U.S. DoE Awards More Than $6B for Industrial Transformation

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $6 billion in awards to 33 projects across more than 20 states through its Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations’ Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP). This funding—made possible by initiatives championed by President Biden and Democrats in Congress and passed into law—will help strengthen local economies across the nation and create and sustain tens of thousands of good-paying, high-quality jobs—particularly those that support worker organizing and collective bargaining. The award recipients were required to meet a robust set of criteria to ensure local communities and workers benefit from the proposed projects. Each project was required to submit a community benefits plan and nearly 80% of the projects are located in a disadvantaged community. The projects are projected to reduce carbon emissions by an average of 77%.

Some examples of companies that have secured awards are:

• Cleveland Cliffs’ Butler Works facility in Pennsylvania, which is represented by the United Auto Workers Local 3303. This project will reduce emissions and energy consumption as well as enhance steel quality by replacing two natural gas-fired reheat furnaces with electrical induction reheat furnaces. This innovative technology could later be replicated in other steel facilities.
• A new Century Aluminum facility in Kentucky, where workers are expected to be represented by the United Steelworkers. This new facility would be the cleanest and most efficient aluminum smelter in the world and would be the nation’s first new aluminum facility since 1980. The project would effectively double the size of the U.S. aluminum industry.
• Cleveland Cliffs’ Middletown Works facility in Ohio, where workers are represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local Lodge 1943. This project would deliver an innovative overhaul of the integrated iron and steel mill with cutting-edge clean hydrogen-ready direct reduced iron (DRI) technology that will drastically reduce emissions.

After the award announcement, the BlueGreen Alliance issued the following statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh:

“Building the cleanest products possible and a strong domestic supply chain to manufacture the nuts and bolts of a new, clean economy in the United States is vital to the future of workers and our planet. We have a rich tradition of innovation in our country and President Biden has set the stage for the revival that workers and communities have needed for decades. With the investments announced today, we see that the United States can compete and lead in transforming our industrial sector.

“The IDP is proof that President Biden and Democrats are invested in rebuilding U.S. manufacturing to be the backbone of our economy, helping workers get to and stay in the middle class with good union jobs and bringing equity and opportunities to communities that have been on the hurting end of the loss of manufacturing jobs.”

For more information, visit http://www.bluegreenalliance.org.

Manufacturers Need as Many as 3.8M New Employees by 2033

Study finds that 1.9 million jobs could be left unfilled, underscoring the need for employee-focused strategies to keep up with growth.

The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte’s new report, “Taking charge: Manufacturers support growth with active workforce strategies,” examines the workforce challenges that manufacturers are facing as well as the investment and skills likely required to drive continued growth across the industry.

The U.S. manufacturing industry has emerged from the pandemic on a strong growth trajectory and continued growth is expected over the next 10 years as companies work to meet evolving customer demands, de-risk their supply chains and leverage government incentives and policies. Despite substantial growth in the sector, U.S. manufacturing faces a skills gap and tight labor market.

“Manufacturers recognize that the workforce is evolving. Pandemic-driven shifts have already created hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and now we are seeing increased demand for digital skills that need to be met or risk further widening of the talent gap,” said Manufacturing Institute President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Companies must prioritize technology, training and talent development, and the investments that are driving growth will also require the industry to build out a talent ecosystem. With investments in partnerships, apprenticeships, and education, and prioritizing a more diverse and inclusive workforce, a whole host of new talent will be on the factory floor and driving the next wave of growth.”

According to the study, workforce challenges are among the top concerns for U.S. manufacturers, and have been since Q4 2017, except during the pandemic. The MI and Deloitte projects that as many as 3.8 million additional employees could be needed in manufacturing between 2024 and 2033. Filling open positions — and keeping them filled — is a top concern for many manufacturers, 65% of respondents in the National Association of Manufacturers’ 2024 Q1 outlook pointed to attracting and retaining talent as their primary business challenge. As the need for higher-level skills grows, the MI and Deloitte predicts that as many as 5 in 10 of the skilled open positions, 1.9 million jobs could remain unfilled if manufacturers are not able to address the skills and applicant gaps.

“The manufacturing industry is facing exponential opportunity, yet still should prioritize strategies that will address the skills and applicant gap, especially as the acceleration of digital skills-based jobs continues,” said John Coykendall, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and vice chair, U.S. industrial products and construction leader. “Developing talent — both from within the existing employee base and those newly entering the workforce — is important to keeping up with the pace of continued innovation. Companies who invest in upskilling the workforce through training, technology and policies that meet employee expectations are well-positioned for future growth.”

More than 9 in 10 surveyed manufacturers said they are forming at least one partnership to improve job attraction and retention, and on average, they are partnering with four or more. The top five partnership types among respondents are with: technical colleges (73%), industry associations (58%), universities (48%), state and regional economic development agencies (47%), and K-12 schools (44%). Many partnerships are geared towards building, leveraging and supporting training programs — helping address the needs to develop new talent. Nearly half (47%) of those surveyed in research by Deloitte and the MI indicated that apprenticeships, work studies, or internships at manufacturing companies would be the most effective way to increase interest in manufacturing as a career choice.

Manufacturers are increasing and varying investments to meet the needs, skills requirements and values of the evolving workforce, while also creating strategies to increase existing employee retention. As retiring Baby Boomers are replaced by incoming millennials and Gen Z workers, the industry should invest in strategies aligned with workforce expectations, including more flexibility. Nearly half (47%) of respondents in Deloitte and the MI’s study indicated that flexible work arrangements (including flexible shifts, shift swapping and split shifts) is most impactful for retaining employees. Employees are 2.7 times less likely to leave the organization in the next 12 months if they feel they can acquire necessary skills that are important for the future, according to Deloitte research.

Key takeaways:

• The U.S. manufacturing industry could see a net need for as many as 3.8 million jobs between 2024 and 2033 as significant investment continues to drive growth.
• Without significant changes, more than 5 in 10 or 1.9 million of these jobs could go unfilled if workforce challenges are not addressed through 2033.
• Sixty-five percent of respondents said attracting and retaining talent is their primary business challenge.
• Investments in skills and strategies that address the workforce’s evolving expectations, including flexibility and technology, could be pivotal to how manufacturers position themselves for success.

For more information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Dr. Reymond Clavel and Marc-Olivier Demaurex, Pioneers of the Delta Robot, and Robotics Leader Joe Gemma Selected for 2024 Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards

The robotics industry’s most prestigious award will be presented May 8 at Automate in Chicago.

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) announced three longtime industry pioneers as the winners of the 2024 Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards, the world's most prestigious robotics honor.

• Dr. Reymond Clavel, Professor Emeritus at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne (EPFL), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, was selected as a technology winner for his pioneering role in the invention of the Delta robot concept.
• Marc-Olivier Demaurex, was selected as a technology winner for his role in pioneering the Delta robot and bringing it to market.
• Joe Gemma, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Wauseon Machine, was selected as the winner for leadership, recognizing more than 35 years in the automation industry, including past stints on the Robotics Industries Association (RIA), now A3, board of directors and the president and board member of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

The Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards are named after the late Joseph F. Engelberger, known throughout the world as the founding force behind industrial robotics. Since 1977, these awards have been given to 139 robotics leaders from around the world for excellence in technology development, application, education and leadership.

The winners are recommended by a panel of industry leaders based on all present and past nominations from the industry and voted upon by the past chairs of the RIA. A3 is the organization that administers the award, and each winner receives a $5,000 honorarium and a commemorative medallion and plaque.

“The honorees of this year’s Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards have all played critical roles in the development and growth of our industry,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “Reymond and Marc-Olivier brought delta robots to life, offering robots much higher productivity rates than ever before due to their increased speed and throughput. And Joe’s valuable leadership and contributions to our industry over the last 35+ years, including his roles with both IFR and A3, have been instrumental as we bring greater innovations to users worldwide.”

Dr. Clavel is a professor emeritus at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne (EPFL),the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

In the early 1980s, Dr. Clavel led the research team that invented the Delta robot, a type of parallel robot that consists of three arms connected to universal joints at the base and was designed to manipulate light and small objects at a very high speed, an industrial need at the time. The Delta robot was patented in 1985. In 1987, the Swiss company Demaurex, founded by fellow EPFL graduate Marc-Olivier Demaurex, purchased a license for the Delta robot and started the production of Delta robots for the packaging industry.

Dr. Clavel obtained his degree in mechanical engineering at the EPFL in 1973. After nine years of gathered experience in industrial plants at Hermes Precisa International (research and development), he was appointed professor at the EPFL, where he obtained his PhD degree in parallel robotics in 1991. His present research topics are parallel robotics, high speed and high precision robotics, medical and surgical robotics applications, surgical instrumentation and precision mechanisms.

Over the years, Dr. Clavel has received numerous awards in parallel and industrial robotics, including the 1989 Laureate of the JIRA Awards (Japan Industrial Robot Association) for the DELTA parallel robot invented in 1985; 1996 project winner of the Technologiestandort Schweiz competition and the ABB Sonderpreis for the robotics project.

“Who would have thought that a visit to a chocolate factory would result in a robot concept that is not only used worldwide but is actually studied in universities and now further recognized with this prestigious Engelberger Award for both me and Marc-Olivier?” Dr. Clavel said. “I’m beyond proud that we were able to create a real solution to a problem that so many dealt with as they looked to automate complex piece picking applications and the influence these parallel robots have on today’s robots.”

Demaurex earned his masters in robotics in 1974 and his doctorate in robotics mechanical design in 1979, both at EPFL. After four years at Bobst Graphic, where he worked in phototypesetting machines, he founded Demaurex Company in Lausanne for robotics and microengineering. The company created the first big Delta robots line for chocolate assortment for Nestlé in 1992 and for picking cookies for Kambly in 1993. Bosch Packaging Technology purchased Demaurex in 2000 (and then to Rotzinger in 2018). The Delta patent ended in 2007, when it became a standard in robotics. Demaurex retired in 2013 but continues to consult.

“Being recognized with an Engelberger Award for my pioneering role in the Delta robot concept is definitely a highlight of my career,” Demaurex said. “We recognized early on that the Delta robot that Reymond and his team had created was the solution to problems companies in the packaging industry had long encountered when considering automation. By bringing it to market with early adopters such as Nestlé and Kambly, we created a company—and an industry—that is still going strong today.”

Gemma serves as the chief revenue officer at Wauseon Machine & Manufacturing, which provides automation solutions, precision machining, fabrication, and tube forming technologies to manufacturing organizations throughout North America. He joined Wauseon in 2022 with more than 35 years of experience in the automation industry.

Early in his career, Gemma spent 12 years working for a system integrator and then over 20 years working for robotics OEMs. Gemma has strongly supported the industry by participating on the RIA Board of Directors, as well as past chair and service on several committees. He currently serves on A3’s Robotics Technology Strategy Board.

At Wauseon Machine, Gemma is responsible for the front end of the business as the CRO. Previously he spent more than 5 years as the CEO/CRO for KUKA Robotics Division - Americas. Prior to KUKA, he spent 18 years as CEO for Stäubli Group North America. Until 1997, he worked for the US enterprises, Advanced Technology Systems, Crellin Technologies and Corner & Lada, working in engineering, project management, business development and sales management.

“I am truly humbled and grateful to receive the Joseph F. Engelberger award this year for leadership,” Gemma said. “In fact, this recognition really goes out to all the people I have worked with through the years, and it is an honor to accept this award on their behalf. It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone that has supported us through the years as none of this success would have been possible without the support of my family and colleagues.”

The awards dinner at Automate will be held May 8 from 5:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Tickets for the event, which includes a cocktail reception and dinner, may be purchased when registering for the Automate 2024 Show and Conference.

Automate takes place May 6-9 in Chicago, and anyone who works with or is interested in automation can attend for free. This year’s show is the biggest yet, featuring more than 365,000 square feet of exhibit space, 800+ exhibitors, and an expected 30,000+ registrants, with valuable learning and networking opportunities. Attendees will see the latest in cutting-edge robotics, vision, artificial intelligence, motion control and more.

For more information, visit https://www.automate.org/.

Aionic Digital Appoints Benjamin, Zeiger to Executive Leadership Team 

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to innovation and leadership in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, Aionic Digital announced the appointment of Yaron Benjamin, CEO, and Matt Zeiger, COO, to its executive leadership team. These appointments align with Aionic's vision to drive business transformation through AI-driven solutions, heralding a new era of efficiency for data management, systems integration, customer engagement, and ecommerce. 

Aionic Digital is a leader in technology consulting, specializing in AI, ecommerce, and customer engagement platforms. Its expertise is the ability to apply technical engineering solutions to solve business challenges. Aionic Digital understands how to execute AI initiatives and apply that to solve client challenges through solutions like shortening time horizons. The company also boasts leading experts on large data and systems integrations. 

As CEO of Aionic Digital, Yaron Benjamin will drive technical excellence through the entirety of the organization. Benjamin is a technology leader focused on composable commerce, cloud architecture, and AI/machine learning (ML). With nearly two decades of experience in software engineering and enterprise architecture, Benjamin is passionate about developing solutions to solve complex technical challenges and drive businesses forward. With experience both in the public and private sector, Benjamin has worked for the Department of Defense as an Application Architect and most recently at Authentic as the Director of Technical Services. Benjamin brings experience working with Fortune 500 companies like Starbucks, Victoria's Secret, and Cedar Fair.

Ralph Miller, President, Aionic Digital said, “Yaron is one of the leading thinkers in terms of modern applications for solutions to complex technical challenges. As good as he is though, we felt it was important to appoint a CEO who is comfortable in knowing how complex technologies can be used by businesses to solve their challenges.” 

Benjamin, CEO, said, “Aionic Digital is at the leading edge of implementing ecommerce and customer engagement solutions that leverage AI to enhance customer experience. We have assembled a highly experienced team that is to deliver on this promise. I am truly excited at the opportunities we have to help lead our partners as they create great experiences for their customers. ” 

As another key addition to the leadership team, Matt Zeiger will lead the operations of the business. He will help oversee both the product and project delivery teams, and develop reports to ensure the business consistently assesses its performance and meets its targets. Zeiger also boasts a wealth of experience, spending the last 15 years as a certified Project Manager. He has managed complex commerce, app, web, and loyalty programs for some of the world's largest brands like Moen, Haagen Dazs, and Hilton.

Zeiger shared his enthusiasm about joining Aionic, stating, "I am excited to become part of the executive team and to lead the execution teams in the work we are doing related to AI. The opportunity to become an executive within a company that is achieving such tremendous results in a short time is going to be a truly innovative experience, both in my career trajectory and in the overall value to the business and AI communities." 

Mark Barrett, Co-Founder and CRO, remarked, “Matt is a difference maker for organizations. The consummate professional who embodies our core values of leadership by example, determination, and professionalism in all aspects of work and communication. We’re lucky Matt has chosen Aionic to help lead us in our journey.” 

For more information, visit https://aionicdigital.com/.

Larsen Manufacturing Lead Inspector Honored as 2024 Inspector of the Year from ASQ’s Inspection Division

The ASQ Inspection Division has selected Larsen Manufacturing PPAP Lead Inspector, Jair Velazquez Abundez, as the 2024 Chuck Carter International Inspector of the Year. Velazquez will be presented his award and duly acknowledged during the Inspection Division’s annual membership meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024, in San Diego, CA, in conjunction with ASQ’s World Conference on Quality and Improvement.

Velazquez has worked at the Larsen Manufacturing Stamping Plant in Mundelein, IL, since 2018. He had no previous experience as an inspector, but he was a quick and detailed learner. Beginning as an Incoming Receiving Inspector, Velazquez has since been promoted to Quality Lab Inspector Leve 2 (2019), PPAP Lead Coordinator Level 3 (2021), and finally to Jr. Quality Engineer in 2022.

Velazquez helped Larsen Manufacturing develop better inspection techniques and improved record-keeping. He was a natural when he learned how to use the micrometer and caliper to inspect coil material, bar stock, and metal sheets as well as outside services that included welding, heat treating, and plated parts. Over a short period of time, Velazquez became qualified to use gage blocks, gage pins, thread gages, height gages, drop indicators, torque wenches, optical comparator, CMM touch probe, T-Hawk Scanner, and a FARO Arm with a touch probe and laser scanning capabilities.

Velazquez has a college degree in Computer Graphics & Programming, graduating in 2003 from Bacheller’s College located in Mexico City. He is married with two daughters. When time permits, he enjoys tennis, soccer, mountain biking, and hiking.

The Inspection Division has offered the Inspector of the Year Award since 1974. For a list of the previous award recipients, an award application, or additional information about the ASQ Inspection Division and the award, visit https://my.asq.org/communities/files/folder/158/217.

Greenpower Park to Establish UK as Center of Clean Energy, Electrification

Plans have been unveiled for the development of Greenpower Park, a new UK Center of Electrification and Clean Energy. The campus will be anchored by the West Midlands Gigafactory and will focus on fostering a clean electrified technology ecosystem. Greenpower Park will be located in Coventry and is the only site in the UK with approved plans for a large-scale battery production facility. The campus will also include space for battery research, industrialization, manufacturing, testing, recycling, and electrified logistics. The Greenpower Park campus is expected to drive advancements in zero-emission electric vehicles, public transport, aviation, and energy systems.

The Greenpower Park campus is targeting £2.5bn in inward investment and the creation of 6,000 highly skilled jobs. The project is being developed through a unique collaboration between academia, industry, government, and international partners. The campus has already secured endorsement from nine local universities and will be located within the West Midlands Investment Zone.

The West Midlands Gigafactory will be the anchor tenant of the Greenpower Park campus. The Gigafactory will have the capacity to produce up to 60GWh of batteries, enough to power 600,000 electric vehicles. The Gigafactory will also benefit from significant incentives associated with the Greenpower Park Investment Zone status. The Greenpower Park campus is the only site in the UK with approved plans for a large-scale battery production facility.

The Greenpower Park campus will also be located in close proximity to a significant local workforce with relevant skills. The project will be based in Coventry, which is part of the West Midlands manufacturing powerbase. The region is home to over 210,000 students enrolled in degrees and vocational courses relevant to the electrification sector.

“Plans to place Britain at the epicenter of the green industrial revolution have taken a significant leap forward with the launch of Greenpower Park,” says Cllr Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council. “This ambitious initiative is not merely about setting the groundwork for the next generation of electric technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. It is a clarion call to the world that the UK is open for business, ready to lead the charge in the green industrial revolution. With its strategic location, unprecedented financial support, academic partnerships, a ready-made skilled workforce, and oven-ready plans to build Britain's biggest gigafactory, Greenpower Park is poised to become the cornerstone of the UK's electrified future, driving forward our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”

Greenpower Park is a joint venture between Coventry City Council and Coventry Airport Ltd. The project has also received support from the West Midlands Combined Authority, Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council, Rugby Council, Coventry University, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

For more information, visit https://www.greenpowerpark.com/.

Boeing Identifies Process Control Issue; Key Execs to Step Down

In what has been called “a broad management shakeup,” a number of key executives will be exiting Boeing, including CEO Dave Calhoun, stepping down at the end of 2024; Larry Kellner, chairman of the board, resigning and will not stand for reelection at Boeing’s annual meeting in May; and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, leaving the company effective immediately.

All of this “come as airlines and regulators have been increasing calls for major changes at the company after a host of quality and manufacturing flaws on Boeing planes,” according to reporting from CNBC. “Scrutiny intensified after a Jan. 5 accident, when a door plug blew out of a nearly new Boeing 737 Max 9 minutes into an Alaska Airlines flight.”

In a letter to employees on Monday, Calhoun wrote, “As you all know, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident was a watershed moment for Boeing. We must continue to respond to this accident with humility and complete transparency. We also must inculcate a total commitment to safety and quality at every level of our company. The eyes of the world are on us, and I know we will come through this moment a better company, building on all the learnings we accumulated as we worked together to rebuild Boeing over the last number of years.”

In the middle of last week, Boeing identified an “area of focus” around the Jan. 5 accident. Referring to the accident at Bank of America’s Boeing company conference, CFO Brian West said, “And one area that we’re focused on in particular is something called 'traveled work.'”

According to Boeing’s internal documents, traveled work refers to tasks that are “delayed and/or completed in a factory location other than what was originally planned.”

Yahoo! Finance stated, “With the 737 MAX jet, Boeing was accepting fuselages and assemblies from Spirit AeroSystems, with workers noting that assemblies were not conforming to what Boeing was expecting, resulting in the assemblies being used in manufacturing then repaired after the fact.”

In Boeing’s internal report, the company said “that traveled work resulted in tasks taking longer to compete in terms of labor hours, and that incomplete work can interfere with its ability to complete other planned work, causing cascading delays.”

As federal investigators noted in the Wall Street Journal reporting, with the 737-MAX, even though “Boeing workers apparently spotted these issues immediately when fuselages arrived from Spirit AeroSystems, It turns out Boeing didn’t fix the issues right away, and the 737 continued on to the next workstation.

“When Boeing crews completed the repair 19 days later, the crews failed to replace four bolts on a plug door they had opened to do the job, resulting in the Alaska Airlines incident.”

According to West, ““Starting on March 1 of this year, we will no longer travel work between Wichita and our fuselage supplier [Spirit AeroSystems] and Renton [Boeing assembly plant],” West said. “It had been going on too long. So now we will only accept a fully conforming fuselage from Spirit, which means in the near term, there might be variability of supply.”

January 2024 Manufacturing Technology Orders Down 31% From December

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $338 million in January 2024, a 31% decline from December and a 3.7% decline from January 2023. The value of orders in January 2024 were at the lowest level for a January since 2021, yet the unit count was the lowest since 2016. This indicates the demand for manufacturing technology is still being driven by orders of highly specialized, automated machinery.

Contract machine shops, the largest customer of manufacturing technology, decreased orders in January 2024 to the lowest level since July 2023, a 27.1% decline from December 2023. These shops have been ordering below their typical share for some time now. Should business conditions improve for these manufacturers, there is a large upside potential for future orders of manufacturing technology.

Contract machine shops are expected to continue experiencing subdued order activity in the near future. Despite a minor improvement in February 2024, the Gardner Metalworking Index – compiled by Gardner Business Media and predominantly based on responses from contract machine shops – indicates that the downturn in business activity is likely to persist for at least another month.

Outside of the aerospace and automotive sectors, OEMs in many other industries are generally small consumers of manufacturing technology in any given month relative to the size of orders from contract machine shops. However, for some time now, this has inverted, as OEMs across several industries have increased orders at a pace that has nearly offset the decline in orders from contract machine shops.

Manufacturers of oil and gas field machinery were among the OEMs increasing orders in January 2024. According to data published by the Texas Oil and Gas Association, 2023 set records in both the extraction and refining of oil and natural gas in the state. In recent years, elevated orders for manufacturing technology from this sector have typically been placed in the fourth quarter of the year. The early uptick in 2024 could indicate an appetite to expand capacity and modernize equipment to compete with recent regulatory hurdles.

January is typically the slowest month for manufacturing technology orders in any given year, and 2024 may prove to be no different. Forecasters at Oxford Economics have predicted that global industrial production will increase 2.7% in 2024. This bodes well for manufacturing technology, as even non-durable goods producers require machinery that is built using the metalworking equipment tracked by USMTO. Indeed, Oxford Economics also presented a forecast at AMT’s Winter Economic Forum, predicting that manufacturing technology orders in the United States would increase nearly 8% in 2024.

For more information, visit AMTonline.org.

US Cutting Tool Orders Totaled $204.5M in January 2024, Up 9.1% From December 2023

January 2024 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $204.5 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 9.1% from December’s $187.5 million and up 4.1% when compared with the $196.5 million reported for January 2023.

“January cutting tool shipments are a good start to 2024 and indicate that the expected decline will not be as severe as some fourth-quarter predictions that were based on the contraction in durable goods spending,” asserted Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group. “Job shops are reporting business activity, and quoting has slowed down some; however, large original equipment manufacturers in automotive, truck, and aerospace are still investing in new production lines. Overall, there is optimism within the industry for continued growth this year.”

Tom Haag, president at Kyocera SGS Precision Tool, elaborated further, stating: “January activity started quite slow after the holidays but appeared to recover as the month progressed and carried into February. We are hopeful that the inventory depletions at the close of 2023 are now being replenished to prepare for a solid manufacturing year in 2024. Commercial aerospace has a 10-year backlog to address, and if automotive manufacturing can sort out whether to produce electric vehicles or internal combustion engines, 2024 could prove to be a strong year in metalworking. With 2023 being an exception, we expect the first three months of 2024 to set the tone for the year, barring any geopolitical interruptions.”

The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process – the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.

Historical data for the Cutting Tool Market Report is available dating back to January 2012. This collaboration of AMT and USCTI is the first step in the two associations working together to promote and support U.S.-based manufacturers of cutting tool technology.

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org.

ARCH Motorcycle partners with Hexagon

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and ARCH Motorcycle, a manufacturer of high-performance bespoke motorcycles, have partnered to support the quality control demands of engineering and producing unique riding experiences for ARCH customers. 
By combining artistry and engineering with precision technologies, ARCH maximizes the performance potential of its motorcycles while keeping innovation at the forefront of design. The partnership is geared to help ARCH expand its commitment to producing bespoke motorcycles by fully digitizing quality processes throughout engineering and manufacturing with state-of-the-art measurement technologies. 

3D scanning technologies to be implemented by ARCH Motorcycle include Hexagon's equipment and software for reverse engineering, which will enable ARCH to retain classic design elements for application to products in development. The technology will also help ARCH Motorcycle create tailored ergonomic motorcycle designs that incorporate individual customer specifications for shocks, seats, handlebars, foot controls, and overall fit.

“At ARCH, our goal is to create custom production motorcycles that express each owner’s personal taste and style. Our obsessive attention to detail creates the need for precision machining in the manufacturing process. By integrating Hexagon’s latest metrology technologies throughout our manufacturing and quality control processes we're able to achieve the finish and uncompromising quality in every ARCH motorcycle,” said Gard Hollinger, co-founder and founder of ARCH Motorcycle. “The ability to quickly digitize parts will also streamline our 3D digital workflow for computer-aided design (CAD) and has become an invaluable part of our future product development.” 

The ability to quickly digitize part dimensions and surface finishes for comparison to CAD models and quality standards will enable ARCH to improve both throughput and quality control easily and with confidence in their data. It also allows the company to keep an accurate digital 3D record of each customer’s motorcycle to support future customer service.

Hexagon devices to be used by the ARCH manufacturing team include an easy-to-use portable measurement arm (Absolute Arm) with a state-of-the-art laser line-scanner (the AS1 laser scanner) that enables even inexperienced users to capture measurements directly into associated software. The 3D laser scanner provides a guided workflow that helps users visualize 3D models and guides them through successful coverage of critical features and surface measurements. Paired with tightly integrated measurement software, the laser scanner also makes it easy to scan large components and reverse engineer parts.

“Quality control represents different challenges for every manufacturer, but it can be especially challenging for those who produce highly customized products,” said Brian Winters, product manager for Absolute Arms at Hexagon. “We’re excited to partner with ARCH Motorcycle to provide flexible tools that make it easy to digitize measurements as components are made and assembled. This immediate access to accurate 3D measurement data is intended to help produce the one-of-a-kind experiences and production motorcycle quality that customers want.”  

For more information, visit archmotorcycle.com and www.hexagon.com.

Mastercam Appoints New President

Mastercam announces the appointment of Susan Brandt as its new president, effective February 12. This strategic move will leverage Brandt's extensive experience to drive Mastercam's growth and reinforce its market leadership in advanced manufacturing solutions.

Brandt brings over 25 years of global business leadership and GTM strategy expertise within the B2B software/SaaS domain and infrastructure design and engineering software. Notably, she held several senior leadership positions during her career, including at Bentley Systems for 23 years, where she held executive roles in sales, business development, and strategic product and business initiatives. In addition, Brandt served as Vice President of Mine Planning Business Unit at Hexagon Mining, further enhancing her extensive industry experience. With her exceptional insight and foresight, coupled with her ability to drive profitability and expand markets globally, Brandt is uniquely positioned to guide Mastercam toward new heights of success and innovation.

Mattias Nilsson, President of Business Area segment Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions, expressed confidence in Brandt's appointment, stating, "Susan's deep knowledge of software business management is a significant asset for Mastercam. Her leadership brings fresh perspectives and will help propel Mastercam to new achievements in the industry." Nilsson added, "We are poised to make significant shifts in the industry, building on the strong foundation of Mastercam's brand, products, and Reseller network."

While Mastercam has long been recognized as a pioneer in CAD/CAM technology, Brandt's appointment signals an exciting new chapter of accelerated growth and innovation. Her vision for the company is rooted in driving transformative advancements, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Brandt plans to build upon Mastercam's legacy of excellence by harnessing emerging technologies to further elevate its offerings.

"Joining Mastercam is an honor, and I am excited about the opportunity to lead the company into its next phase of growth," Brandt expressed. "As we look to the future, our mission is to embrace new challenges and opportunities, ensuring Mastercam remains a trusted partner in driving industry progress."

Susan Brandt's appointment marks a significant milestone for Mastercam. The company extends its gratitude to Meghan West for her valuable contributions as the outgoing President and looks forward to the new direction and momentum under Brandt's leadership.

For more information, visit www.mastercam.com.

Kenworth’s Chillicothe, OH, Manufacturing Plant Celebrates 50 Years

The Kenworth truck assembly plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, celebrates 50 years of building the World’s Best® trucks. The plant officially opened on March 4, 1974, and the plant’s first truck – a Kenworth W900 – rolled off the assembly line a day later.

Since then, Kenworth Chillicothe plant employees have produced more than 782,000 trucks in alignment with the company’s core values of quality, innovation and state-of-the-art technology. The plant employs approximately 2,500 people, one of the largest employers in Ross County (where Chillicothe resides), and is Kenworth’s largest manufacturing facility.

“Chillicothe is a great place for Kenworth to build trucks because it is close to our customers, suppliers and, of course, a community of highly skilled employees we are fortunate to call our Kenworth family,” said Jim Walenczak, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Today we celebrate 50 years of innovation in Chillicothe, community involvement in Ross County and The World’s Best employees. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our incredible workforce – both past and present – and Kenworth’s commitment to continued growth in Chillicothe.”

The Kenworth Chillicothe plant is located on a 120-acre site 50 miles south of Columbus, Ohio. Since 2018, Kenworth has invested $300 million in the 622,000-square-foot facility that features advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotic assembly, and a state-of-the-art paint facility that utilizes the latest technology in the industry. The multi-level paint facility went into production in October 2021 and is equipped with bell spray head technology that improves the appearance and transfer efficiency of the paint. In 2022, the Kenworth Chillicothe plant received two Manufacturing Leadership Awards for its new Kenworth Paint Facility and Henrob Error Proofing project from the National Association of Manufacturers. In 2020, the plant received an Encouraging Environmental Excellence “E3” Gold Award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for going beyond regulatory compliance requirements for environmental stewardship activities and in 2006, was recognized by Quality for our “Plant of the Year” Award.

According to Doug VanZuiden, Kenworth Chillicothe plant manager, nearly 40% of its employees have worked at the plant for more than 15 years. “Our highly experienced, dedicated and long-term workforce is the secret to building a customer-oriented product and custom-engineered vehicle, and this team excels at building quality, pride and passion into The World’s Best trucks every day,” said VanZuiden.

Jeff Hougland, one of Kenworth Chillicothe’s longest-tenured employees, having joined the plant as a parts welder in 1975 said Kenworth’s decision to open a plant in Chillicothe positively impacted the community. “When I first started working with Kenworth, the economy was in a recession and the unemployment rate was high. The opening of the Kenworth Chillicothe plant in ’74 served as a lifeline for many in our community seeking employment opportunities,” said Hougland. “Over the years as the plant has increased its operational footprint to meet demand through expansion projects, like our new paint facility, additional well-paying job opportunities have followed. I’ve worked with a lot of great people throughout my career here and am proud to help build the best trucks out there.”

Supporting the local Ross County community is important to Kenworth. For the past 30 years, the Chillicothe plant has partnered with the United Way of Ross County to raise money for the organization’s philanthropic programs. In 2023, the plant raised approximately $240,000 through its annual United Way campaign and Kenworth truck parade 50/50 raffle. Since the beginning of the partnership, Kenworth Chillicothe employees have raised more than $2 million and PACCAR has contributed nearly $5 million to the United Way of Ross County.

“Kenworth is truly a generational company. Many plant employees are second, even third generation in their families to work here and they take a lot of pride in representing Kenworth,” said Jack Schmitt, Kenworth Chillicothe assistant plant manager. “Our deep roots in Ross County are one of the many reasons we care deeply about working to invest in and strengthen the community where we all live and work – now and in the future.”

For more information, visit www.kenworth.com.

ABB Opens Refitted U.S. Robotics Facility

Refit will support customers and ABB’s leadership in growing US robotics segments, including Packaging & Logistics, Food & Beverage, Construction, Lifesciences & Healthcare and Automotive electric vehicle production.

• New factory serves as US hub, developing and manufacturing AI-enabled technology to help businesses respond to labor shortages, global uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably  
• Expansion is latest in over $30 million Robotics investment in the US since 2019 including Packaging & Logistics headquarters in Atlanta, Lifesciences and Healthcare Research Lab in Houston and Research and Development Center in San Jose.

ABB opened its refitted US robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, MI, which will support ABB Robotics’ global leadership in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge robotic solutions in the U.S., for the U.S. and the Americas. The expanded facility reflects ABB’s commitment to long-term growth in the U.S. market, which is predicted to follow global growth rates for robotics of 8% CAGR*, as well as the company’s global investment to build Robotics and Automation capacity and create new, highly skilled jobs. This is ABB’s third global robotics factory expansion in three years across China, Europe and the Americas and is part of its efforts to further strengthen its local-for-local footprint. 

“The opening of our refitted state-of-the-art U.S. robotics headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI, is a significant part of our global growth story, reaffirming our commitment to industry leadership in the U.S.,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation Business Area. “Robotics and AI are essential tools for companies in addressing critical labor shortages, localized supply chains and the need to operate more sustainably. The advances in AI-driven software and hardware make our robots more accessible to a wider range of businesses, enabling them to increase resilience and become more competitive. America is now the world’s second largest robotics market, and our production facility will help ABB support existing customers as well as new growth sectors across the U.S. and the Americas region.” 

“ABB’s $20 million investment in Auburn Hills will create more than 70 good-paying, high-skill jobs and build on Michigan’s advanced manufacturing leadership,” said Governor Whitmer. “Around the world, ABB’s technology supports the production of electric vehicles, medical devices, electronics, and even pastries. Today’s expansion at their robotics headquarters will tighten the supply chain and cut down on production delays, while building on ABB’s long-standing investments in local workforce development and hands-on education. Let’s keep competing to bring more cutting-edge investments home to Michigan.”

With a 30 percent increase in facility space, the new Auburn Hills facility will enhance ABB’s ability to serve as the leading strategic robotics partner for its growing customer base. Through the new Customer Experience Center, ABB will showcase its leading hardware and software solutions, pioneering the latest digital and AI-powered automation technologies with customers, and developing and manufacturing next generation robots. 

The expanded facility will support ABB Robotics’ specialist centers including its Packaging and Logistics hub in Atlanta, Georgia; its Life Sciences and Healthcare hub at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas; and AI Research Lab in San Jose, California. Complete with a new training center, the facility will educate over 3,000 workers and students each year, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a new era of AI-powered automation.   

“Through our expanded facility, partner ecosystem and comprehensive AI-enabled product portfolio, we are pushing the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels,” said John Bubnikovich, ABB United States Robotics Division President. “We look forward to increasing support for our customers, to expanding our role as an employer and to energizing the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.”  

The expansion reflects the company’s focus on the U.S. market and commitment to continued investment in Michigan. The expansion will create 72 highly skilled new jobs in the area and is supported by a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to capitalizing on the unique concentration of technical skills in the community, ABB will provide upskilling and career opportunities to train workers with no prior experience or degree with the skills needed to build a successful career in the robotics and automation industry. ABB Robotics has invested $30 million in the U. since 2019 across four locations, opening its Auburn Hills manufacturing facility in 2015. The recent investment in Auburn Hills is part of the previously announced approximately $170 million that ABB is investing in its electrification and automation businesses across the US.

For more information, visit www.abb.com.

Onslaught of Aviation Incidents Prompt Investigations, Call for Changes

A bevy of investigations have been launched in response to recent incidents surrounding air travel in the U.S. Most notable is BBC News’ reporting on the death of John Barnett, a retired 32-year veteran of Boeing who, “In the days before his death, had been giving evidence in a whistleblower lawsuit against the company,” according to the BBC News article. The article also indicated “the Charleston County coroner confirmed his death and said the 62-year-old had died from a "self-inflicted" wound on 9 March and police were investigating.”

Additionally, the Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the plug door that blew off during the landing of an Alaska Airlines flight in Portland back in January. In one week, the media has reported on a seemingly non-stop list of airline mishaps, including United Flight 35 that lost a tire upon takeoff, “damaging multiple cars in a nearby parking lot,” according to a Daily Wire article. The Boeing 777-200 was headed to Japan, but landed safely in Los Angeles after the incident, according to a local NBC News affiliate. Video of the tire falling off the plane dominated news broadcasts that evening.

Other incidents include bubble wrap that caused an engine fire on a United flight that departed from Houston. Video that appears to have been taken by a passenger’s phone showed the engine catching on fire shortly after the Boeing 737 took off from Bush Airport to Fort Meyers, FL. Although it was unclear how it happened, United confirmed its suspicions that bubble wrap was sucked into the plane's engine.

The Daily Wire also reported on dozens of people being injured when a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 suddenly plunged mid-flight. According to the article and a statement by the airline, “The flight from Sydney, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand, experienced ‘a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement.’’

A March 12 article from The Associated Press stated that, “With Boeing facing multiple government investigations, the company needs to make “a serious transformation” around its safety and manufacturing quality.” “A serious transformation” is a direct quote from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during a March 11 press conference.

The day before, Buttigieg also said that the aircraft builder is under “enormous” scrutiny. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice launched a criminal investigation of the door plug blowout on the Alaska Airlines jet following “the company’s admission that it couldn’t find records that the National Transportation Safety Board sought for work done on the panel at a Boeing factory.”

“Obviously we respect the independence of DOJ (the Department of Justice) and NTSB (the National Transportation Safety Board) doing their own work,” Buttigieg said at the press conference, “but we are not neutral on the question of whether Boeing should fully cooperate with any entity — NTSB, us, or DOJ. They should, and we expect them to.”

More than a number of the comments in the aftermath of these incidents have referred to manufacturing issues, maintenance issues, quality issues, and a need for a changing of culture from profits to product in the aviation industry.

Aionic Digital Appoints Huiza Global Chief Technology Officer

Aionic Digital announced the appointment of Eric Huiza as Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This appointment aligns with Aionic's vision to drive business transformation through AI-driven solutions, leveraging extensive experience in systems integration and consulting to herald a new era of data management and integration efficiency.

Professor Huiza's role at Aionic is anticipated to catalyze significant advancements in data integration, enhancing operational efficiencies, and fostering financial growth for both clients and software channel partners. His expertise is particularly relevant as the need for software tools designed to revolutionize data handling by increasing accuracy, reducing operational time, and cutting costs have now become available to almost all companies.

Eric Huiza shared his enthusiasm about joining Aionic, stating, "I am thrilled to contribute to Aionic’s mission of harnessing AI for practical, impactful applications. We are poised to introduce innovations that solve complex problems while driving economic benefits for our stakeholders."

Ralph Miller, Founder and President of Aionic, remarked on the strategic hire, "Eric's expertise in AI and systems integration is a perfect match for Aionic as we navigate the complexities of data integration in a digital-first world. His leadership is key to our continued growth and innovation."

For more information, visit http://aionicdigital.com.

Automate 2024 to Shine Spotlight on Women Leading Change in Automation

Automate 2024 is celebrating and empowering women in automation. The annual trade show and conference, running May 6-9 in Chicago and hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), will open its third day with an inaugural Women’s Empowerment Forum and a much-anticipated keynote address by MIT Professor Daniela Rus.

The Women’s Empowerment Forum, free for show registrants, will feature a power panel of female executives in automation, including Marina Bill of ABB Robotics, Adi Leviatan of 3M and Rashmi Misra of Microsoft. The panel will discuss breaking barriers and staying motivated to make a mark in this male-dominated industry. Following the Empowerment Forum, esteemed Professor Rus will delve into the future of automation and robotics, exploring the transformative potential of the next 60 years in the industry. The show will wrap up its final day with Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic, discussing advances at the intersection of robotics and AI to solve real problems in industrial automation.

“Automate has always been at the forefront of innovation. Yet, as technology continues to evolve and its economic impact grows at an unprecedented rate, the need for diverse voices in the conversation has never been more critical,” said Deb Kling, vice president of marketing for A3. “The Women’s Empowerment Forum, combined with our featured keynotes, not only recognizes these incredible female leaders who are driving change, but also helps to strengthen awareness of the critical need for women in the industry. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Empowerment Sponsors: United Robotics Group and Teradyne.”

Julia Astrid Riemenschneider, VP of business development, industrial, for United Robotics Group, added, “At United Robotics Group, we’re dedicated to empowering humanity with technology. Our range of solutions is crafted to benefit individuals in both industrial and social settings. With our robots, we strive to empower all people, irrespective of their background, culture, technical expertise, or gender. We take immense pride in our CTO, Dr. Nadja Schmiedl, who stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in automation. Following her example, we’re witnessing a growing presence of female talents within both United Robotics Group and the broader industry. That’s why we’re thrilled to extend our support to the Automate Empowerment Forum and eagerly anticipate connecting with everyone here in Chicago!”

The Automate Show is free for anyone who works with, or is interested in, automation. In conjunction with the free show, the paid Automate Conference will feature 200+ accomplished industry professionals leading classroom-style sessions. Those looking to sharpen their skills or deepen their automation knowledge should sign up for these educational conference sessions to get practical solutions, discover the latest innovations or learn from real-world case studies. Conference attendees can also take advantage of Certified Vision Professional courses in basic and advanced tracks and Certified Motion Control Professional - Basic courses culminating in an exam to secure professional certification (exam fees are separate).

For more information or to register for free, visit https://xpressreg.net/register/auto0524/landing.php.

Women MAKE Awards to Honor 130 Women for Excellence in Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced the 130 recipients of the 2024 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry.

“With more than 600,000 open jobs in manufacturing today, it’s essential that we as a community engage and uplift women within the sector. Through this initiative, we’ve done so much to change the perception of the industry to highlight the vast array of careers available, provide pathways to get the next generation of female leaders into our industry and help them mentor others who have chosen to join us. Today, we celebrate them, their stories and the amazing careers that these women have built in modern manufacturing,” said Caterpillar Group President of Resource Industries and Women MAKE Awards Chair Denise Johnson.

Each year, 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders are peer-selected based on their contributions to their companies, communities and developing the next generation of talent. To date, the program has honored nearly 1,500 women.

“There has never been a better time for young women to pursue opportunities in modern manufacturing,” said Toyota Senior Vice President of Electric Vehicle Supply and incoming Women MAKE Awards Vice Chair Susan Elkington. “As a previous Honoree, I know the power of this program to motivate and mentor the next generation, and I am excited to continue to be part of this initiative highlighting the amazing Women who MAKE America.”

The Women MAKE Awards celebrate women at all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite, who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers. The Women MAKE Awards are part of the MI’s Women MAKE America Initiative, which is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. Women account for about half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. The MI launched its 35x30 initiative to increase the percentage of women in manufacturing to 35% by 2030 to help close the current jobs gap in the sector.

“The women recognized this year are phenomenal leaders, co-workers, mothers, sisters and daughters and vital members of their communities. Their contributions and accomplishments are worth celebrating, and we are looking forward to doing that together in D.C.,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Each year we see the highest caliber of women nominated, which is a testament to the growing number of trailblazers and powerhouses in the industry. I hope others see them as role models and as representatives of what they, too, could achieve through a career in manufacturing.”

To see all the winners, visit https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/women/wma/wma-awards/2024-women-make-award-winners/.

AMT, SVR Evolve Collaborative Alliance To Expand Growth of Robotics in Manufacturing

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology announced that SVR – Silicon Valley Robotics will return to an independent, self-owned 501(C) organization. AMT will continue to fully support SVR in areas of common interest, such as in bringing together the proven manufacturing technology and innovative tech communities to enable the commercialization of new and upcoming robotics automation.

Over the course of their alliance, AMT and SVR have forged strong, mutually beneficial connections and opportunities for collaboration. As the market and technologies have evolved, it became clear that a strategy of independence would provide more strategic flexibility, agility, and responsiveness in the pursuit of bigger opportunities for success and improved speed to market.

Such independence will allow each organization to scale in the future, pursue their respective goals effectively, and better serve their core constituencies. SVR will focus on community development in the Silicon Valley region, emphasizing growth and innovation within local automation and technology startup companies and the investment community.

AMT will maintain its collaborative connection with SVR to further the growth of automation within the manufacturing industry and community at large. As collaborative partners, AMT and SVR will continue to share expertise, services, and network connections to bring more robot-supported manufacturing to the United States.

For more information, visit svrobo.org or AMTonline.org.