“Unlike the objective of far too many companies, manufacturing is not about a quick 'exit.' It is centered on long-term value creation.”
– Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani yogurt
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1. Sandvik Digs in Deep
Sandvik just scored a 280 million Swedish kronor (roughly $29.5 million) order from Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s biggest platinum producer, for underground loaders, trucks, and drills headed to the Ngezi mines. Deliveries will begin later this year and continue into 2026, with a comprehensive aftermarket package included. The deal supports Zimplats’ shift from open-pit to underground mining. It reinforces Sandvik’s role as a go-to for gear that keeps productivity high and platinum flowing steadily beneath the surface.
2. Boeing’s Busy September Closes in on Airbus
Boeing delivered 55 jets in September, its best month since 2018, but still shy of Airbus’ 73. The tally included 40 737 MAX aircraft (marking the 2,000th delivered), plus 14 widebodies and one Navy P-8 conversion. The aircraft manufacturer logged 96 new orders, led by Turkish Airlines’ 50 787s and Norwegian’s 30 MAXs, with a slight net dip in backlog to 5,987. Solid momentum, but Boeing’s not at the top yet.
3. Lockheed’s Latest Lot Lands Big
Lockheed Martin locked down a $12.5 billion contract modification to build 296 new F-35s for U.S. forces, allies, and foreign customers. The deal finalizes 148 Lot 18 jets and adds 148 for Lot 19, with deliveries stretching through 2028. Production will span multiple U.S. states, as well as the U.K., Japan, and Italy. It’s another major win for the F-35 program, proof that, love it or gripe about it, the world still can’t get enough of this stealthy money magnet.
4. Northrop's Rocket Center Gets More Rocket-y
Northrop Grumman opened a new 113,000-square-foot Missile Integration Facility at its Allegany Ballistics Lab in West Virginia. The site can turn out up to 300 advanced strike missiles a year, including the Navy’s supersonic AARGM-ER. It consolidates production, testing, and shipping under one roof, part of a $1 billion investment since 2018 to expand missile manufacturing. Bottom line: Northrop’s turning up the volume on high-speed hardware.
5. 3D Systems Hits Ctrl + Shift + Refocus
3D Systems is slimming its software stack, selling its printer-agnostic Oqton MOS and 3DXpert platforms to Hubb Global Holdings while doubling down on its proprietary 3D Sprint software for polymers. The move aligns with the company’s AI-driven push to streamline design and production workflows. The divestiture aims to standardize metal printing industrywide while 3D Systems sharpens its focus on smarter, faster polymer manufacturing.
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