Automation Driving New Investments in Manufacturing Technology
August 11, 2025Comments
The value of new orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT–The Association For Manufacturing Technology, grew by 9.1% compared to May 2025, and by 7.7% compared to June 2024 orders. Through the first half of the year, the value of machinery orders have climbed 13.7% compared to the first half of 2024.
Compared to sales for an average year, the value of orders through the first half of 2025 are up 21.2%, while the number of units ordered in the first half of 2025 are 17.2% lower than average. This trend underscores the increasing importance that automated machinery plays in the market for manufacturing technology, with added options and features that increase order value.
Contract machine shops, the largest consumer of manufacturing technology, have shown signs of recovery after lagging behind the overall market for much of 2024. Both the value and unit count in new orders to contract shops are up 12% compared to the first half of 2025.
The aerospace sector also continues to invest at a rapid clip, increasing the value of orders by 6% in the first half of 2025 to the highest level recorded. And increased demands for electricity and the equipment needed for its generation and distribution have been dominant trends for several months. While demand for machinery from electrical-equipment manufacturers has fallen by 19% compared to the first half of 2024, the value of orders is 24% above average. In addition, manufacturers of engines, turbines and other power-transmission equipment increased orders by 19% compared to the first half of 2024, as many data centers supplement what is provided by municipal power grids with on-site generators.
See also: Association for Manufacturing Technology
Technologies: Management, Pressroom Automation
