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💴 This Week in Manufacturing

We’re into the final stretch of 2024 and the manufacturing industry maintains the same sense of worry mixed with optimism. This month’s industry report details the positive signs of potential stabilization and industry recovery in 2025.

The November monthly industry review and report highlights the eighth straight month of contraction in the sector, though the PMI was up slightly from October by posting 49.7. Additionally, multiple large companies such as AstraZeneca and J.M. Smuckers have announced massive investments in the US for new facilities and jobs.

This week’s headlines show innovation and domestic production remain forefront. We have advances in aviation, robotics, and flexible 3D printing, to name a few!

Next, this week’s podcasts look toward the new year as well. Whether the industry as a whole (The Manufacturing Executive) or attracting the next generation (Advanced Manufacturing Now).

Finally, our Social Video takes a holiday cookie break and our Fun Fact shares the optimism of the monthly report.

Thanks for joining us, and Happy Holidays!

P.S. Do you have a story to share about innovation at your company? We'd love to profile you! Click here (it’s free)

⚙ Manufacturing Headlines

• Nextracker delivers first trackers compliant with IRA domestic rules [PV-tech]

• Archer Aviation partners with Anduril to develop military aircraft [Silicon ANGLE]

• November manufacturing industry data review [CompanyWeek]

• Vision-guided cobot automates paint process for DENSO [The Robot Report]

• Princeton Develops New 3D Printing Technique for Flexible Plastics [3D Printing.com]

• How 2024’s Holiday Supply Chain Challenges Can Drive Innovation [All Things Supply Chain]

MONTHLY REVIEW

♨️ US Manufacturing Insights - November

U.S. manufacturing activity faced ongoing challenges in November 2024, with data indicating continued contraction amid economic uncertainty.

The S&P US Manufacturing PMI posted 49.7 in November, up slightly from 48.5 in October. The reading signals a marginal worsening of conditions at a slower pace. Central to the near-stabilization was a much slower drop in new orders.

However, the rates of decline eased across measures like new orders, production, and employment compared to prior months. While risks remain in the near term, the manufacturing sector may be past the worst declines of this contractionary period. The data shows early signals of possible demand stabilization on the horizon.

Upshot: As the sector aims to find its footing after months of deterioration, the next few months will indicate whether demand and output can stabilize or if more volatility lies ahead.

FROM THE FEED

📱Cookie cutter manufacturing process

🤨Did You Know?

According to the NAM,

3.8M new jobs

in manufacturing are expected by 2034.

^{Source: National Association of Manufacturers}

🎧 Podcasts Worth A Listen

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