Featured Image

What Fed Chair Powell’s Address Means for Manufacturing

Aug 23, 2024

DOWNLOAD FULL RELEASE.

McLean, Va. (August 23, 2024) — Today, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave the most concrete signal yet that interest rate cuts are on the horizon at his Jackson Hole press conference. For manufacturers and those in the industry closely watching the developments and anticipating IMTS 2024 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the outlook is promising.

“The increased likelihood of a September rate cut after Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole address will likely boost manufacturing technology orders through the remainder of 2024, further amplifying the residual effects of an IMTS show year,” says Christopher Chidzik, principal economist at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “With capacity utilization rates remaining at historically elevated levels in industrial sectors, additional investment in capital equipment will be necessary for manufacturers to address any sudden spikes in demand without a return of supply-side inflationary pressures.”

IMTS, the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, will be held Sept. 9-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago. For more information and to register, visit IMTS.com.


About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, Virginia, near the nation’s capital, AMT acts as the industry’s voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness, and develop manufacturing’s advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. AMTonline.org.

About IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show is where the creators, builders, sellers, and drivers of manufacturing technology come to connect and be inspired. Attendees discover advanced manufacturing solutions that include innovations in CNC machining, automation, robotics, additive, software, inspection, and transformative digital technologies that drive our future forward. Powered by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, IMTS is the largest manufacturing technology show and marketplace in the Western Hemisphere. With more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, the show attracts visitors from more than 110 countries. IMTS 2022 had 86,307 registrants, featured 1,816 exhibiting companies, saw over 7,600 people attend educational events, and included a Student Summit that introduced the next generation to manufacturing. Be the change at IMTS 2024, Sept. 9-14, 2024. Inspiring the Extraordinary. IMTS.com.

PicturePicture
Author
Kristin Bartschi
Director, Marketing & Communications
Recent intelligence News
Industrial production increased 0.4% and capacity utilization increased by 0.2% across the U.S. economy from November to December 2025, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
After ploughing through an extended drought of official statistics because of the government shutdown, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point for the third consecutive meeting, landing at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
U.S. manufacturing has entered a new age of prosperity, but will manufacturers maintain course to reach new heights, or fall into the trap of nostalgia for a mythologized past?
Amid the fog created by the lack of government statistics, information from private sources could prove to be the lighthouse businesses need to steer by.
Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.
Similar News
undefined
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” Ross | Jan 19, 2026

ECI earns top ERP honors and names a new CRO. Muratec USA and Wipfli are recognized for safety and workplace excellence. Leadership and executive news at Big Daishowa and Mitsubishi HC Capital America, expanded leadership roles at Rego-Fix, and more.

5 min
undefined
Intelligence
By Christopher Chidzik | Jan 12, 2026

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $437.9 million in November 2025. This represented a 19.6% decrease from October and nearly equaled the orders in November 2024. Orders through November 2025 have increased 17.8% over the first 11 months of 2024.

5 min
undefined
Intelligence
By AMT | Jan 07, 2026

Market trends reshaping manufacturing; MFG Meeting 2026; 3D printing for disabled dogs, and more.

6 min