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Sandvik Coromant Appoints Lind VP Sales, Eastern U.S. 

Sandvik Coromant has appointed Steve Lind as Vice President Sales, Eastern U.S. In this role, Lind will lead the sales region’s commercial strategy and execution, strengthen cross-functional collaboration and accelerate customer value across key manufacturing segments, including aerospace, automotive, medical and general engineering. 

“Steve is a trusted leader with deep customer focus and a proven record of building high-performing teams,” said Veronica Messersmith, President, Sandvik Coromant Americas. “His experience across complex applications and his collaborative approach make him the right leader to drive growth and deliver meaningful outcomes for manufacturers in the Eastern U.S.” 

Lind joined Sandvik Coromant in 2002 as a Sales Engineer and has since held a series of increasingly senior commercial roles. Over the last seven years, he led solid round tools (SRT) sales across the Americas, with an emphasis on SRT and automotive aluminum solutions, guiding a specialist team that helped customers overcome technical challenges and improve productivity. Since March 2025, Lind served as the Acting Sales Cluster Manager before being appointed to the U.S. East cluster. 

“I’m honored to step into this role and partner even more closely with customers across the Eastern U.S.,” said Lind. “Our team is committed to solving real manufacturing challenges — improving throughput, tool life, part quality and sustainability — so our customers can compete and win in their markets.” 

For more information, visit www.sandvik.coromant.com.  

British Assessment Bureau Announces Plans to Rebrand as Amtivo 

British Assessment Bureau, a leading UK-based certification body and part of Amtivo Group, announced plans to rebrand as Amtivo before the end of 2026. 

The move marks a significant milestone in Amtivo’s journey to bring together its family of certification brands under one strong, global identity. 

The rebrand reflects a shared commitment across the Amtivo Group to deliver greater value, innovation, and impact for clients worldwide. It builds on British Assessment Bureau’s proud heritage while aligning it with Amtivo’s vision to be the most trusted and dynamic certification partner for organizations of all sizes. 

Caroline Plumb, recently appointed CEO of Amtivo, said, “Joining Amtivo at such a pivotal time is incredibly exciting. Bringing our teams and clients together under one strong global brand positions us to deliver even greater value, innovation, and impact in the years ahead. It’s about building on our history while looking confidently to the future.” 

As part of this transition, the British Assessment Bureau website has now merged into amtivo.com/uk/ – the new online home for UK clients and an important early step toward the official rebrand from British Assessment Bureau to Amtivo next year. 

While the change involves a new name and logo, it opens new opportunities for clients, including access to a wider range of sector expertise, innovative resources, and the confidence of working with one of the fastest-growing certification bodies worldwide. 

With its unified brand and shared purpose, Amtivo is set to deliver even more value to organizations across every sector as it continues to grow its presence in over 30 countries worldwide. 

For more information, visit amtivo.com/uk/. 

Zeiss Opens New Connecticut Quality Excellence Center to Strengthen Northeast Manufacturing 

Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions announced its new Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, as part of its continuous expansion of support for U.S. manufacturers. Located at 340 West Newberry Rd., the facility will provide advanced resources for precision metrology, technology demonstrations, and local experts who specialize in helping manufacturers solve industry challenges with innovative solutions. 

"This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region with the technologies and expertise needed to drive precision, efficiency, and success in today's challenging manufacturing climate," said Hendrie Viktor, Vice President, Head of Sales at Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions North America. 

The Zeiss Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, offers: 

• Demonstrations and proof of capability studies for cutting-edge Zeiss measurement and inspection technologies, including automation, multisensor coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), industrial microscopes, optical 3D scanners, multisensor vision measuring machines (VMMs), surface and special geometry instruments, and intelligent software solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, machining, medical, metalforming, and power and energy. 
• Expert-led technology, software, and measurement training sessions and workshops to help close the skills gap and alleviate the shortage of skilled labor through education, upskilling, and reskilling. 
• A wide range of precision metrology and application engineering services and consultation. 

The 12,000 square-foot facility includes 6,050 square feet dedicated to advanced metrology technologies and software, providing an open, interactive environment to gain hands-on experience with the latest solutions. Zeiss is now accepting appointments to visit the facility for demonstrations, services, and training. 

For more information, visit  www.zeiss.com/metrology. 

Mastercam Acquires Key Assets of QTE Manufacturing Solutions  

Mastercam, part of the Sandvik Group, announced the completion of a strategic acquisition to strengthen its market presence across the Midwestern part of the United States. The company has acquired key assets of QTE Manufacturing Solutions, a longtime Channel Partner with nearly four decades of CAD/CAM industry expertise. 

This acquisition integrates QTE's extensive regional knowledge and customer relationships directly into Mastercam's operations, enhancing customer support and service delivery across this key market.  

QTE Manufacturing Solutions, founded in 1985, has evolved from performing tool and fixture design for the aerospace industry into a leading CAD/CAM solutions provider serving manufacturers across Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Southern Illinois. The St. Charles, Missouri-based company has been recognized as a top-performing Mastercam maintenance retention Channel Partner and operates as a certified Mastercam training center, providing specialized solutions to industries ranging from aerospace to automotive and beyond.  

"This acquisition represents a transformative step in elevating the customer experience through enhanced local support and service capabilities," said Russ Bukowski, President of Mastercam. "By bringing the deep regional expertise and established relationships of QTE Manufacturing Solutions directly into our operations, we're delivering on our commitment to provide manufacturers with immediate, localized technical support, and solutions tailored to their specific regional manufacturing needs. This direct customer relationship model gives Mastercam a significant competitive advantage and ensures our customers receive the most responsive, expert service in the industry."  

The acquisition represents Mastercam's commitment to providing unparalleled local customer support and service excellence as a key market differentiator. By transitioning from a traditional channel partner model to direct operations in the Midwest market, Mastercam can now offer customers immediate access to technical expertise, accelerated problem resolution, and customized training programs delivered by in-market specialists who understand local manufacturing requirements and industry practices.  

This direct customer relationship approach aligns with Mastercam's broader growth objectives of combining organic innovation with strategic acquisitions to expand market reach and enhance customer service capabilities. As part of Sandvik's intelligent manufacturing portfolio, Mastercam continues to advance connected manufacturing processes and provide comprehensive support to manufacturers worldwide.  

For more information, visit www.mastercam.com. 

Bauer, Ascential Technologies Forge Alliance to Elevate Aerospace Test, Service Solutions 

Bauer, a global leader in aerospace test stand design and manufacturing, and Ascential Technologies, a global provider of automated diagnostic, inspection, assembly and test systems and services, announced they have established a collaborative partnership aimed at transforming the aerospace test and measurement landscape. Under this new alliance, Bauer—on behalf of both companies—will focus on the design, manufacturing and global deployment of advanced test stands for the aerospace industry while Ascential Technologies will serve as Bauer’s exclusive global service and aftermarket support provider through its newly launched Ascential Care platform.  

“This partnership allows us to focus on what we do best—engineering world-class test systems —while ensuring our customers receive unmatched global support and predictive service capabilities,” said Lou Auletta, president & CEO at Bauer. “Together, with Ascential Technologies’ deep technology expertise and aptitude for delivering rapid and efficient support, we’re delivering a smarter, more connected customer experience.”  

Through this new service model, Bauer’s customers can expect support at every stage, from installation and launch to ongoing service, maintenance, refurbishment, spare part services and more, regardless of their location. Leveraging Ascential Technologies’ global presence of more than 40 locations in over 20 countries, field support is readily available both on-site and remotely.  

“Ascential Care is built to deliver global reach with local responsiveness,” said Scott Watts, divisional CEO at Ascential Technologies. “By combining Bauer’s engineering excellence with our agile service infrastructure and data-driven insights, we’re creating a seamless, end-to-end customer experience that maximizes uptime, performance and long-term value.” 

As part of the partnership, Bauer’s customers will also have access to Ascential Technologies’ Ascentialytics data analytics platform, which enables the collection, mining and measurement of equipment data. This connected, performance management solution for remote monitoring and diagnostics is part of the Ascential Care framework and will seamlessly integrate into a wide range of Bauer’s test and support equipment for the commercial and military aviation industries. Data outputs give actionable information to make informed decisions and, ultimately, help enhance the reliability and availability of assets.  

For more information, visit bauerct.com or www.ascentialtech.com.  

New NAM Roadmap Ties America’s AI, Energy Future to Urgent Need for Permitting Reform  

The National Association of Manufacturers released Manufacturing’s Roadmap to AI and Energy Dominance, a blueprint outlining the steps policymakers must take to strengthen America’s energy and artificial intelligence dominance—including comprehensive permitting reform.                 

Manufacturers are leading the way—integrating AI into every part of their operations, from product design, to shop floor operations, to supply chain management. More than half of manufacturers (51%) already use AI, and 80% say it will be essential to grow or even maintain their business by 2030, according to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the NAM.   

The roadmap lays out principles that will advance U.S. energy production and, in turn, unlock the full potential of AI. AI is transforming manufacturing—but without abundant, affordable energy and a resilient and reliable power grid, America risks falling behind. AI-powered modern manufacturing depends on an ambitious energy and innovation policy framework—which can be achieved in part by reforms to America’s broken permitting system.  

“Manufacturing sits at the crossroads of America’s energy dominance, AI leadership and the strength of our power grid,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “If America wants to win the global race for AI, we must first win on energy. That means advancing the administration’s goals for energy dominance—through bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform, modernized infrastructure and an all-of-the-above energy strategy that allows manufacturers to innovate, build and grow right here at home.”  

AI-powered manufacturing depends on forward-looking energy and innovation policies. Policymakers must do the following: 

• Reform America’s broken permitting process to get shovels in the ground faster—with fewer delays and less uncertainty. Eighty percent of manufacturers say that the length and complexity of the permitting process is harmful to increasing investment.  
• Bolster American energy dominance. America’s energy demand is surging—and the pace isn’t slowing. Manufacturers need to be able to produce and use every energy source available to meet this critical moment. Ninety-four percent of manufacturers support permitting reforms around the buildout of energy generation, infrastructure and products.  
• Ensure a reliable, resilient and affordable grid that can power manufacturing growth and data center operations. Eighty percent of manufacturers want the Trump administration to work with Congress to deliver comprehensive permitting reform legislation to increase energy generation and grid modernization to supply the energy needed to power both AI growth and traditional manufacturing.  
• Strengthen American AI leadership by fostering innovation and preventing regulatory overreach. Eighty-seven percent of manufacturers say it is important for lawmakers to understand how manufacturers use AI. 

For more information, visit www.nam.org. To read the full roadmap, visit https://nam.org/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2025/10/NAM-AI-and-Energy-Booklet-2025-digital-.pdf. 

AI-Powered Manufacturer Ease.io Appoints Wegel as CEO 

Ease.io announced the appointment of Adam Wegel as Chief Executive Officer. Wegel succeeds Eric Stoop, who led the company through more than a decade of growth and transformation. 

With its industry-leading EASE platform and easy-to-use digital tools, Ease.io brings digital intelligence to the plant floor. Streamlining audits, inspections, scheduling, task management, on-the-job-training, and more, EASE turns operational data into real-time insight and facilitates closed-loop issue resolution. 

As Ease.io accelerates its vision of an AI-enabled, connected workforce from the frontline worker to the C-suite, Wegel will guide the company through its next phase of customer-centric product innovation and growth. 

“Adam has an exceptional blend of AI expertise, product vision, and understanding of manufacturing operations,” said Hollie Haynes, Managing Partner at Luminate Capital. “His track record of scaling transformative, AI-powered solutions makes him the right leader to drive Ease.io into its next era of intelligent solutions for manufacturing.” 

Prior to joining Ease.io, Wegel served as Vice President of Product Management for AI Application Development at Salesforce, where he most recently led global teams that launched the Agentforce Chat Client, now used by thousands of enterprises worldwide. 

Wegel also brings a wealth of hands-on experience as a former Manufacturing Engineer at Delphi Automotive and more than two decades of experience helping companies harness advanced technology to drive business and digital transformation. 

“I’m thrilled to join Ease.io at such a pivotal moment,” said Wegel. “The company has built an outstanding foundation with a truly impressive customer base. I’m excited to build on that momentum, accelerating AI innovation and helping our customers and partners achieve even greater impact.” 

For more information, visit  www.ease.io. 

New Products Award Winners Announced on Final Day of The ASSEMBLY Show 

The 13th Annual ASSEMBLY Show wrapped up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The winners of the New Products Award were announced. The program featured 20 new products selected by the editors of ASSEMBLY Magazine. Attendees voted during the event and during the Morning Mingle Breakfast on the show floor, and the following companies were announced as the winners in each of five categories. 

• Assembly Machines & Systems: Edgewater Automation designed and built a fully automated, multi-robot assembly system for a manufacturer of industrial valves.  
• Adhesives, Dispensing and Curing: Panacol-USA Inc.'s Cyanolit 290 WR, a moisture- and water-resistant cyanoacrylate adhesive.  
• Fastening Tools: Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. MTC tool controller provides process control and data collection for the company’s full line of FreeSet cordless tools, including the RK-777C for blind rivets, RK-787C for rivet-nuts, and RK-797C for lock bolts.   
• Robotics: Epson America GX-C Series SCARA robots are designed for the most demanding assembly applications. The robots are available in multiple arm configurations for increased productivity and worker protection while minimizing footprint.  
• Manufacturing Software: Arda launched a free online tool for creating kanban cards. Originating from the Toyota Production System, kanban is a visual method for managing manufacturing workflows.   

Prior to the announcement of the new product award winners, John Sprovieri welcomed Katherine Koyak from Susan G. Komen to be recognized. Over the last three years, the ASSEMBLY Show has donated over $11,000 to Susan G. Komen during “Pink Out Day” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  

During the three-day event, thousands of manufacturing professionals had access to over 250 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies in an expansive exhibit hall featuring both The ASSEMBLY Show and SMTA International. Leading companies in robotics, automation, adhesives, and other assembly-related technologies displayed the latest tools and services designed to streamline production processes and improve efficiency. The trade show featured Gold Sponsor PROMESS; Silver Sponsors Intellect and UJIGAMI; and Bronze Sponsors TorqTec, IPS, and WEISS. 

Joanna Cooper, General Manager, Daimler Truck North America, delivered the keynote address to a packed audience. Cooper shared firsthand insights into cultivating a sustainable and agile culture of innovation. Drawing from real-world experience, she unpacked the challenges faced and lessons learned while leading transformation into a complex, technology driven manufacturing environment. 

Prior to the keynote, the editors of ASSEMBLY Magazine presented the Plant of the Year Award to John Deere Davenport Works Assembly Plant for leading the charge with productivity-enhancing tools such as 5G Connectivity, artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital twins. Shown here is the team from Deere's Davenport Works. 

Over 600 attendees from The ASSEMBLY Show and SMTA International enjoyed tasty snacks, seasonal brews, and plenty of conversation during the Oktoberfest Networking Reception, sponsored by intellect. It was the perfect way to celebrate a great day and continue building new industry connections.  

Upcoming events in 2026 include:  

• The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) – March 25-26, 2026, with pre-conference sessions on March 24 at Music City Center, Nashville, TN. MAX merges the strengths of five manufacturing brands – ASSEMBLY, Quality Magazine, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, ISHN, and Packaging Strategies  
• The ASSEMBLY Show – October 27-29, 2026, The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Co-located with SMTA International   

For more information, visit www.assemblymag.com or www.bnpmedia.com. 

GrayMatter Robotics Awarded AFWERX Direct-to-Phase II SBIR Contract for Advanced Robotic Finishing System 

GrayMatter Robotics has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II (D2P2) contract from AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, to develop robotic technology to reduce optical distortion and defects on acrylic and polycarbonate structures. 

The advanced autonomous solution will build upon GrayMatter’s existing system that detects and corrects optical distortions to provide consistent, clear visibility through the transparent structures. Developing transparent structures is a demanding high-mix, low-volume application in aerospace component manufacturing due to these structures’ unique geometries and the need for precision manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, and repair. 

“Sanding and polishing transparent components are a tremendously challenging and time-consuming part of aerospace component manufacturing while also representing the root cause of most defects associated with rework,” said Ariyan Kabir, CEO and co-founder of GrayMatter Robotics. “Final products must be free of optical distortion and no visible scratches on the interior or exterior of the structure. GrayMatter Robotics will build upon its existing AI-powered robotic solution to solve this problem.” 

GrayMatter Robotics has been on the leading edge of the robotic finishing field for years, having developed advanced AI-powered robot systems that can autonomously sand, polish, and grind surfaces for several leading manufacturers. The company’s proprietary GMR-AITM technology leverages physical AI, incorporating established physics-based models that help the system understand forces, materials, geometries, and tool behaviors. This removes the need for manual programming while guaranteeing safe and accurate operation, even with parts the system has not encountered. 

“Our physical AI is designed to give robots intelligence and autonomy in a wide range of manufacturing applications,” said Brual Shah, GrayMatter Robotics CTO and co-founder. “Whether its sanding complex shapes like guitars, or intricate parts for ships, trucks, or heavy equipment, or precision surface finishing for highly contoured transparent structures for aerospace applications, our technology enables smart robotic cells to empower businesses and teams with unprecedented reliability, speed, and consistency.” 

As part of its mission to solve one the biggest challenges of automating surface finishing and treatment in high-mix production environments, GrayMatter Robotics makes the deployment, operation, and troubleshooting of its systems simpler by offering intuitive technologies and 24/7 support. 

“GrayMatter Robotics’ physical AI-powered systems allow companies to scan parts and autonomously program themselves, adapt to part variations without human intervention, and deploy in two to four months,” said Satyandra K. Gupta, chief scientist and co-founder of GrayMatter Robotics. “With our solutions, people can bring a part to a cell, put it in front of a 3D camera, and task the system to go, and it will autonomously begin the operation.” 

Located in Carson, California, the company’s new 100,000-square-foot headquarters will bring advanced manufacturing to U.S. soil while creating more than 100 high-skill jobs in engineering, AI and machine learning, robotics integration, and beyond. In addition, it will provide a venue for workforce development initiatives and advanced technology demonstrations. 

For more information, visit www.graymatter-robotics.com. 

August 2025 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $210.6M, Down 1.8% From August 2024 

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $210.6 million in August 2025. Orders decreased 2.7% from July 2025 and 1.8% from August 2024. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.66 billion, down 2.7% from the same period in 2024. 

“Key markets continue to struggle to gain traction as we approach the final quarter of 2025,” said Steve Boyer, president of USCTI. “While shipments of cutting tools have fallen short of their 2024 levels in all but one month this year, July 2025 shipment numbers were significantly better than the previous year, and aerospace has been a segment of strength. Some optimism exists with the de-escalation of war in the Middle East and hope for sustainable peace. However, the weight of uncertainty with tariffs continues to hinder confidence and investment in the short term.” 

Bret Tayne, president of Everede Tool Company, said: “Uncertainty about the unfolding tariff situation and industry-specific challenges in some of the largest cutting tool customer segments appear to be the major hurdles affecting sales. As tariffs and other measures become more stable, and with an assist from declining interest rates, the cutting tool customer base may see some growth again as we finish out the year and head into 2026.” 

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org. 

Basler AG Acquires 76% Stake in Alpha TechSys Automation in India 

Basler AG has acquired a 76% stake in its Indian distribution partner Alpha TechSys Automation, with whom the company has been working successfully for many years. Alpha TechSys Automation, with its approximately twenty employees, will operate under the name Basler India in the future. The remaining 24% will remain with the current owner and founder, who will also be the future managing director, with the option of a future takeover by the Basler Group. 

Hardy Mehl, CCO/COO at Basler AG, and Harshal Pore, founder and managing director of Alpha TechSys, explain: "We are very pleased to further expand our long-standing partnership with this investment. India is a disproportionately growing, promising computer vision market in which Basler is now positioning itself early on in a customer-centric and strategy-compliant manner. Through this investment, we are combining our strengths and thus creating the best conditions for exploiting new market opportunities and achieving long-term successful growth." 

For more information, visit www.baslerweb.com. 

OGP Celebrates Milestone 80th Anniversary at the Forefront of Dimensional Metrology 

Optical Gaging Products (OGP®), a division of Quality Vision International Inc (QVI®), celebrates its milestone 80-year anniversary as a manufacturer of optical and precision multisensor metrology systems for industrial quality control. 

Over the company’s 80-year history, technology introduced and offered by OGP has helped transform the quality control industry. From its first electronic edge detection system introduced in the 1950’s, to the recent debut of SmartScope M-Series, OGP has always remained committed to excellence and innovation in the field of precision measurement. 

Keith E. Polidor, the company’s third generation president and CEO, remarked, “We are extremely proud of our longstanding legacy as a leader in dimensional metrology. Our mission has always been to provide innovative optical and multisensor solutions to the world's precision measurement needs, and to be our customer’s first choice solve their challenging dimensional metrology requirements. We achieve this by remaining steadfast in delivering leading innovation and unparalleled service, driven by the dedication of our employees and the support of our partners”. 

OGP has enjoyed a rich history of innovation, garnering more than 90 patents over the years. The company started from humble beginnings in post-war 1945, producing optical comparators. Automatic edge detection for the optical comparator was developed in 1956 in the form of Projectron, an early electro-optical image sensing system. OGP introduced the first truly revolutionary computer-controlled automatic video measuring system in 1980 – the Vidicom Qualifier. Soon after, OGP pioneered multisensor measurement by combining video measurement with lasers and tactile sensors via the innovative IQ-2000 system, which then led to the introduction of SmartScope and fully automatic 3D multisensor measurement in the 1990’s. Technological leaps in both hardware and software led to SmartScope becoming a “household name” in the quality and inspection industries, trusted by thousands of leading manufacturers around the world. System advancements continue today with the next evolution of SmartScope – SmartScope M-Series – featuring the IntelliCentric-M Optical system for unparalleled accuracy and repeatability. 

OGP systems have played a vital role in ensuring the quality of component parts used in a wide variety of industrial success stories – from personal computers and smartphones to digital video and electric cars – even commercial spaceflight and recent fusion energy breakthroughs. Consumer products produced around the world contain parts measured on OGP systems. OGP is proud to be the leading optical technology innovator and pacesetter in the dimensional metrology industry. 

OGP is spending 2025 reflecting on the accomplishments that have allowed the company to achieve international recognition for optical measurement in the highest echelons of industry. One of the key milestones in OGP’s journey has been, and will continue to be, its focus on vertically integrating operations spanning optics, engineering, software design, manufacturing, applications engineering, and more. Every day, the employees of OGP innovate and execute, producing practical solutions for the most challenging measurement tasks demanded by its toughest customers. OGP celebrates these innovations in its 80th year.  

R. Stephen Flynn, president of OGP, added, “OGP has helped thousands of manufacturers around the world achieve confidence in their quality programs using OGP systems. We are an international company with subsidiary offices in multiple countries, and channel partners covering every industrialized corner of the globe to support our growing list of customers on a local basis. During our anniversary celebration, we recognize and celebrate our channel partners and employees for being such an integral part of our success over these 80 years.” 

For more information, visit www.ogpnet.com.  

Machinery Orders Show Resilience in August Despite Mounting Headwinds 

New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $529.4 million in August 2025. This was a 36.2% increase from July 2025 and nearly a 45% increase from August 2024. Machinery orders placed through August 2025 totaled $3.44 billion, an 18.3% increase over the first eight months of 2024.  

Since January 1998, only 29 months have exceeded $500 mil and nearly half (44.8%) have been since June 2021. This underscores the strength of the manufacturing sector following the 2020 COVID recession despite high uncertainty and numerous headwinds.   

The value of orders in August 2025 from contract machine shops, the largest customer of manufacturing technology, was the largest since March 2023, yet the number of units ordered failed to surpass levels seen as recently as March of this year. As a result, the average order value, a general proxy for the level of automation or complexity, was the highest among job shop orders since August 2011.  

Orders from aerospace manufacturers fell 20% from July 2025. Unlike in previous examples of strikes in the aerospace sector, the recent strike of Boeing machinists may have slowed investment slightly. Despite the monthly decline, the value of orders placed was still 23% above the average monthly order value since January 2021.  

Manufacturers of construction machinery placed their largest order for manufacturing technology since September 2012. Despite falling from the peaks in 2024, construction spending on manufacturing facilities remains at an extraordinarily elevated level. Additionally, manufacturers of ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration, an industry generally correlated with construction activity, increased orders in August 2025, to a level nearly 50% higher than their average monthly order value.  

While machinery orders have shown resilience through August despite several economic headwinds, there remain several sources of uncertainty which could hamper additional investment in the remainder of the year. Several infrastructure projects were shuttered after the federal government shutdown began on October 1. For those manufacturers who rely on government-funded projects, investment in additional machinery could be delayed until the reliability of those projects is assured. Additionally, the inclusion of manufacturing technology in the most recently released schedule of products subject to tariff could stymie additional investment in the technology necessary to expand and improve the American industrial base.  

For more information, visit amtonline.org. 

Mechanical Engineering Lecturer Lam Receives SWE Distinguished Engineering Educator Award 

Whether coordinating the logistics of challenging SAE Baja Racing events in Rochester or helping organize overnight programs with current and prospective engineering students, Marca Lam has taken a non-traditional approach to educating engineers.  

Coupling these experiences with teaching interesting courses across the curriculum such as optimization, system dynamics, and engineering vibrations, Lam has made an impact as a teacher, mentor, adviser, and friend over her 30-plus years as an educator.  

Lam was honored with the Distinguished Engineering Educator Award, presented by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at its annual conference in October. The prestigious award is given to individuals who make significant contributions to engineering education over at least 20 years. It is one of the highest honors given by the international organization to celebrate the achievements of female engineers, particularly those considered role models who advance engineering as well as the careers of future engineers through learning, advocacy, professionalism, and leadership.  

Since arriving at RIT in 2006, Lam has served multiple academic, administrative, and service leadership roles within RIT and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. She began as a visiting associate professor and advanced to the undergraduate program director for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  

Throughout her career she has developed, improved, and taught many courses with the goal of finding the best ways to present the challenging materials essential to sending skilled engineers into the workforce.  

As part of SWE since 2009, Lam served as secretary, webmaster, and eventually president of the Rochester professional chapter. In 2010, she became adviser for RIT’s student chapter of SWE, a position she has held for 15 years.  

Many young women such as Amanda Weissman ’09 (electrical engineering), ’09 MS (materials science), one of Lam’s nominators, look back at careers that were encouraged and supported because of her mentorship, advocacy for students, and her role in fostering strong connections between current students and alumni. 

“It's Marca's personal investment in students that’s always impressed me,” said Weissman, principal systems engineer for Lockheed Martin. Weissman designs combat systems for surface navy ships and works at the company’s Adelaide, Australia, site. “Not only knowing their names, but building relationships with them, encouraging them, and helping them understand how an organization like SWE can help them in their careers. I am thrilled to see Marca recognized with this award.” 

Prior to coming to RIT, Lam taught at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City. She taught design courses in the undergraduate engineering program and began on a path to develop courses not yet a regular part of the curriculum in the areas of control systems, materials science, and dynamics. Her work in this area significantly increased the number and variety of elective options for students.  

This pattern would continue when she came to RIT in 2006 and began to collaborate on new courses and adaptations to current content with peers from each of the Kate Gleason College departments. She led the second-year engineering student honors courses about the new product design cycle, which included coordinating national and international travel excursions for students to engineering companies.  

“It is a privilege to have been nominated for this award. It reflects all the work I have done to support students in general, and women specifically. This is truly the career award for me,” said Lam. “My teaching philosophy has always been that you create an interactive learning environment by asking good questions of the class, paying attention to answers, and covering theory but also working through exercises that are tied closely to real-world problems.”  

This is the second award and recognition given to Lam, who was honored as SWE Outstanding Faculty Advisor in 2015.  

For more information, visit  rit.edu. 

Manufacturing Institute, Novonesis Kick Off MFG Day 2025 in NC 

On October 2, the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—kicked off Manufacturing Month in North Carolina with the MFG Day 2025 flagship event at Novonesis’ North American headquarters in Franklinton.  

MFG Day is the MI’s grassroots movement to bring students out of the classroom and into manufacturing facilities to see up close the many career opportunities available in modern manufacturing. The push comes as manufacturers continue to prioritize workforce development and close the skills gap. Right now, there are over 400,000 open jobs in manufacturing, many going unfilled because manufacturers cannot find workers with the right skillsets to fill the roles. 

By seeing modern manufacturing firsthand, manufacturers and educators can spark interest in manufacturing as a career choice and encourage students to pursue the education and certifications that put them on the path toward high-paying, in-demand jobs. 

“People can’t be what they can’t see,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Today, students got to see firsthand the many career opportunities available in modern manufacturing. We’re so grateful to Novonesis for helping expose local students to all that our industry has to offer.” 

More than 300 Franklin County students, statewide education partners and community leaders were invited to Novonesis’ state-of-the-art facilities. Students toured production facilities, stepped into advanced biotechnology labs and participated in interactive STEM demonstrations designed to showcase the integration of science and manufacturing. Rotating immersive tours featured biosolutions’ origin story, research and development, and the role of biosolutions in daily life. From the fermentation shop floor and control room to engaging with workforce development and community college programs, students were able to see the full array of opportunities available to them in modern manufacturing. 

“When students walk through our doors, they see that manufacturing today is about innovation, sustainability and meaningful careers,” said Novonesis North America President Tue Micheelsen. “It opens their eyes to possibilities they may never have imagined.”  

In addition to hosting the flagship event in North Carolina, the biosolutions manufacturer also is opening up its doors to students in Virginia, Nebraska and Wisconsin. 

MFG Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of October, but events happen nationwide all month long. For more information, visit mfgday.com or www.themanufacturinginstitute.org. 

ABB’s Spencer Named to Manufacturers Association Board of Directors   

The National Association of Manufacturers announced that Brandon Spencer has been named to the NAM Board of Directors. Spencer currently serves as president, Motion Business Area, for ABB where he oversees the more than $7 billion Motion business that spans six divisions with nearly 40 sites, 23,000 employees and more than 100 countries served worldwide.  

“The next few years will shape the manufacturing industry’s trajectory for decades. At a pivotal moment, the NAM will be stronger thanks to Brandon’s service on our Board of Directors,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Brandon will help lead the charge as we drive a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that empowers every manufacturer across the United States to build, invest, grow, thrive and lead. On behalf of the entire NAM team, I am grateful for Brandon’s partnership as we advance the values that have made America exceptional and our industry strong—free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.” 

Spencer brings a breadth and depth of industry experience to the board, including a 19-year tenure at ABB across a range of leadership roles with a focus on the energy sector. Between 2020 and 2024, he was Division President Energy Industries (Process Automation Business Area). Prior to joining ABB, Brandon held various roles at Siemens Power Generation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. 

“ABB is committed to the U.S. market, investing $230 million in American manufacturing and R&D in 2025, alone, and more than $500 million since 2021,” said Spencer. “Partners like NAM and the incredible manufacturing workforce it represents are essential to this growth and our industry overall, so I’m honored to join the NAM Board and look forward to the work to come.” 

For more information, visit www.nam.org or www.abb.com.