Category: Manufacturing

Energy PolicyManufacturing

Defense Contractors Face Cybersecurity Deadline as CMMC Mandate Takes Effect

Defense manufacturers must achieve cybersecurity certification under the new CMMC framework to remain eligible for contracts, according to reports. The requirements extend beyond prime contractors to include subcontractors and suppliers throughout the defense industrial base.

Cybersecurity Certification Now Required for Defense Manufacturing Contracts

Defense manufacturers across the United States are facing an urgent deadline to implement new cybersecurity standards or risk losing government contracts, according to recent reports. The Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program will begin appearing in contract solicitations starting November 10, creating what analysts suggest will be a fundamental shift in how defense contractors approach cybersecurity.

by Darren Holt
International Business and TradeManufacturing

Microsoft Reportedly Shifting Surface Manufacturing From China Amid Trade Tensions

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to move manufacturing of its Surface laptops and tablets out of China as early as 2026. The tech giant joins Apple in diversifying production away from China amid growing US-China trade tensions and new tariff threats.

Microsoft’s Manufacturing Shift Plans

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to move the manufacturing of its Surface laptops and tablets out of China, according to sources familiar with the matter. The technology giant aims to relocate production of Surface devices and data center servers starting from 2026 at the earliest, according to reports from The Nikkei.

by Darren Holt
Automotive IndustryManufacturing

Scania Launches Major Chinese Manufacturing Hub to Boost Asian Market Presence

Scania has inaugurated its first fully-owned manufacturing facility in China, representing a €2 billion investment. The new plant in Jiangsu province will produce advanced “Super” trucks for customers across Asia, significantly reducing delivery times compared to European exports.

Strategic Expansion into Asian Markets

Swedish truck manufacturer Scania, owned by Volkswagen Group, has launched its first fully-owned production facility in China, according to reports from Reuters. The new manufacturing hub, located in Rugao within Jiangsu province, represents what company executives describe as a strategic hedge against global trade uncertainty while positioning the company for stronger presence across Asian markets.

by Natalie Brooks
Economy and TradingManufacturing

Manufacturing Technology Orders Surge 36% Amid Sector Resilience

U.S. manufacturing technology orders demonstrated remarkable strength in August 2025, surging 36.2% from July levels according to the latest industry data. The metalworking machinery sector recorded $529.4 million in new orders, marking one of the strongest monthly performances in decades despite mounting economic uncertainties.

Manufacturing Technology Orders Show Robust Growth

New orders for metalworking machinery reached $529.4 million in August 2025, representing a substantial 36.2% increase from July 2025 and nearly 45% growth compared to August 2024, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. The report states that total machinery orders through the first eight months of 2025 reached $3.44 billion, an 18.3% increase over the same period in 2024.

by Darren Holt
Energy PolicyManufacturing

Manufacturing Day 2025: Why Skilled Workforce Development Must Be America’s Top Priority

As Manufacturing Day 2025 approaches, America faces a critical skills gap threatening manufacturing competitiveness. With 3.8 million jobs needing filling and potential reshoring increasing demand, technical education and apprenticeship programs offer viable solutions. This comprehensive analysis explores how certificate training, changing perceptions, and collaborative efforts can build the skilled workforce manufacturers desperately need.

As we approach Manufacturing Day 2025, the United States stands at a critical crossroads in addressing its manufacturing workforce challenges. The widening skills gap threatens to erode U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and undermine economic growth at a time when global competition intensifies. While certificate and license training programs demonstrate clear economic returns, most government funding continues flowing toward traditional college education rather than technical training pathways.

The Growing Manufacturing Skills Crisis

by Natalie Brooks
Economy and TradingManufacturing

U.S. Manufacturing Investments Surge as Companies Announce Major Plant Expansions

Major corporations are investing billions in new U.S. manufacturing plants, creating thousands of jobs and expanding production capacity. Recent announcements include pharmaceutical manufacturing, aerospace components, and sustainable adhesive production facilities across multiple states.

Recent investments in U.S. manufacturing plants are reaching unprecedented levels as companies across multiple industries announce major facility expansions and new construction projects. From pharmaceutical manufacturing to aerospace components and sustainable materials, these strategic investments represent billions in capital expenditure and thousands of new American jobs, signaling strong confidence in domestic production capabilities.

Paper Tube Manufacturer Expands Pennsylvania Operations

by Natalie Brooks