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💴 This Week in Manufacturing

We must take every victory with a hefty grain of salt in manufacturing these days. It helps to keep the sector humble. This month’s industry report details impressive new factory and infrastructure investments, while also retaining fears of an economic slowdown.

The September monthly industry review and report highlight the sixth straight month of contraction in the sector, with the PMI remaining at 27.2%. Fortunately, billions of dollars have been poured into new factories in areas such as high-speed rail production, advanced cancer treatment facilities, electric vehicle batteries, and more. 

This week’s headlines spread an optimistic note in the industry’s growth from EV innovation to new facilities, robotics advances, and more!

Next, this week’s podcasts highlight two very different and equally important areas of manufacturing: the entrepreneur (The Manufacturing Report) and the supply chain (The Manufacturing Executive). 

Finally, Our Fun Fact and Social Video each showcase areas of growth in manufacturing.

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⚙ Manufacturing Headlines

• The US manufacturing sector welcomes new technological innovators [PV Tech]

• Alabama to Build EV Technology Center [Assembly Mag]

• September manufacturing industry data review [CompanyWeek]

• Protection Means Continuous Validation of Security Solutions [Manufacturing.net]

• CJ Logistics America to build 1.1-million square foot DC in Illinois [DC Velocity]

• Palladyne AI completes Phase 1 of USAF robot software contract [The Robot Report]

MONTHLY REVIEW

♨️ US Manufacturing Insights - September

The U.S. manufacturing sector faced ongoing challenges in September 2024, with data indicating continued contraction amid economic uncertainty.

Reports from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and S&P Global showed that manufacturing activity declined for the sixth straight month based on measures like the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). However, even with the downbeat numbers, September saw billions invested in new manufacturing facilities and expansions.

Companies across industries made large commitments to new production plants, underscoring confidence in strategic American industries. With the fourth quarter of 2024 underway and an election coming soon, the year’s final numbers will show whether the sector requires an outside boost or can weather the storm.

Upshot: Infrastructure initiatives and green energy incentives may also bolster manufacturing. Economists expect a gradual demand recovery allowing production and hiring to stabilize.

FROM THE FEED

📱Siemens invests $60M in First U.S. High-Speed Rail Plant

🤨Did You Know?

In the past two years, annual investment into the EV and battery supply chain in the US has increased

by more than 180%.

^{Source: Center for American Progress}

🎧 Podcasts Worth A Listen

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