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Articles by Christopher C. Downs
Alyssa's Law: What you need to know about new safety rules
District Administration print and digital media serve the top K12 leaders at virtually every school district in the U.S., helping administrators make informed decisions about best practices and research-based approaches to improve teacher quality and increase student achievement across their districts. For questions about District Administration, please call 646-978-9578 (9:00am-10:00pm ET, Monday through Friday, except holidays), or send an email to [email protected].
People Power Manufacturing’s Future—Data Accelerates It
The first thing you notice about Markus Stolmar is his “funny accent,” as he calls it, an audible clue to a life and career that began in Germany and, through both intention and chance, led him to the center of U.S. machine-tool building. His path wasn’t linear. It was shaped by curiosity, experience, and a willingness to follow where both interest and opportunity led.
A Smarter Marketing Roadmap for IMTS Exhibitors
Exhibiting at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show is one of the most important investments a manufacturing technology company will make to market its brand. It’s the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere, and booth space, equipment logistics, travel, staffing, and show services add up quickly.
Modern Sales Mastery: Influence, Discipline, and AI
Prepare for objections. Focus on relationships. Know your products. These fundamentals still matter – but today’s sales environment demands more. To succeed in the modern manufacturing sales landscape, sales teams must combine timeless relationship skills with data-driven strategy and emerging technologies. At AMT’s Distribution Summit, experts provided actionable insights to help sales teams achieve measurable results with minimal investment.
AI-Enabled Robotics for High-Mix Manufacturing
At the MFG Meeting session, “AI-Enabled Robotics: Unlocking High-Mix Manufacturing Today,” Simon Lapeyry, head of revenue at Intrinsic (an AI robotics group within Google), outlined how advances in artificial intelligence are transforming automation for high-mix production environments. Due to increasingly agile development cycles and evolving demand for personalized products, modern production systems require greater flexibility.
Size Doesn’t Matter: How Smaller Exhibitors Can Maximize ROI at IMTS 2026
For many companies, IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show is the most important week of the year. Well, every other year at least. It’s where new relationships start, deals take shape, and innovations in manufacturing get the spotlight. But with a show as massive as IMTS – which spans 1.2 million square feet, features more than 1,300 exhibitors, and welcomes 100,000 attendees – it’s easy for smaller booths to feel overshadowed by towering displays and multistory exhibits.
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Accelerating Success for Tim Thiessen: AMT Membership Fuels Growth for Okuma America
Moving from applications to sales was a natural progression for Tim Thiessen, now the senior vice president of sales for Okuma America Corp. A graduate of Berea College with a degree in industrial management and technology, Thiessen joined Okuma early in his career and has held various roles during his more than 30-year tenure. “When I first started as an applications engineer, I got to see all kinds of parts and learned exactly how they were being made,” Thiessen recalls.
Forecasting 2026 From the 2026 AMT Winter Economic Forum
After three consecutive years of declining orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the value of orders increased 22.5% in 2025. While the value of orders has increased markedly, some builders and distributors who measure performance by the number of units sold may be left wondering if they missed the invitation to the party.
AMT NOW: $814.3 Million in Metalworking Machinery Orders, and More
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here. Manufacturing Technology Orders Set Record in December 2025 New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $814.3 million in December 2025, the highest monthly order value on record. Executive Insights and the Al Moore Legacy: Honoring Harry Moser at The MFG Meeting AMT will award Harry Moser, a champion of U.S. manufacturing, with the Albert W. Moore Leadership Award at The MFG Meeting 2026.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Reciprocal Tariffs
In a significant ruling today, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to reject the Trump administration’s argument that reciprocal tariffs could be imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). These country-specific tariffs, announced on April 2, had been central to U.S. trade negotiations. The administration has indicated it may explore other statutory authorities to maintain the tariffs.
AI Reshapes Manufacturing: Practical Use Cases, Economic Tailwinds, and Why Leaders Should Act Now
Artificial intelligence has officially moved past the hype cycle – at least for manufacturers. For companies across the supply chain, AI proves itself to be both an operational advantage and a macroeconomic growth engine. With real-world use cases and tangible investments driving demand, AI is no longer experimental. It is practical, profitable, and already reshaping the manufacturing landscape.
How Co-Line and Hexagon Are Redefining American Manufacturing
“Our people set us apart,” says Eric Brand, president of Co-Line Manufacturing. “Our culture is unique. We work hard, we play hard, and we always try to be different – whether it’s free-lunch Friday or a Hot Rod parade. We have a phenomenal team with diverse talent and skills.
Making It in the United States
Although there is certainly more than a small amount of roiling in U.S. durable goods manufacturing due to tariff uncertainties, let’s face it: At the end of the day, consumers still need to consume. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders (M3) program, which is managed by the agency’s Economic Indicators Division, some industries are more than holding their own.
September 2025 US Cutting Tool Orders Total $222M, Up 14.7% From September 2024
READ FULL PRESS RELEASE. McLean, Va. (November 20, 2025) — 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 $222 million in September 2025. Orders increased 5.3% from August 2025 and 14.7% from September 2024. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.88 billion, down 1.1% from the same period in 2024.
US Manufacturing Resurgence Signals Renewed Strength in Industrial Innovation and Economic Growth
DOWNLOAD FULL PRESS RELEASE IMTS 2026, the Western Hemisphere’s premier manufacturing technology event, showcases the innovations driving the future of industrial productivity. McLean, Va. (November 18, 2025) — The U.S. manufacturing industry – the world’s second largest and a global leader in advanced manufacturing – continues to grow stronger through new opportunities and technological innovations.
AMT NOW Issue #171
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here. US Manufacturing Resurgence Signals Renewed Strength in Industrial Innovation and Economic Growth The U.S. manufacturing industry – the world’s second largest and a global leader in advanced manufacturing – grows stronger through new opportunities, legislation, and technological innovations. These drivers converge at IMTS 2026 on Sept. 14-19 in Chicago.
Innovation, Partnerships, and Progress: Highlights From Gleason, Autodesk, Muratec, and More
AMT Member News is your source for updates on major promotions, new appointments, facility inaugurations, and other noteworthy developments within the manufacturing technology community. Stay informed and join us in recognizing the achievements of your fellow members.
Pockets of Opportunity Amid Economic Headwinds
MTForecast 2025, which took place October 15-17 in Schaumburg, Illinois, provided manufacturing leaders with insights into the coming market and policy trends their businesses are likely to face in the next 12-18 months. Beyond the macroeconomic and policy trends that are affecting all manufacturers, experts gave deep dives into specific manufacturing technology end-user markets and shared their outlook for these key customer industries.
US Machinery Orders Slow From August, Remain Elevated in September 2025
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE McLean, Va. (November 10, 2025) — New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $493.1 million in September 2025. This was a 7.2% decline from August 2025 but an 11% increase from September 2024. Machinery orders tracked by USMTO through September 2025 totaled $3.93 billion, a 17.3% increase over the first three quarters of 2024.
Celebrations, Collaborations, and Career Moves Highlight Member News
AMT Member News is your source for updates on major promotions, new appointments, facility inaugurations, and other noteworthy developments within the manufacturing technology community. Stay informed and join us in recognizing the achievements of your fellow members. ANNIVERSARIES Hwacheon Celebrates 80 Years With a Focus on Customer Success Lincolnshire, Illinois — Hwacheon Machinery America has announced its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of machine tool technology and innovation.
AMT NOW: Experts Weigh in on Navigating Economic Headwinds for Manufacturers at MTForecast
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here. MTForecast 2025: Experts Weigh in on Navigating the Economic Headwinds for Manufacturers On Oct. 15-17, industry leaders, economists, and senior executives gathered for MTForecast 2025, an event focused on the future of the manufacturing technology market.
MTForecast 2025: Experts Weigh in on Navigating the Economic Headwinds for Manufacturers
From October 15–17, industry leaders, economists, and senior executives gathered for MTForecast 2025, an event focused on the future of the manufacturing technology market. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, shifting global trade dynamics, and rapid technological evolution, the conference offered attendees a data-rich, forward-looking view of the sector’s trajectory.
AMT Tech Report: Issue #370
"There is no such thing as a boring project. There are only boring executions." – Irene Etzkorn, Chief Clarity Officer, Siegelvision This is a published version of the AMT Tech Report newsletter. You can sign up to get the Tech Report in your inbox here. 1. Robots Keep Marching Global robot demand hasn’t slowed! In 2024, 542,000 units were installed globally – more than double the number installed a decade ago.
5 Ways MTForecast 2025 Helps You Navigate the Section 232 Tariff Storm
Manufacturing technology firms are facing an escalating trade policy risk: The Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs were expanded in August to include derivative products, such as machining centers and industrial robots. Even more recently, the U.S. government announced a new Sec. 232 investigation into robotics and industrial machinery, putting capital equipment imports squarely in the crosshairs.
AMT NOW Issue #165
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here. Oxford Economics Revises 2025 Manufacturing Technology Outlook Upward Oxford Economics now projects 2.9% growth in 2025 machine tool orders. See what’s driving the shift and get the full forecast at AMT’s MTForecast on Oct. 15-17 in Schaumburg. Bringing a Human-Centric Vision to a Digital World Embrace AI, stay nimble, and invest in people.
AMT Members Celebrate Milestones and Chart New Paths for Innovation
The definitive source for updates on major promotions, new appointments, facility inaugurations, and other noteworthy developments within the manufacturing technology community. Stay informed and join us in recognizing the achievements of your fellow AMT members. ANNIVERSARIES IACMI Celebrates 10th Anniversary at Members Meeting Knoxville, Tennessee — IACMI held its annual Members Meeting in Dayton, Ohio, on June 24-26, 2025, hosting more than 300 attendees from 31 states and four countries.
International News From the Field: China's Heavy-Duty Machinery Grows
The Tools Sub-council of the China Machine Tool Industry Association (CMTBA) has compiled and analyzed import data for tools (including cutting tools, measuring instruments, and gauges) from customs for the first half of 2025.
International News From the Field: Tariffs Reduced for Southeast Asia
The White House announced new tariff rates for Southeast Asian countries at the end of July, effective Aug. 7. The original tariff rates announced in April were as high as 46%, which would have severely impacted trade with the United States. New rates for most countries in the region were lowered to between 19% and 20%, including the three nations discussed here, Malaysia (24% to 19%), Thailand (36% to 19%), and Vietnam (46% to 20%).
Oxford Economics Revises 2025 Manufacturing Technology Outlook Upward
The U.S. manufacturing outlook just got brighter. During AMT’s Summer Economic Update Webinar, Oxford Economics revised its 2025 machine tool forecast from a projected 7.2% decline to an expected 2.9% growth. The upgrade reflects clearer trade policy, resilient demand, and strong first-half performance. The first half of 2025 saw double-digit order increases, largely driven by front-loaded capital expenditures ahead of tariffs announced earlier this year.
Manufacturing Matters
TECHNOLOGY What’s today’s most persuasive sales and marketing tool? The technology on your shop floor. Customers want proof – not promises. A connected, modern factory doesn’t just make parts; it builds trust. Real-time data, digital twins, automated processes, and predictive analytics communicate capability, reliability, and innovation better than any brochure ever could.
6 Steps To Build a Successful Market Segmentation Strategy
At the heart of every successful marketing campaign lies one thing: a strong segmentation strategy. And at the heart of a strong segmentation strategy? The right questions. For example: Why does my customer want to buy new capital equipment this year? What opportunities are they looking to capitalize on? What pain points are they trying to avoid? How can I meet needs that they may not even be aware of?
Marketing 411: What You Need To Know
Among all the functions involved in keeping your business going (and, ideally, prospering) – operations, manufacturing, finance, administration, customer service and support, and so on – you probably pay the least attention to marketing. That is completely understandable. After all, those are either more tangible or immediate.
MTForecast: Manufacturing’s First Look at the 2026 Market
In a time of rapid policy shifts and evolving market dynamics, manufacturers need more than sensationalist headlines – they need clear, actionable forecasts tailored to the manufacturing technology industry. That’s precisely what MTForecast 2025 delivers. Hosted by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, MTForecast 2025 takes place Oct. 15-17 in Schaumburg, Illinois, and provides business leaders with the strategic foresight and tools they need to plan confidently for the year ahead.
AMT Member News
The definitive source for updates on major promotions, new appointments, facility inaugurations, and other noteworthy developments within the manufacturing technology community. Stay informed and join us in recognizing the achievements of your fellow AMT members.
Sparks Fly: A Journey From Foundry to Space Flight
Dr. Sharon Cobb’s first experience with manufacturing at the foundry where her father worked inspired her to pursue a career in science. Now the associate program manager at NASA’s Space Launch System, Dr. Cobb has 38 years of experience with NASA. Sparks flew. Dr. Sharon Cobb’s first visit to the foundry where her father worked was captivating and inspired her to pursue studies and a career in science.
Not Just a Nostalgia Grab: The Space Race Renewed
Ever since humans began to fling objects into orbit, the quest into space has been intertwined with military competition between the United States and its rivals – which, for much of the 20th century, meant the Soviet Union. Despite this hostile origin, the average American has benefited from investments in space technologies well beyond the safety and security afforded through military advances. For instance, less than a year after the 1957 Soviet launch of Sputnik, President Dwight D.
6 Tips To Maximize Your Trade Show Leads
Seasoned exhibitors know that the few weeks following a show are crucial for following up with your leads. Here are a few tips and resources to help make the most of your post-show outreach. Last Saturday marked the close of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the largest manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere. IMTS, and shows like it, offer a unique opportunity for connection between the buyers and sellers of capital equipment.
Can-Do Attitude, Positivity Pervade IMTS 2024
DOWNLOAD FULL RELEASE. McLean, Va. (September 19, 2024) — Digital transformation and high-productivity solutions empowered the manufacturing community at IMTS 2024 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show. Manufacturing products were demonstrated in the context of integrated, automated, and connected turnkey solutions.
Reshoring Initiative Annual Report: 287,000 Jobs Announced
The Reshoring Initiative's 2023 report highlights a robust trend in U.S. manufacturing, with 287,000 jobs announced, driven by essential goods, strategic policies, and responses to global events. The Reshoring Initiative’s recently released annual report depicts trends in reshoring and foreign direct investment (FDI) which indicate a robust movement towards strengthening U.S. manufacturing amid global uncertainties.
MTForecast 2024 Offers Unmatched Benefits, Insights, and Networking Possibilities for Manufacturing Community
Now that IMTS is over and the Fed has cut interest rates, what's next for manufacturers? Find out at MTForecast, Oct. 9-11 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Get the expert insights, market forecasts, and networking opportunities to create a winning business plan. On Sept. 18, 2024, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cut the federal funds rate by 50 basis points to a target range of 4.75%-5% as part of the Fed’s strategy to combat inflation. But now what?
Direct Mailers Deliver for Marketing Campaigns
Direct mail is finding its way back into the spectrum and companies are starting to realize just how much it can complement their digital efforts. Direct mail adds an additional layer of substance to your overall message. The concept of analog: What does that bring to mind? A Beatles vinyl reissue? A 1974 Ducati 750SS? Attending a private art exhibition in NYC? Whatever it may be, it’s likely agreed upon that analog is about a physical connection – a connection that involves substance and real value.
Navigating Through Uncertainty: Legislative and Trade Update from K&L Gates’ David Skillman
Know Your Policymakers At MTForecast 2025, David Skillman, Partner at K&L Gates, emphasized that building relationships with your representatives, senators, and their key staff is critical. He encouraged manufacturers to consistently share their company’s story and offer firsthand insight into how federal policies affect operations. By cultivating these connections early, manufacturers can position themselves as trusted sources when legislative issues arise.
MTForecast 2024 Speakers Preview Upcoming Presentations
How will 2024 end with respect to the economy? What will 2025 look like? Will the presidential election affect the outlook?
Mike Lauer, New AMT Global Services Director for Southeast Asia
As advanced manufacturing technology providers look for opportunities to expand in international markets, there’s a renewed interest in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. To help AMT members grow in these areas, Mike Lauer has been named the director of the newly formed Southeast Asia region for the AMT Global Services team.
MTForecast 2024: Be Bold, Not Reckless
Conference provides economic guidance, networking, and more for manufacturing leaders. The MTForecast 2024 Conference features economists and industry experts who will speak on a variety of manufacturing technology forecasting topics, such as new product development, research, job shop trends, leveraging AI, capital spending, energy outlooks, and more.Carefully curated for the manufacturing technology industry, this event takes place Oct.
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Industry Legend John Hackenberg Remembered
The manufacturing industry lost a legend with the passing of John Hackenberg, who died on Feb. 24, 2024, just two days after his 82nd birthday. Hackenberg was well known as an influential figure in machine tool distribution for more than three decades, as well as a generous mentor who fostered the careers of many professionals in the machine tool industry. Hackenberg began his career in the early 1970s at Deaderick & Royster.
The World Shifts to a New Economic Paradigm: Productivism
Global events of the past several years are compelling us to view the world through a different lens. The disruption of the pandemic, geopolitical risk, and new industrial policies are driving a collapse of neoliberalism; widely described as the “extension of competitive markets into all areas of life, including the economy, politics, and society.” We are likely shifting to an economic policy framework called productivism.
Five Reasons To Attend The MFG Meeting
The MFG Meeting – held April 24-26 at the Signia Resort by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – is a three-day fusion of knowledge, inspiration, and boundless possibilities. For many leaders in the manufacturing industry, MFG Meetings are a vital event on their annual calendars. Others newer to the industry are just discovering how these events open doors to growth opportunities.
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