Throughout the year, AMT committees collaborate on initiatives that support the growth and advancement of the manufacturing technology community. This periodic roundup offers a glimpse into their recent work and evolving focus areas. Learn more about each committee and find out how you can get involved.
Automation in Manufacturing Committee
The Automation in Manufacturing (AIM) Committee met at Schunk Inc. in North Carolina in August, where they were introduced to new members, reviewed survey results, and received a tour of Schunk’s manufacturing floor. The committee discussed market conditions, noting that signals are steady but tight, the median backlog sits around five to six months, receivables remain solid (roughly 80% within terms), and quote activity is healthy; however, conversion is challenging, and margin pressure persists due to inflation. Skilled labor remains the primary constraint for buyers.
During the 2025 MTForecast conference in Schaumburg, Illinois, the committee met again and overhauled the AIM survey for a quarterly cadence using 15 standardized questions designed for integrators and suppliers to track trends:
Measure firm-bid win rates (by dollars and opportunities)
Forward-looking pipeline by industry
Input costs and as‑sold margins
Revenue per employee (excluding machine shops)
Staffing/capacity
Hiring difficulty
Voluntary vs. involuntary attrition
The AIM hopes to expand distribution via AMT’s integrator network and identify nonmember firms to improve coverage and segmentation.
Learn more about the Automation in Manufacturing (AIM) Committee.
Economics & Statistics Committee
The Economics & Statistics (E&S)Committee met three times in 2025, focusing on several key initiatives:
First, the committee continued integrating the former Workholding and Cutting Tool Groups into the existing E&S Committee structure. These groups now operate as subcommittees within the broader E&S, ensuring closer coordination and alignment with overall committee goals.
Second, the E&S established an all-new Grinding Task Force, led by Jacob Baldwin of United Grinding North America, with the mission of modernizing the cylindrical grinding categories within the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) program. The E&S Committee approved the proposed category updates in October, and an education plan will be implemented through the fourth quarter of 2025 and into January 2026. The new categories will be incorporated into USMTO for the January 2026 data collection, beginning in February 2026.
Finally, the E&S Committee has continued to provide insight and guidance for the MTForecast conference and AMT’s quarterly economic updates.
Learn more about AMT’s Economics & Statistics Committee.
Global Committee
The new and rebuilt Global Committee had its first meeting at the MTForecast conference in Schaumburg, Illinois. All committee members, plus staff from AMT’s headquarters and Global Tech Centers, were present. The committee unveiled a new mission and charter emphasizing global trade advocacy, regulatory guidance, and helping AMT members expand internationally. Core duties include monitoring trade policies, advising on market access, and organizing member engagement activities. Key discussions covered the new structure, meeting cadence, and governance requirements.
Members prioritized four topics: Mexico tariff impacts, Section 232 tariffs, AI adoption, and identifying growth markets. Highlights included trade uncertainty, supply chain adjustments, and the need for AI policies.
The group agreed to draft annual goals and reconvene at the next MFG Meeting in March 2026.
Learn more about AMT’s Global Committee.
The Technology Issues Committee
After the success of this year's Joint Technology Summit, the Technology Issues Committee (TIC) is motivated to grow the event to reach an underserved audience focused on addressing the barriers of manufacturing technology adoption. It was co-hosted by the American Gear Manufacturers’ Association (AGMA) and the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), and held at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT).
Dr. Amy Thompson, chief technology officer of CCAT, has accepted an invitation to join the committee, expanding the TIC’s technical expertise and collaborative network.
In addition, the TIC is preparing a survey of AMT members to better understand the challenges of technology adoption, aiming to make future Joint Technology Summits more relevant and impactful for AMT members.
Learn more about AMT’s Technology Issues Committee.
AMT’s committees and product groups represent the voice of our membership. Committees are the driving force behind all programs, products, and services that AMT offers. Explore our committees and learn how to get involved.
