JJ Moore

BOSTON — Two U.S. manufacturing plants were among the 16 facilities recognized in the latest World Economic Forum Global Lighthouse Network cohort, with Schneider Electric's engineer-to-order factory in El Paso, TX, and Hitachi Vantara Manufacturing's storage systems plant in Norman, OK, earning honors for using artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve factory performance.

Lean manufacturing doesn’t fail because of the tools—it fails when leaders lose touch with the plant floor. Dr. Terra Vanzant-Stern, author of Leaner Manufacturing: How to Make the Lean Production Process Easier, Faster, and More Cost-Effective, explains why trust, engagement and collective intelligence are critical to making lean work.

DETROIT — Tariffs imposed in 2025 cost Midwest manufacturers an estimated 41,700 jobs, according to a new study from the Midwest Economic Policy Institute and the University of Illinois' Project for Middle Class Renewal.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — BIOLASE is investing nearly $1 million to expand manufacturing operations at its Corona, Calif., facility, increasing production capacity for dental laser systems while upgrading manufacturing infrastructure and cleanroom capabilities.

AI promises major gains for manufacturers, but decades of inconsistent factory data, disconnected systems and delayed quality information often stand in the way. Jon Sobel, co-founder and CEO of Sight Machine, explains why organizing and contextualizing production data is the critical first step before AI can deliver meaningful insights.

HINGHAM, Mass. — Microbot Medical is expanding manufacturing capacity for its LIBERTY endovascular robotic system through a new agreement with contract manufacturer Sanmina as the company prepares to increase production following growing commercial adoption.

New joining and inspection technologies continue to improve manufacturing quality, process control and production efficiency.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — President Donald Trump has announced 50% tariffs on most Canadian imports, a move that could create new uncertainty for North America's automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

INDIANAPOLIS — Boston Scientific plans to invest approximately $138 million in a new Indiana facility that will combine light manufacturing with global medical device distribution, expanding the company's logistics capabilities while supporting production-related operations.

LUTTERWORTH, England — ESCATEC has achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification at its UK manufacturing facility, expanding the electronics manufacturing services provider’s ability to support medical device and healthcare OEMs across its global production network.