Intelligence

U.S. industrial production decreased in March 2026 after a strong uptick in February, according to the latest report issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

How smaller IMTS exhibitors can maximize ROI; Our Spring Economic Update Webinar recap; and more.

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, totaled $225.1 million in February 2026, increasing 2% from January 2026 and 12.8% from February 2025. Year-to-date shipments are up 11.3% from the same period in 2025.

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $488.9 million in February 2026, increasing 10.7% over January 2026 and 27.4% over February 2025. The total order value through February 2026 has reached $930.5 million, 26% above the first two months of 2025.

Manufacturers gain an edge by creating value closer to demand. The “proximity revolution” combines execution, ecosystems, and innovation.

Many smaller exhibitors can outperform larger ones by focusing on the right strategies before and during IMTS. With smart planning, targeted outreach, and the right tools, even a 10-by-10 booth can generate enough leads to fuel a sales pipeline for a year.

The MFG Meeting recap; New AMT board of directors; What comes next with tariffs; and more.

Missed The MFG Meeting 2026? Here’s a brief recap: AI in action, smarter strategy, economic signals, and new defense and biomanufacturing opportunities shaping what comes next.

AMT has elected its 2026-2027 board of directors to guide the organization and industry through a period of accelerating demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities. Newly elected are Steve Carlson, Milton Guerry, and Jim King.

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady today at a target range of 3.5%-3.75% in a move that was widely anticipated by financial markets. The quarterly summary of economic projections showed that both growth and inflation was higher than expected.