MT Magazine September/October 2025

LEARNING FROM GENERAL MOTORS INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONFLICTS WILL LIKELY IMPACT YOUR OPERATIONS. LEARN WHAT GENERAL MOTORS IS DOING — AND HOW THOSE TACTICS CAN ENHANCE YOUR OPERATIONS.

ADDRESSING THE ‘ESSENTIAL ECONOMY’ by Douglas K. Woods | 01

MAPPING MT DEMAND by Edward Christopher and Achilles Arbex | 29

HOW INCREASED FDI IMPACTS US MACHINE TOOL ORDERS — OR DOES IT? by Christopher Chidzik | 36

by Gary Vasilash | 12

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 5

Five manufacturing megatrends reshaping sales by 2030 What’s changing between now and then – and how to prepare

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

A VIEW FROM THE WOODS

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Addressing the ‘Essential Economy’

The annual Aspen Ideas Festival brings together an array of people – scientists, economists, artists, foreign policy experts, and others – who give, essentially, long-form TED talks for subject-matter experts. This year, one presentation discussed a topic of particular

Another place where assistance is available – which might actually turn into a productive partnership – is a local community college. These two-year institutions generally focus on vocational education, and with more than 1,000 throughout the country, one is undoubtedly in your vicinity. Many community colleges have co-op programs that can be advantageous. Henry Ford College, the community college two miles from Farley’s office, offers a Machine Tool Technology/CNC program. Its description reads: “By the time you finish, you will be able to solve complex technological problems through critical analysis, practice safe work habits in a manufacturing environment, and gain entry-level employment as a machine tool operator or CNC programmer.” How many four-year colleges are likely to claim that their graduates can “gain entry-level employment” doing anything related to what’s embossed on their diploma? While previous decades also saw a lack of people in skilled trades, significant differences exist today. For example, the tariff regime initiated on April 2, 2025 – “Liberation Day” – has driven substantial reshoring of manufacturing. This means a greater demand for workers. Odds are, the wages that will be offered will develop supply to meet that demand. Another crucial difference goes back to the Maker Movement’s beginning in 2005 and the subsequent birth of the Maker Faire in 2006 in San Mateo in Silicon Valley. Along with the development of affordable 3D printing machines, easy-to-use CAD, and other accessible technologies, interest in manufacturing began to shift when people realized that making things was cool. Today, there are some 860 makerspaces in the United States – places where like-minded people can share ideas, equipment (3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, basic hand tools, etc.), materials, and space. Certainly, “makers” can become “machinists.” If the problem of the essential economy is to be solved – and let’s face it, it is a problem – then manufacturers, educational institutions, and governments (local, state, federal) must collaborate to turn this around. As Farley told the Aspen audience: “We need a new mindset that recognizes the importance of this essential economy to our vibrancy and sustainability as a country.” Or as Henry Ford – the man who founded the company where Farley works – put it: “Nations are great as they are prosperous as they are industrious as they are just.” We cannot afford to overlook the “industrious” part, though for too many years, too many people have.

importance to the manufacturing community: the “essential economy,” the men and women who work in the construction, HVAC, or plumbing industries – and machining. Most people probably never think of a plumber as “essential” – until they need one. What’s more, it was presented to a crowd whose familiarity with a factory was probably limited to films about the Great Depression – and delivered by a man with a whole lot of industry credibility: Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Co. Farley didn’t talk about electric vehicles or the secretive skunkworks program Ford operates in Long Beach, California, about 2,000 miles west of its headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Instead, he shared statistics that likely surprised the audience. He discussed how we are short 600,000 factory workers, 500,000 construction workers, 400,000 auto mechanics, and 100,000 warehouse workers. Numbers we are all too familiar with. “AI and battery plants seem really exciting, but they all need HVAC installers, electricians, and welders,” he said. While it is encouraging that influential people like Farley are using their voice to advocate for more people in the trades, let’s face it: This problem goes back decades and will take years to fix. Part of the problem stems from the cultural stigma people face from preferring to work in a tool and die shop rather than pursuing a four-year college degree that may leave them with massive debt and an education that doesn’t easily lead to a salary capable of repaying it. In manufacturing, part of the labor shortage problem comes from the small number of apprenticeship programs administered by companies. Consequently, the number of people with the skills needed in our evolving industry is diminishing – and let’s not lose sight of the fact that many skilled workers are retiring. The simple truth is that the government alone will not solve this skills gap. Manufacturing companies must put their real world expertise to use and create programs to address the industry’s specific needs. Understandably, shops unfamiliar with how training should be conducted may hesitate to jump into educating a new generation of workers. However, helpful resources are readily available, such as the Manufacturing Institute’s National Institute for Metalworking Skills credentialing program and Tooling U-SME’s comprehensive suite of courses.

Douglas K. Woods President AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

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Masthead

Editorial Team Cathy Ma VP, Audience & Content cma@AMTonline.org Kristin Bartschi Director, Marketing & Communications kbartschi@AMTonline.org Kathy Keyes

Executive Team Douglas K. Woods President dwoods@AMTonline.org Travis Egan Chief Revenue Officer tegan@AMTonline.org Becky Stahl Chief Financial Officer bstahl@AMTonline.org Christopher Kasmark Chief Information Officer ckasmark@AMTonline.org

Technology Ryan Kelly VP, Technology

rkelly@AMTonline.org Intelligence Kevin Bowers VP, Research kbowers@AMTonline.org Smartforce Catherine Ross Director, Community Engagement cross@AMTonline.org athomas@AMTonline.org International Ed Christopher VP, Global Services echristopher@AMTonline.org Sales Mike DiFranco VP, Sales mdifranco@AMTonline.org Membership Bill Herman VP, Membership bherman@AMTonline.org Advocacy Amber Thomas VP, Advocacy

Managing Editor, Content kwebster@AMTonline.org Dan Hong Writer/Editor dhong@AMTonline.org Jacob McCloskey Senior Graphic Designer jmccloskey@AMTonline.org Tiffany Kim Graphic Designer tkim@AMTonline.org Hailey Sarnecki Graphic Designer hsarnecki@AMTonline.org

IMTS Michelle Edmonson VP, Exhibitions medmonson@IMTS.com Bonnie Gurney VP, Strategic Partnerships & Industry Relations bgurney@IMTS.com Mark Kennedy Senior Director, Exhibitor Services mkennedy@IMTS.com Allison Konczyk Senior Director, Exhibitions Operations akonczyk@IMTS.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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Table of Contents

Click See what’s trending

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Manufacturing Matters Get details on the latest industry news

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AMT Upcoming Events Important manufacturing technology dates and events to bookmark

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Learning From General Motors by Gary S. Vasilash

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The Big Picture 6 Lessons for Manufacturers Today

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6 Days. 1 Show. Achieve the Impossible at IMTS 2026 by Michelle Edmonson

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Must Love Dogs (and 3D Printing) by Mary Cecile Neville

D25 Meeting Helps Distributors Operate at Peak Efficiency by Bill Herman

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Mapping MT Demand by Edward Christopher and Achilles Arbex

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AI+ Expo 2025: 3 Key Takeaways by Stephen LaMarca

How Increased FDI Impacts U.S. Machine Tool Orders — Or Does It? by Chris Chidzik

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COVER DESIGN Hailey Sarnecki | G raphic Designer INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN 6 Lessons for Manufacturers Today Tiffany Kim | Graphic Designer

MT Manufacturing Technology (ISSN # 2836-2896), September/October 2025, Issue 5, is published bi-monthly by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean VA 22102. Periodicals Postage Paid at Merrifield, VA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MT Manufacturing Technology at 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean VA 22102.

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October 7-9 Anaheim, CA

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POWER YOUR POTENTIAL. RECHARGE IN ANAHEIM! This October, the Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, featuring WESTEC , is where bold ideas meet real-world results. Step into a space designed for leaders, innovators and makers who are actively shaping the future of manufacturing.

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EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVES – Access insider strategies from the top minds driving industry change. KNOWLEDGE BARS – Get hands-on access to breakthrough innovations from leading manufacturers. SMART MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE EXHIBITS – Experience live demos and tech spotlights that turn potential into production.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – Connect with the people and partnerships that move business forward.

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REGISTER TODAY Use Promo Code AMT to receive a complimentary 3-day guest pass

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

CLICK

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Click MT Magazine is more than just paper pulp and ink. Explore our content on AMTonline.org and engage with discussions on a wide array of topics affecting manufacturing technology now.

Section 232 Tariffs: What You Need To Know In August, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security added 407 product categories of steel and aluminum derivatives to the items subject to President Donald Trump’s expanded Section 232 tariffs. These products will be subject to 50% steel and aluminum tariffs, including Harmonized Tariff Schedule code 8457.10.00, which refers to machining centers for working metal. Learn what this means to you, get important resources, and ensure your concerns are heard with these critical steps.

Tariff Fatigue Returns AMT’s tariff survey of its members in the second quarter showed anxieties were building. While signs of stabilization over the summer led firms to begin adapting to known risks, the announcement of new Section 232 derivative tariffs in the third quarter caused AMT member sentiment to shift sharply again. The latest survey reveals a renewed sense of strain, strategic hesitation, and export headwinds across the manufacturing technology sector. Read this article for five important takeaways from AMT’s Q3 2025 spot survey.

IMTS: Where the Impossible Becomes Reality A single moment can reshape everything. That’s what happened when Tom Bassett of Pro-Cam Services stepped onto the IMTS floor: He discovered tools that slashed cutting time, added 5-axis machining, and sparked a $1 million revenue lift. More than just headlines, this story hits home: It’s about a family working side by side, a community inspired, and the ripple effect on industry and country. IMTS isn’t just a show – it’s where dreams become machines, families grow stronger, and the impossible becomes reality.

‘Go WEST, Young Man(ufacturer)’ The West Coast is no stranger to spotlights, and Manufacturing Technology Series WEST, featuring WESTEC, will shine a bright light on innovative tech and real-world applications across the region. Held Oct. 7-9 in Anaheim, California, attendees will discover cutting-edge innovations and advanced insights, make dynamic business connections, and establish or strengthen their presence in this vital sector. AMT members can register with the code “AMT” to receive a complimentary pass.

My AMT Leadership Forum group offers so much collaboration. Members are from machine tools, accessories, and other industries, and their experience levels are likewise diverse. So, when we discuss business issues, you get so many different opinions and perspectives that you learn new solutions and ways to approach situations that you may not have encountered before.

MACKENZIE ZANELLO HAUG Midwest Sales Representative MP Systems

YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology knows the importance of developing leadership skills for yourself or your company. That’s why AMT member MP Systems utilizes the AMT Leadership Forums to develop their future leaders’ long-term connections and problem-solving capabilities. Access a membership that will upgrade your upper levels.

Learn More

Email membership@AMTonline.org or scan the QR code to learn how to make the most out of your membership.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

MANUFACTURING MATTERS

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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.

The Global Trade Landscape In a volatile global trade landscape, small and midsized manufacturers can take a page from GM’s playbook: Double down on your most profitable products and proven processes to stay grounded; invest in flexibility – modular systems, agile teams, and adaptable sourcing – to pivot quickly when needed; and repurpose idle capacity, talent, or technology to explore new markets or applications. You don’t need GM’s size to stay competitive – you need speed, focus, and the willingness to adapt. TECHNOLOGY

INTERNATIONAL

From Tariff Burden to Business Edge: The Power of Bonded Warehouses In an era of shifting trade policies and escalating tariff pressures, forward-thinking businesspeople are turning to bonded warehouses as a strategic imperative. These facilities offer the ability to defer duty payments – and far more. They are a tool to preserve liquidity, strengthen cash flow, and free up capital for growth while unlocking critical operational flexibility. By holding goods in a tariff-suspended environment, companies can reexport, reroute, or strategically time market entry, transforming tariffs from a rigid burden into a more controllable variable. This dual advantage – financial efficiency paired with agility – gives companies a powerful lever to optimize margins, safeguard supply chains, and respond swiftly to geopolitical or regulatory shifts. More than logistical convenience, bonded warehouses function as sophisticated solutions for resilience, ensuring global enterprises remain both profitable and adaptable in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Turning Trade Disruption Into Opportunity Through Talent Development Shifts in global trade impact more than machines; they reshape the workforce. Tariffs, supply chain realignments, and new facility investments all intensify the demand for skilled labor. For machine tool builders and distributors, talent strategy is as critical as trade strategy. That’s why workforce initiatives at home, like Smartforce Career Pathways at the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026, matter on a global scale. Pathways will help exhibitors promote entry-level roles to the more than 15,000 students attending IMTS 2026, build visibility with educators, and direct early-career talent to show booths. With an extended presence on IMTS.com through 2026, participating companies strengthen their employer brand while developing a pipeline that can adapt to changing international markets. Trade may be unpredictable, but talent development is a long-term play. Learn more at IMTS.com/Smartforce. SMARTFORCE

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Manufacturers Navigate New Trade Rules Manufacturers in the United States and abroad continue to grapple with the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported products, components, and raw materials. Frequent changes in tariff rules and enforcement have made it difficult for companies to adapt and invest with confidence. Industry leaders hope that, once the policy environment stabilizes and more trade agreements are in place, the federal government will establish a clear, consistent process for seeking critical tariff exclusions – particularly for industries and companies whose products are essential to national security. Such a framework would help safeguard key manufacturing capabilities while enabling businesses to remain competitive in the global market. Tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – such as permanent 100% bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 expensing, and permanent R&D expensing – can help reduce costs for equipment purchases and research investments, providing some relief from uncertainty. ADVOCACY

INTELLIGENCE

Reconciling Manufacturing Technology Trade With Broader Trends While the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Balance of Payments data for the second quarter of 2025 shows a notable decline in total U.S. net imports, trade data for machine tools and cutting tools tells a different story. Net imports for both categories increased significantly – by over $76 million for cutting tools and $56 million for machine tools compared to the first quarter. This divergence reflects the longer planning cycles and strategic nature of capital equipment purchases. Unlike consumer goods, which respond quickly to economic signals or trade shifts, machine tools are typically ordered well in advance and integrated into broader investment timelines. As of this writing, net imports of machine tools and cutting tools are projected to begin tracking more closely with broader trade trends as supply chains adjust and purchasing patterns normalize across sectors. This convergence would bring capital goods trade more in line with the overall import landscape reflected in the BEA’s data.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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AMT Upcoming Events Learn more or register at AMTonline.org/events. Your datebook will thank you.

UP NEXT

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SERIES Located in key manufacturing hubs across the country, the MT Series brings four long-standing regional manufacturing events together under one umbrella. MT SERIES EAST: May 13-15, 2025 | West Springfield, MA MT SERIES WEST: October 7-9, 2025 | Anaheim, CA MT SERIES SOUTHEAST: October 21-23, 2025 | Greenville, SC MT SERIES SOUTHWEST: November 4-6, 2025 | Dallas, TX (EASTEC | WESTEC | SOUTHTEC | HOUSTEX) MTFORECAST The 2025 MTForecast Conference October 15-17, 2025 | Schaumburg, Illinois MTForecast offers attendees the latest economic and global forecasts, manufacturing technology market insights, and information on new opportunities and challenges. Learn from renowned forecasters and industry experts about the pitfalls and opportunities shaping the industry over the next few years.

MFG The 2026 MFG Meeting March 10-12, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida The MFG Meeting brings together manufacturing technology industry leaders to address key business challenges and provide actionable solutions. Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including workforce, economics, supply chain, leadership, politics, and more.

THE DISTRIBUTION SUMMIT

IMTS IMTS 2026 September 14-19, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

D25 November 18-19, 2025 | Carmel, Indiana

Training. Tactics. Territories. Manufacturing technology distributors are invited to the only meeting in the United States programmed specifically to meet their needs and interests. Plug in to the most influential sales network in the nation.

AMT MEMBER MEETUPS AMT Member Meetups are regional gatherings of the AMT community. These free events bring together diverse perspectives from every corner of the supply chain to help manufacturing communities grow and innovate. Stay tuned for dates for these upcoming AMT Meetups. CHICAGO, IL The largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere returns to Chicago! Find new equipment, software, and products to move your business forward, connect with industry experts and peers, and attend conference sessions to boost your industry knowledge.

IMTS IMTS Exhibitor Workshop January 27-29, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

The IMTS Exhibitor Workshop is a free, in-person event designed exclusively for IMTS exhibitors. Exhibitor Workshop provides in-depth information on best practices for both your booth operations and optimizing your preshow, on-site, and postshow marketing.

CINCINNATI, OH MINEAPOLIS, MN MILWAUKEE, WI

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Learning From General Motors The unprecedented turbulence that manufacturing companies face from international trade conflicts will likely impact your operations. Learn what General Motors is doing – and how those tactics can enhance your operations. BY GARY S. VASILASH CONTRIBUTING DIRECTOR While current U.S. tariffs were meant to level the global playing field, growing pains were always inevitable. Even global powerhouse General Motors, the country’s largest automaker, must contend with the trade war’s dramatic reverberations. In July, despite reporting revenue of $47.12 billion for the second quarter of 2025 – and beating Wall Street estimates of $46.28 billion – GM’s profits took a $1.1 billion hit. And it anticipates more going forward. Although saying anything definitive about doing business globally is impossible due to the fluctuations of economics as politics, CEO Mary Barra delivered a strong, clear message in her letter to shareholders: GM is making adjustments to deal with the challenges. She wrote: “In addition to our strong underlying operating performance, we are positioning the business for a profitable, long-term future as we adapt to new trade and tax policies, and

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a rapidly evolving tech landscape. “For example, in June we announced $4 billion of new investment in our U.S. assembly plants to add 300,000 units of capacity for high margin light-duty pickups, full-size SUVs and crossovers. This will help us satisfy unmet customer demand, greatly reduce our tariff exposure, and capture upside opportunities as we launch new models. The capacity begins coming online in just 18 months, after which we project building more than 2 million vehicles in the U.S. each year as we scale.” The company’s approach may be just what other U.S. manufacturers need to follow to succeed in current market conditions. Let’s break that down. New Trade and Tax Policies Again, there is flux in the trade arena at the moment, so trade and tax policies still need to be worked out. However, several advantageous tax policies for manufacturing companies were signed into law that immediately benefit companies, such as 100% bonus depreciation, doubling of the Section 179 expensing cap to $2.5 million, and more. See “Major Win for U.S. Manufacturers: One Big Beautiful Bill Signed Into Law” on AMT Online for details.

$4B of New Investment Ignore that (very big) number. Most companies don’t have $4 billion to invest. And, while your company likely doesn’t have a massive footprint in another country that needs to be reshored, elements of your supply chain could require an investment to relocate to maximize efficiency. Two things are important to note about GM’s situation and consequent actions: 1. At the start of the year, Cox Automotive estimated total U.S. auto sales to be 16.3 million units for 2025; that has been lowered to 15.6 million, with 15.7 million being the baseline. Even with a declining market, GM is investing. The company announced its $4 billion investment on June 10. It could have invested less, or it could have put investing on hold entirely until there was greater clarity – but it saw the need to bolster its U.S. manufacturing footprint, and that costs money. Part of this investment will create capacity in two of its domestic plants to produce the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Equinox (Fairfax Assembly) and Chevrolet Blazer (Spring Hill Manufacturing), vehicles that are presently made at the company’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. 2. While this may seem obvious, the obvious always bears repeating: GM is focusing on its highest-margin products. This past June, in a presentation of Bank of America’s annual Car Wars analysis of the auto industry, the bank’s chief automotive analyst, John Murphy, said, “The next four-plus years will be the most uncertain and volatile time in product strategy ever. Therefore, we think that automakers must lean heavily into their core ICE product portfolios to generate the capital to fund the uncertain future.” This is precisely what GM is doing with its concentration on gasoline-powered pickups and full-size SUVs and crossovers. Another portion of the $4 billion investment will go to the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan. Initially expected to produce electric trucks, the plant will now make large, gas powered vehicles. It is worth noting that on May 27, a few weeks before announcing its $4 billion investment, GM announced another manufacturing investment: $888 million for the Tonawanda Propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York – the largest single investment GM has ever made in an engine plant. Here’s something worth noting about the Tonawanda plant: It was originally opened in 1938. By taking advantage of existing infrastructure, GM makes the most productive use of its money. This is not to say that it will use facilities that are nearly 90 years old, but that it is not going greenfield on its manufacturing operations, which can be cost effective.

Tonawanda Propulsion currently makes the fifth-generation small-block V8. The

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investment will equip the plant to produce the sixth-generation version, which will be used in full-size trucks and SUVs. So, while the media seems to pay considerable attention to EVs and think of V8 engines as relics of the 1960s, the folks doing the calculations at GM don’t think that’s the case. Instead, GM is clearly leaning into what is making it the most money. Online in Just 18 Months One thing that can’t be overstated is the importance of being able to respond quickly to changing conditions. GM builds light-duty pickups at a plant in Silao, Mexico – the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500. According to ProMexico Industry, GM was the top vehicle producer in Mexico in 2024, producing 889,072 vehicles – trucks and the aforementioned SUVs. In addition to the plants in Silao and Ramos Arizpe, GM has another factory in San Luis Potosi. It also builds some Silverado 1500s at Oshawa Assembly in Ontario. But it also builds the two trucks in Fort Wayne, Indiana. What do Mexico and Canada have in common? When GM made the announcement, the U.S. neighbors faced 25% tariffs. Some adjustments can be calculated based on the USMCA trade agreement, but regardless, these are stiff tariffs. So, GM will shift production from Mexico and Canada to Fort Wayne and the Orion Assembly plant, which will begin building trucks in early 2027. Keep in mind that GM’s top competitor in the light-duty pickup space, Ford Motor Co., builds its F-150 in the United States at Dearborn Truck, Kansas City Assembly, and the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. The longer it takes GM to build its trucks in U.S. facilities, the more it will cost and the more market share it will lose to Ford, as Ford won’t need to increase prices to accommodate tariffs. North Star One more thing that can be gleaned from Barra’s letter to the shareholders – this one about technology. She wrote: “Despite slower EV industry growth, we believe the long term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans.” According to Kelley Blue Book’s figures for the first half of 2025, 607,089 electric vehicles were sold in the United States – a 1.5% year-over-year increase and not the sort of thing that the domestic auto industry expected after investing billions of dollars in EVs.

GM, which is second to Tesla in EV sales in the United States, sold just 78,163 EVs in the first half of 2025 – and that’s from Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. To put the 78,163 figure in context: During

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the same period, GM delivered 129,889 gasoline-powered Chevy Equinoxes. No, GM’s EV sales are not where they need to be to be a viable, contributing part of the company’s business. However, Barra is saying, in effect: Not yet. GM will continue with the technology. Despite shifting plans – such as with the Orion Assembly plant – Barra emphasizes that the company believes “the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production.” In the meantime, GM will cleverly leverage its EV resources. For example, it has established an agreement with Redwood Materials, which recycles, refines, and remanufactures lithium ion batteries. In June, Redwood Materials established another business, Redwood Energy, to build low-cost energy storage systems for AI data centers. GM will manufacture batteries for Redwood Energy’s stationary energy systems and provide second-life battery packs from GM EVs – applying its production capacity to an entirely different field. In announcing the Redwood agreement, Kurt Kelty, vice president of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM, said: “The market for grid-scale batteries and backup power isn’t just expanding, it’s becoming essential infrastructure. “Electricity demand is climbing, and it’s only going to accelerate. To meet that challenge, the U.S. needs energy storage solutions that can be deployed quickly, economically, and made right here at home. GM batteries can play an integral role. We’re not just making better cars – we’re shaping the future of energy resilience.”

Coda Back in the early 1990s, I participated in the Agile Manufacturing Enterprise Forum, which brought together people from more than 150 companies at the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University. Participants ranged from Mars Candy to Boeing and Motorola to Texas Instruments. Our objective was to define how companies could be more capable in light of unpredictable, dynamic conditions. We recommended that manufacturers be able to rapidly reconfigure manufacturing operations (“online in just 18 months”) and establish partnerships. Redwood Materials founder and CEO JB Straubel illustrates these points well: “Both GM’s second-life EV batteries and new batteries can be deployed in Redwood’s energy storage systems, delivering fast, flexible power solutions and strengthening America’s energy and manufacturing independence.” After some 30 years, agility’s time, it seems, has come.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Gary at vasilash@gmail.com.

THE BIG PICTURE

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Take Advantage.

Make good use of tax benefits and all other

government incentives. After all, you’ve paid for part of it .

Improve your operations – even when it may not seem like the best time to do so. There is always a reason not to do something. But when you’re too late, there’s often no going back . 2 Invest.

You may need to drop some product lines and focus on your high-margin products . While variety may help keep you from being overleveraged on just a few offerings, some of those products may not have the ROI you need. Focus.

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Despite a loss of $1.1 billion in profit for the second quarter of 2025, General Motors is prepared. While most manufacturers aren’t at that level, the detailed strategy laid out by CEO Mary Barra offers valuable insights for your business, no matter your size. Here are six important lessons you can implement.

Implement With Speed.

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In a world of constant change and variation, a steady-as-she-goes mindset isn’t sustainable. Being too late may be more than inconvenient – it means competitors have a head start that compounds as innovations take root and mature.

Technology is not standing still . This means technology that your customers may be transitioning to, as well as technology that you can deploy in your facility. Keep Looking Forward.

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Find new applications for your plant and capacity to supplement your company’s main work . The GM-Redwood Materials partnership is a great example: GM has the capacity to build batteries for electric vehicles, but with less demand than anticipated, it is making batteries for stationary energy storage applications. Think Outside the Box (or Factory).

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Learn more about GM’s strategy moving forward, including its intriguing partnership with Redwood Materials, in “Learning From General Motors” on Page 12.

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IMTS

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6 Days. 1 Show. Achieve the Impossible at IMTS 2026 BY MICHELLE EDMONSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXHIBITIONS AT AMT

What you accomplish in the six days of IMTS 2026 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show can shape your business for the next five years. With just under one year to go, now is the time to start planning your most strategic IMTS

DVF 5000 at IMTS 2024, reducing milling time on a rocket part from 72 hours to 20. His company’s previous IMTS purchase, Zoller’s (booth #432018) presetter and heat shrinker, helped boost revenue by more than $1 million.

“When you’re in your shop every day, you live in a bubble,” says Bassett. “IMTS opens up the world. It’s a powerhouse of innovation, bringing together everything related to manufacturing under one roof.” Florida shop owner Chris Basgall, CEO of Catamount Machine Works, experienced a similar leap. In the Software Sector at IMTS 2024, he discovered High QA’s (booth #134500) auto-ballooning software, which instantly extracts part dimensions and generates a bill of characteristics from 2D drawings. “High QA reduced our document prep time by 80%,” says Basgall. “It is our

visit yet. Breakthrough technologies, bold investments, and renewed energy around U.S. manufacturing are converging to make IMTS 2026 a game changer. IMTS brings together the ideas, technologies, and people that move our industry forward and help people and businesses achieve the impossible. From Sept. 14-19, 2026, McCormick Place in Chicago will again become a launchpad for innovation and adoption. The excitement is building.

highest ROI project in the past five years.”

AI and Automation at Scale Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital manufacturing solutions will take center stage at IMTS 2026 – and not just in theory. Leading tech giants like Amazon Web Services (booth #236217), Google Cloud (booth #236709), and Microsoft (booth #236609) are all returning to the Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – Smart Production Solutions, to demonstrate real-world applications that drive performance and precision. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Exhibitors across all 10 technology sectors are integrating AI to:

A Stronger Climate for U.S. Manufacturing Behind the momentum for IMTS 2026 is a resurging U.S. manufacturing economy. With personal consumption expenditures in the United States reaching approximately $19 trillion, companies increasingly want to produce goods where they’re consumed. “We have seen more than $2 trillion in manufacturing investment this year, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes tax policies that encourage more investment,” says Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “With smart policy, global partnerships, and a likely drop in interest rates, the business climate heading into IMTS 2026 will be stronger than ever.”

• Generate toolpaths automatically • Optimize production schedules

• Analyze data to improve machine uptime • Enhance vision systems and inspection • Strengthen supply chain resilience

For the first time, IMTS will feature a dedicated AI Arena and an Industrial AI Conference, underscoring AI’s rapid, widespread integration across nearly every facet of manufacturing. Proof in Performance: Real IMTS Results For manufacturers like Tom Bassett, owner of Pro-Cam Services LLC in Michigan, IMTS delivers direct ROI. His 24-person CNC job shop bought a DN Solutions (booth #338919) 5-axis

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JANUARY 27 – 29, 2026 INNOVATION THROUGH EDUCATION

It’s your crucial tool to success at IMTS 2026 THIS IS NOT A CONFERENCE

The IMTS Exhibitor Workshop is a free, in-person event designed exclusively for IMTS exhibitors. Get information on best practices for both your booth operations and optimizing your preshow, on-site, and postshow marketing.

REGISTER SCAN TO

Prep for IMTS 2026 at IMTS Exhibitor Workshop.

THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

22

The Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE) POWERED BY Tooling U-SME

The CMTSE program provides national validation and recognition of exceptional business acumen and technical knowledge among sales professionals, as well as the OEMs and distributors who seek to distinguish products and services in a crowded, globally competitive market. AMT Member pricing available!

LEARN MORE: sme.org/CMTSE

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IMTS

and an expanded job shops-focused program from Gardner Business Media. • The Miles for Manufacturing 5K returns, building on a legacy of raising more than $250,000 for STEM education. • A comprehensive conference lineup delivers expert insights and actionable takeaways for navigating tech adoption, including the new Industrial AI Conference and flagship IMTS 2026 Conference. From Inspiration to Execution IMTS 2026 covers more than 1 million square feet of exhibits. Whether you’re looking for a small tool that makes a big impact or a smart machine that transforms your operations, you’ll find it here – along with experts ready to help you take the next step. IMTS 2026 is your moment to connect, discover, and achieve the impossible. Don’t just see the future. Start building it. Plan to attend IMTS 2026 on Sept. 14-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Register now at IMTS.com/Register.

Make Your IMTS 2026 Plan Today To make the most of IMTS, start planning now. Set up your free Show Planner account and begin bookmarking must see exhibitors and presentations. Use it to explore digital showrooms, browse products, download collateral, connect with company representatives, and even access special offers. You’ll also receive personalized exhibitor recommendations based on your interests. Then review the IMTS 2026 floor plan to map out your route across McCormick Place. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy: • The Additive Sector, accelerated by Formnext moves next to the Metal Removal Sector in the South Building. • A new AI Arena, adjacent to AMT’s Emerging Technology Center in the North Building, showcases real-world AI applications across manufacturing. • The Smartforce Student Summit, located on Level 1 of the North Building, will once again inspire the next generation of talent. • Featured attractions include the ETC, the IMTS+ Main Stage, the Creators Lounge for manufacturing influencers,

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Michelle at medmonson@IMTS.com.

THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

IMTS+

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Must Love Dogs (and 3D Printing) A story of passion, problem-solving, and additive manufacturing — inspiring new solutions for manufacturers. BY MARY CECILE NEVILLE DIRECTOR – STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & INDUSTRY RELATIONS

From its basement origins to a billboard in Times Square,

3DPets is a testament to what can happen when passion meets manufacturing technology. Founded by industrial designers Alex Tholl and Adam Hecht, 3DPets creates custom prosthetics and mobility devices for pets by leveraging additive manufacturing (AM). The third episode of the new IMTS+ Original Series “Passion Project” features the story of 3DPets. “Passion Project” explores the connections between manufacturing technology and the personal passions of the creators and doers who make up our industry. For Tholl and Hecht, their passion led them to launch DIVE, a design firm using AM to solve real-world problems, and addressing what they saw as an unmet need in the veterinary world: animal prosthetics. Through 3DPets, they built a global network of clinics where customers submit scans of their pets, often using an iPhone’s LIDAR camera. These scans are converted into 3D models and then 3D printed into custom devices. Using AM, 3DPets reduced labor time from dozens of hours to just two or three, cut lead times in half, and helped more than just dogs; their patients now include pigs, goats, alpacas, and even elephants. Their innovative approach caught the attention of Apple, which featured 3DPets in a national campaign. The experience culminated in a powerful moment when Tholl and Hecht saw their work displayed on three billboards in Times Square. “I felt my knees go,” Tholl said. “We started in a basement, and suddenly, here we were.” Beyond pet prosthetics, DIVE continues to explore AM’s potential. They’ve developed Willo, a modular 3D printed tree system designed to beautify public spaces and reduce noise. They also designed traction-enhancing paws for Boston

Dynamics’ robot dog, Spot, to improve performance on rough terrain. From mobility aids to modular art to robotics, DIVE is redefining what is possible with AM – and always with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and impact. “There’s so much untapped potential in additive manufacturing,” said Hecht. “That drives our curiosity and keeps our passion alive.” Explore IMTS+ ‘Passion Project’ “Must Love Dogs (and 3D Printing)” is coming soon to IMTS+. Explore the IMTS+ Original Series “Passion Project” to experience how manufacturing technology intersects with passion and purpose at IMTS.com/PassionProject. Other episodes feature 3D printed furniture from Haddy, as well as guitar craftsmanship at C.F. Martin & Co.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Mary Cecile Neville at mcneville@AMTonline.org.

SOUTHEAST

October 21-23 | Greenville, S.C. Greenville Convention Center

100+ INTERACTIVE DEMOS 300+ INNOVATIVE EXHIBITORS 6,000+ PROS READY TO CONNECT AND APPLY SEE IT. SOLVE IT. SCALE IT.

FEATURING:

REGISTER TODAY Use Promo Code AMT to receive a complimentary 3-day guest pass

THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

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D25

D25 Meeting Helps Distributors Operate at Peak Efficiency BY BILL HERMAN VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP

When a business model works for a century, it’s due to a combination of the strength of its core principles and its ability to adapt to economic, technological, and cultural changes

The agenda features four key learning sessions for attendees to learn what to say, how to say it, whom to say it to, and how to master sales: • How To Use AI Sales Roleplay and Coaching To Build Sales Confidence, Capability, and Consistency • Session leader: Matt Conway, senior sales executive, Second Nature • Likeability Is Personable Communication • Session leader: Bill Graham, president, Graham Corporate Communications • Harnessing Data for More Efficient Sales Targeting • Session leader: Kevin Bowers, vice president – research, AMT • The Path to Sales Mastery • Session leader: Jeff Radichel, CEO, The Next Step Following the presentations, the speakers will hold breakout sessions to drill deeper into their topics and respond to distributor questions. The agenda also includes looking back at AMTDA’s history and plenty of networking opportunities. “The nature of distribution makes it prone to inefficiencies because you are trying to identify sales targets, establish new relationships, and build trust – all of that takes time,” says Brooke Sykes Jr., CMTSE, president and owner of Cardinal Machinery. “D25 gives people the knowledge that can help them create more success in the same amount of time.”

to maintain relevance across multiple generations. One such model is using distributors to connect manufacturing technology buyers with builders, which began with the creation of the American Machine Tool Distributors Association (AMTDA) in 1925. AMTDA merged with AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology in 2012, and AMT is now the steward of this 100-year-old tradition. To help distributors continue to operate at peak efficiency, AMT has organized the 2025 Distribution Summit (D25), which will be held Nov. 18-19 in Carmel, Indiana. The meeting will offer educational sessions and networking opportunities designed to address the unique needs of manufacturing technology (MT) distributors. “D25 is the only meeting in the United States programmed specifically for manufacturing technology distributors and sales training,” says Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “As our fourth ‘D’ meeting, D25 reflects our long commitment to supporting distributors, which has continued since the AMTDA/AMT merger. We anticipate about 150 people will attend, including distributors, builder representatives, expert speakers, and AMT staff.”

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MEET THE EXPERTS

“There’s nothing more valuable than networking with your peers,” adds Willie Eichele, president of distributor The HEH Group and a member of AMT’s board of directors. “Having a conversation over dinner, coffee, or in a breakout session is where you get sound advice, such as ways to manage an employee or navigate a builder contract. D25 creates a space where you can take yourself out of sales gear and put your mind in neutral so it can absorb new information.” In addition to cross-pollinating and sharing ideas, networking helps people recharge their mental batteries. Salespeople have a lot of tough conversations. Connecting with others who have shared experiences helps distributors remember that hearing “no” isn’t personal rejection but just part of the job. 100 Years of Distribution D25 will also recognize the extraordinary success of the distribution business model. A customer’s trust in a business grows from localized efforts, and distributors provide the crucial elements of local trust, attention, and technical expertise. “The value of distribution is that we are the feet on the street and your trusted friend,” says Brad Haas, president and engineer at KOMT (Kansas Oklahoma Machine Tool). “Our sales engineers don’t just work alongside the manufacturing engineers and facility owner. Our kids play ball with each other, we go to the same churches, and we shop at the same supermarkets. When a customer asks our sales engineers for a machine recommendation, they know we will support that recommendation throughout the machine’s life-cycle.” Distributors create something powerful by forming a seamless relationship between the local customer and the remote builder. For example, Sykes remembers a situation where a builder could not meet its promised delivery date, but

the customer had already hired an operator for the machine. Instead of that relationship going sideways, Cardinal Machinery helped negotiate factory technical training and a smaller, loaned machine to upskill the operator in the interim before delivery. “There’s no way a remote builder or somebody coming in and out of a territory every quarter can establish that type of rapport or cohesion,” comments Eichele, who is proud of how distributors add value to the manufacturing industry. “I was looking at the AMTDA code of ethics, which was introduced on Oct. 26, 1925,” Eichele continues. “Originally written 100 years ago, the first of its 15 principles states, ‘The foundation of business is confidence, which springs from integrity, fair dealing, efficient service, and mutual benefit.’ It’s incredible how pertinent and important these principles are today.” Eichele can directly trace the origins of his firm, Motch & Eichele, to AMTDA. AMTDA’s first chairman was George Merryweather of the Motch & Merryweather Machinery Co. of Cleveland, Ohio. Merryweather’s business partner was Edwin Motch II, the father of one of the founders of Motch & Eichele. “In 1985, Edwin Motch III became my father’s business partner in founding the Motch & Eichele Co., which is today one component of The HEH Group. I continue to be amazed and humbled by the history of our industry,” says Eichele, who leads both Motch & Eichele and The HEH Group. Registration is now open for the D25 Summit, which will be held Nov. 18-19 in Carmel, Indiana. Visit AMT Online to register and explore unique sponsorship opportunities to promote your brand to the most influential manufacturing technology sales network in the United States.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Bill at bherman@AMTonline.org.