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💴 This Week in Manufacturing

The fourth quarter of 2025 is upon us as we look back at the highs and lows of last month. 

September’s manufacturing data showed stable output but weak demand. S&P Global (52.0) expanded, while ISM (49.1) contracted; new orders (48.9) and employment (45.3) remained below growth levels. Additionally, inventory management supported production. Significant investments from Stellantis, Hitachi Energy, Mega Metal, and Apple—totaling billions—demonstrate that industrial investment confidence persists despite near-term demand softness.

This week’s headlines are about as unbalanced as the lackluster report data: small groups of skilled craftspeople, major factory announcements, hard conclusions on tariffs’ impacts, and more. 

Our first podcast, from The Manufacturing Report, showcases a family textile farm taking on a global industry. The second podcast, from Manufacturing Happy Hour, challenges manufacturers to rediscover funding and finances.

The Social Video and Fun Fact highlight the daily impacts and massive opportunities within energy transformers.

Thanks for joining us!

⚙ Manufacturing Headlines

• A Gilded Age company could be the future of US manufacturing [CNN]

• Merck to pour over $70 billion into US expansion [Reuters]

• Walmart Betting on US Supply Chain Resilience [Thomas Net]

• America’s industrial decline is reaching point of no return [The Hill]

• Could Fluence Energy Redefine Its Competitive Edge in Clean Energy? [Yahoo Finance]

MONTHLY REPORT

♨️ September 2025 Manufacturing Insights

U.S. manufacturing in September 2025 presented a more restrained picture after the summer’s modest rebound.

U.S. manufacturing remained steady in September but showed softening demand. S&P Global PMI (52.0) indicated continued expansion, while ISM® (49.1) remained in contraction as new orders (48.9) slipped and hiring stayed cautious (45.3). Output held firm due to inventory management rather than rising demand.

Meanwhile, major announcements across automotive, energy, tech, and metals sectors—including Stellantis, Hitachi Energy, Mega Metal, and Apple—totaled billions in U.S. investments, highlighting enduring industrial confidence even amid near-term demand weakness.

Upshot: The continued stream of reshoring and advanced manufacturing investments underscores the structural tailwinds underpinning U.S. industry.

FROM THE FEED

📱What transformers on powerlines really do

🤨Did You Know?

By end user, power utilities absorbed

63.9% of 2024 sales

yet industrial customers—led by data centers and advanced manufacturing—register the fastest 8.2% CAGR to 2030.

^{Source: Mordor Intelligence}

🎧 Podcasts Worth A Listen