This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here.
Insights and Sunshine: Soak Them Up at The MFG Meeting
No trade show. No sales floor. No traditional educational tracks. The MFG Meeting invites attendees to three days of forward-thinking speakers, leading economists, and industry leaders ready to connect.
Finding Certainty in Uncertainty in Manufacturing in North America
Kevin Bowers, AMT’s vice president of research, appeared on the “People B4 Machines” podcast to discuss how manufacturers can navigate uncertainty by building resiliency rather than chasing the illusion of certainty.
News You Can Use
Tech-charged reshoring initiatives in the United States are fueling a skilled workforce reboot and redefining common misconceptions of manufacturing jobs.
Shipments of cutting tools totaled $206.1 million in November 2025. Orders decreased 17.6% from October 2025 but were up 9.9% from November 2024.
Reshoring, advanced technologies, and a renewed focus on skills are driving the next era of U.S. manufacturing and shaping its future.
By the Numbers
After three consecutive rate cuts at the end of 2025, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady during the first meeting of the new year. In total, the effective federal funds rate has come down about 1.5 percentage points since peaking north of 5%, the highest rate since February 2001.
As the economy settles into a closer-to-neutral interest rate environment, monitoring the market for manufacturing technology will be a crucial indicator of whether current production levels will be maintained going forward, especially as the frequency of data interruptions has grown.
Upcoming Events
March 10-12, 2026: The 2026 MFG Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The hotel group rate ends Feb. 13.
September 14-19, 2026: IMTS 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
October 10-16, 2026: The MTForecast Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Member News
Kennametal earns an Industrial Supplier Award and teams with Hexagon. DN Solutions finalizes acquisition of Heller. Union Park Capital acquires GAM Enterprises. Plus, leadership updates span Acieta, Index Corp., Limble, Mission Design & Automation, Romi USA, Wintriss Controls Group, and more.
This is a published version of the AMT NOW newsletter. You can sign up to get AMT NOW in your inbox here.
