TECHNOLOGY
Upgrading Your Business Begins With Adaptability
Despite headwinds from global instability, labor shortages, and more, the outlook for manufacturing remains strong for those who stay adaptable. U.S. reshoring, investment in advanced technology, and rising demand in energy, defense, and semiconductors all point to long-term growth. But staying competitive takes more than watching trends. It means investing in your workforce, upgrading digital infrastructure, diversifying supply chains, and using automation to support your people. Manufacturers who tune their operations today will be the ones best positioned to capture tomorrow’s demand – whether it arrives next quarter or next year.
INTERNATIONAL
Aviation Backlogs Soar as MRO Spreads Around the Globe
For global manufacturing technology leaders, aerospace demand is decisively shifting toward vital defense programs, engine MRO, space launch constellations, and advanced air mobility. The significant backlogs in single-aisle aircraft unequivocally support the need for automation, composite fabrication, and a digital-first approach to quality management.
Defense and hypersonic industries are in demand for ultra-precision machining, advanced power electronics, and thermal management. MRO services require innovations such as additive repair, intelligent non-destructive testing, and rapid turnaround capabilities. Meanwhile, the space and advanced air mobility sectors seek low-volume, high-mix production facilities that are certification-ready.
Backed by deep expertise, robust intellectual properties, and strong public-private sector collaborations, Singapore remains the prime destination for MRO and avionics. Morocco, however, is establishing itself as a cost-competitive alternative. Primarily benefiting from its French-speaking workforce and proximity to EU supply chains, it’s become an ideal location for aerostructure and wire harness production.
SMARTFORCE
ELEVATE: Powered By IMTS and WiM — Where Insight Meets Inspiration
IMTS and the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) are joining forces to present ELEVATE, a powerful half-day conference and networking reception designed to inspire, empower, and connect professionals across the manufacturing technology community.
Join us on Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago for an afternoon of bold ideas, industry-leading speakers, and meaningful connections. From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the ELEVATE Conference will deliver dynamic keynotes and panels to enable IMTS visitors and exhibitors to perform their best and achieve their goals. Then, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., keep the momentum going at an exclusive ELEVATE networking reception.
Don’t miss it! Follow speaker announcements and updates at IMTS.com/ELEVATE.
ADVOCACY
New Bill Expands Financing for Small Manufacturers
The Made in America Financing Act, introduced in the House and Senate, proposes to double Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits for small U.S. manufacturers. This critical expansion will raise maximum access to capital to $10 million, empowering companies to make significant long-term investments. This expanded funding is designed to allow small businesses to quickly modernize equipment, invest heavily in new automation technologies, and ultimately scale their production capacity.
The primary goal of this legislation is to serve as a lifeline for manufacturers facing tight margins, strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting quality, good-paying jobs across the country. To ensure financial integrity and accountability, the bill mandates that the SBA inspector general will thoroughly review loan performance after one year. The agency will then report annually to Congress on the program’s tangible results, specifically documenting job creation and retention.
INTELLIGENCE
Machine Tool Market Outlook Tied to Automation
Over the past five years, the U.S. machine tool market has experienced a marked rise in automation adoption. As improvements in machine precision become increasingly incremental and costly, suppliers and integrators are turning to automation as a key differentiator – delivering more value through productivity for manufacturers. This trend shows no signs of slowing. In August 2025, the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) program recorded the highest per-unit average value in its history at over $287,000. While rising input costs and tariffs have likely contributed to the rise in machine tool prices, the sustained gap between the USMTO average unit value and the producer price index (PPI) for metal-cutting tools highlights a deeper shift. The divergence suggests that more value is being added through automation and integration services beyond the machine’s base cost. Given the continued widening gap between the two series, the outlook for machine tool industry orders looks like it will be driven by the continued adoption of automation.
To read the rest of the Industry Outlook Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
