MT Magazine November/December 2025

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

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

Upgrading Your Business Begins With Adaptability Despite headwinds from global instability, labor shortages, and more, the outlook for manufacturing remains strong for those who stay adaptable. U.S. reshoring, investment in advanced technology, and rising demand in energy, defense, and semiconductors all point to long-term growth. But staying competitive takes more than watching trends. It means investing in your workforce, upgrading digital infrastructure, diversifying supply chains, and using automation to support your people. Manufacturers who tune their operations today will be the ones best positioned to capture tomorrow’s demand – whether it arrives next quarter or next year.

INTERNATIONAL

Aviation Backlogs Soar as MRO Spreads Around the Globe For global manufacturing technology leaders, aerospace demand is decisively shifting toward vital defense programs, engine MRO, space launch constellations, and advanced air mobility. The significant backlogs in single-aisle aircraft unequivocally support the need for automation, composite fabrication, and a digital-first approach to quality management. Defense and hypersonic industries are in demand for ultra-precision machining, advanced power electronics, and thermal management. MRO services require innovations such as additive repair, intelligent non-destructive testing, and rapid turnaround capabilities. Meanwhile, the space and advanced air mobility sectors seek low-volume, high-mix production facilities that are certification-ready. Backed by deep expertise, robust intellectual properties, and strong public-private sector collaborations, Singapore remains the prime destination for MRO and avionics. Morocco, however, is establishing itself as a cost-competitive alternative. Primarily benefiting from its French-speaking workforce and proximity to EU supply chains, it’s become an ideal location for aerostructure and wire harness production.

SMARTFORCE

ELEVATE: Powered By IMTS and WiM — Where Insight Meets Inspiration IMTS and the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) are joining forces to present ELEVATE, a powerful half-day conference and networking reception designed to inspire, empower, and connect professionals across the manufacturing technology community. Join us on Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago for an afternoon of bold ideas, industry-leading speakers, and meaningful connections. From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the ELEVATE Conference will deliver dynamic keynotes and panels to enable IMTS visitors and exhibitors to perform their best and achieve their goals. Then, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., keep the momentum going at an exclusive ELEVATE networking reception. Don’t miss it! Follow speaker announcements and updates at IMTS.com/ELEVATE.