone else’s. For example, a decade ago, as electric vehicles gained popularity, some oil and gas suppliers with idle capacity pivoted to machining parts for electric vehicles. Today, that same principle holds. Sector-specific slowdowns often leave high-value capabilities sitting unused, while emerging markets – like clean energy, aerospace, or defense – face capacity shortfalls. The key is visibility and flexibility. Manufacturers who understand their strengths and stay open to cross-sector work can thrive where others stall. In an unpredictable economy, diversification isn’t a hedge – it’s a strategy.

INTERNATIONAL

Strategies for Shifting Opportunities in Global Market Sectors Opportunities in the global industrial sector for manufacturers are never constant. Tracking and capitalizing on them is an ever changing game of chess. In volatile times, prioritize sectors that maintain or increase investment, such as pharmaceuticals, defense, energy, and utilities, where demand and regulatory pressures create steady equipment needs. There are also nice opportunities in semiconductors, logistics automation, and renewable energy. Target emerging markets – India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico – where industrial growth and government incentives drive automation spending. When mainstay sectors like automotive and aerospace slow down, shift emphasis to retrofits, productivity upgrades, and service contracts rather than new machine sales. Develop sector-specific ROI tools and application engineering to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Build partnerships with local integrators and distributors who specialize in your target industries. Monitoring global trends and opportunities can be daunting. For some help, turn to AMT’s weekly International News From the Field column on AMT Online, which can help guide you in allocating your global resources.

SMARTFORCE

Running Out of Candidates? The Student Summit Has Thousands The Smartforce Career Pathways program at IMTS 2026 connects you directly with the next generation of manufacturing talent. More than 15,000 students will attend the Smartforce Student Summit, including over 5,000 college and university students actively exploring their career options. It is a powerful way to put your entry-level openings in front of a motivated, future-focused audience. Participating IMTS exhibitors receive prominent placements on two large-format digital job boards inside the Student Summit, located in Hall C of the North Building at McCormick Place, as well as extended visibility in the Smartforce section of IMTS.com through the end of 2026. Each listing includes your logo, booth number, up to three open entry-level roles, and a QR code linking directly to your IMTS digital showroom. Whether you are hiring interns, apprentices, or new graduates, Smartforce Career Pathways helps you build brand recognition, connect with emerging talent, and show your commitment to workforce development. Contact summit lead Catherine “Cat” Ross at cross@AMTonline.org to secure your spot.