| How Trump’s Trade Policies Affect Manufacturing |
Wipfli partner Mike Devereux shares his detailed analysis of the impact President Trump’s trade policies may have on manufacturing. Having prioritized making U.S. manufacturing more competitive on the global stage, new policies likely will favor American producers while imposing tariffs on key trading partners.
“As manufacturers analyze the potential effects,” Devereux writes, “it’s clear that trade policy will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping supply chains, costs and global competitiveness. |
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| More on this Topic from D.C. Insider Omar Nashashibi |
PMA’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C., shares his perspectives on trade, taxes and more in this MetalForming article.
“Metalworking manufacturers must remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty and will need to lean on that resilience in the coming months,” Nashashibi writes. “They will need to have patience with the process of governing, and maintain realistic scenarios for possible outcomes from Washington, D.C. With trillions of dollars at stake in 2025, moves made in Washington weigh heavily on the industry’s outlook.” |
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| MetalForming's Tool & Die ebook |
MetalForming’s first ever Tool & Die ebook is now available! This is a homage to the stamping die—and its creators. Included in the ebook: - Major stages of a metal forming die from design through build to storage.
- Tutorial on the design and test of a strip layout.
- Sage advice and learned lessons of working tool- and diemakers.
- And more!
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| GDP Estimate for Q4 2024 |
| Late
last week the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its estimate of
GDP for the fourth quarter of 2024, believing that GDP grew 2.3% at an
annualized rate; during the third quarter, real GDP increased 3.1%. The
increases reportedly were driven by strong consumer demand, particularly
for durable goods, in spite of lagging investment for new equipment.
For 2024 overall, GDP expanded by 2.8%. |
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| Metal Formers Turn the Page on the New Year with Optimism |
Our industry-market overview article in the latest of issue of MetalForming quotes PMA president David Klotz:
“As we head into 2025, our members express a sense of cautious optimism. Metal formers are hopeful that a new Congress and administration will prioritize important tax provisions, including reinstating R&D expensing and restoring 100% bonus depreciation, reducing unnecessary regulations and fostering an environment that supports manufacturing growth.”
What types of technology advancements and implementation will help to fuel that growth? For perspective, MetalForming turns to Chuck Mathews, general manager, production software, at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.
“In 2025, manufacturers stand at a pivotal moment,” Mathews says. “From automotive to medical manufacturing, advanced processes and technologies are reshaping the sector. Hybrid manufacturing, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and Industry 4.0 drive this transformation, creating opportunities—and challenges—for manufacturers.” |
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| Reshoring Survey: Please Participate! |
| The Reshoring Initiative, in collaboration with Regions Recruiting, has launched an industry-wide survey to examine manufacturers’ decisions on whether to reshore factories and supply chains. The survey, open through March 15, 2025, seeks to gather experience and insights from manufacturing operations, supply chain/procurement decision-makers, contract manufacturers and distributors. |
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| Rootstock AI in Manufacturing Survey Reveals Increasing AI Budgets |
Rootstock
Software, in its 2nd Annual State of AI in Manufacturing Survey,
reveals ongoing momentum for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption
within the industry. The survey, encompassing 370-plus U.S., U.K. and
Canadian manufacturers, highlights key trends in AI usage, investment
priorities and the crucial role of ERP solutions.
As AI-driven transformations accelerate, 82% of manufacturers surveyed
plans to expand AI budgets over the next 12 to 18 mo., with 23%
expecting significant increases of 26 to 50%. |
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| Corner Office to Corner Café: Jeff Umlor, President, Walker Tool & Die |
| MetalForming
senior editor Kate Bachman interviews long-time tool-and-die specialist
Jeff Umlor, president of Walker Tool & Die, to unearth his insights
into the industry. Umlor shares some of the resources he uses to
develop his management skills; credos that guide his management
approach; some of his greatest challenges, and strategies for resolving
them; and more. |
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| Put Your Company at a Competitive Advantage |
| Position your company as an industry leader when you utilize PMA resources—ITR Econ Trends reports, trade publications, One Voice and FABTECH trade shows. A PMA membership will provide your company and all of its employees with a range of valuable industry resources that are designed to help you become more connected, more informed, more efficient, more competitive and ultimately more profitable. |
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| Strategy Summit: Learn How Your Peers Use Industry 4.0, AI and Automation |
The Metal Fabrication Strategy Summit, from MetalForming
and PMA, will help fabricators improve their operations. This two-day
event, May 21-22, brings together industry leaders, expert panelists and
innovative manufacturers to tackle the challenges facing fabricators
today.
Facilitated panel discussions will address these and other topics:
- Design for Manufacture
- Automation Strategy
- Smart Manufacturing
- Digital Transformation
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| Watch: Destiny of Manufacturing Podcast Introduces the Connected Apprentice |
| In
this episode of The Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean
Phillips sits down with Steve Netsman, founder and CEO of iBusiness
Technologies, to explore how digital learning platforms such as the
Connected Apprentice are revolutionizing workforce training. They also
discuss the evolving expectations of apprentices and employers, the role
of AI in manufacturing, and how technology is streamlining education
and onboarding. |
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Management
Stamping Presses