Manufacturing Insights
Welcome to Manufacturing Insights, a blog dedicated to providing valuable information and insights into the dynamic world of manufacturing.
At the heart of every successful manufacturing venture lies the ability to make informed decisions. Manufacturing insights serve as the compass guiding us through business complexities. They offer us the vantage point to anticipate market shifts, optimize operations, and strategize for the future.
Top 10 Leadership Pivots for 2026: What Modern Leaders Must Do Differently
Leadership in 2026 demands bold pivots. From establishing ethical AI policies and building AI-fluent leaders to strengthening cross-functional collaboration and human-centered culture, these Top 10 Manufacturing Leadership Pivots provide a practical blueprint for navigating workforce shortages, automation, and generational change with confidence.
Empowering Leaders Through Language: How Native Language Training Strengthens Our Manufacturing Workforce
As manufacturing teams grow more diverse, how leadership training is delivered matters as much as what is taught. Native-language supervisor training improves comprehension, builds confidence, and strengthens communication on the shop floor. Learn why this approach drives measurable gains in leadership performance and operational consistency
New at MRC: The Automation Discovery Lab
The Automation Discovery Lab is rolling out now and will be fully operational soon—perfect timing as manufacturers gear up for smarter, more resilient operations in 2026 and beyond. If your team is exploring automation, robotics, machine vision, quality enhancements, or connected shop-floor systems, we invite you to schedule a visit. This space is built for discovery: compare approaches side-by-side, identify what aligns with your constraints (budget, space, team skills), spot potential pitfalls early, and leave with clearer next steps.
2026 Automation and Manufacturing Technology Show
The 2026 Automation & Manufacturing Technology (AMT) Show returns April 15 at Delta Hotel in Breinigsville, PA. Hosted by Manufacturers Resource Center, this half-day event delivers real-world automation insights. Hear from local manufacturers on successes and lessons learned, explore scalable tech like collaborative robots, vision systems, and data connectivity, and bring your team for actionable ideas. Less hype, more value—perfect for small-to-mid-sized manufacturers exploring their next steps.
The 2026 Manufacturing Reality: Modest Growth, Major Transformation
Economic forecasts show moderate U.S. growth in 2026, but manufacturers are accelerating investment in AI, automation, and smart operations. Here’s how regional strength and national trends are shaping the year ahead. Manufacturers that lead in 2026 will be those that treat AI as a workforce multiplier, building environments where technology supports people in doing higher-value, more strategic work.
Navigating ISO 27001: Essential for Information Security Across Industries
In this article, Sally Wilk, CEO of WCH Professional Services, explains why ISO 27001 has become a critical standard for organizations handling sensitive information. From reducing cyber risks to strengthening compliance and preserving institutional knowledge, ISO 27001 provides a powerful framework for long term security and resilience. Discover how this certification helps companies protect data, build trust, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Automation Isn’t About Robots — It’s About People
In this year end reflection, Shawn Furman, Director of Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy at MRC, explains why automation is ultimately about people — not robots. From workforce challenges to rising customer expectations, Shawn highlights how training, problem solving, and human insight remain at the heart of successful automation. As manufacturers plan for 2026, this people first approach offers a smarter, more sustainable path forward.
Navigating ISO 14001: A Must-Have for Manufacturers in the Supply Chain
Written by Sally Wilk, CEO of WCH Professional Services, this article explores why ISO 14001 has become a critical requirement for manufacturers in today’s sustainability driven supply chain. From meeting OEM expectations to strengthening internal processes, ISO 14001 offers a powerful framework for compliance, transparency, and long term operational stability.
The Sandwiched Leader: Skills Every Mid-Level Manager Needs in Manufacturing
Mid-level managers play one of the most challenging roles in manufacturing—balancing executive priorities while developing the next generation of leaders. This article explores why these “sandwiched leaders” are essential to performance, culture, and retention, and highlights the skills they need to thrive. Learn how MRC’s Leading Leaders course helps strengthen this critical level of leadership.
Lean Culture Immersion: Go, See & Learn at the Original Gemba
Manufacturing leaders from across Eastern Pennsylvania joined MRC’s Lean Culture Immersion: Go, See & Learn at the Original Gemba in Kentucky for a hands-on exploration of true Lean excellence. Guided by Toyota Culture co-author Mike Hoseus, participants gained firsthand insights into how people-centered leadership sustains continuous improvement.
Smart Moves: Efficiency That Drives Long-Term Vision
Manufacturers are under pressure to deliver results today while preparing for an uncertain future. In this blog, MRC President & CEO Rich Hobbs explores how operational excellence, smart technology investments, and workforce development work together to strengthen both performance and long-term competitiveness. It’s a practical roadmap for leaders ready to turn efficiency into strategic advantage.
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Protecting Your Operations and Data
The cost of downtime in manufacturing can be devastating—recent studies show that the average cost of a cyberattack in manufacturing exceeds $1.5 million, with production halts, lost contracts, and reputational damage.
Top 10 Leadership Pivots for 2026: What Modern Leaders Must Do Differently
Top 10 Leadership Pivots for 2026: What Modern Leaders Must Do Differently by Mitchell Roedema Leadership Development & Training Strategy Manager Manufacturers Resource Center Leadership in 2026 looks nothing like leadership from five years ago. AI adoption is...
Empowering Leaders Through Language: How Native Language Training Strengthens Our Manufacturing Workforce
Empowering Leaders Through Language: How Native Language Training Strengthens Our Manufacturing Workforce by Mitchell Roedema Leadership Development & Training Strategy Manager Manufacturers Resource Center At Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC), we know that...
New at MRC: The Automation Discovery Lab
New at MRC: The Automation Discovery Lab Hands-On Exploration for Real-World Automation Decisions by Shawn Furman, Director Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manufacturers Resource Center Manufacturers across the Lehigh Valley and beyond are navigating...
2026 Automation and Manufacturing Technology Show
2026 Automation and Manufacturing Technology Show by Shawn Furman Director, Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manufacturers Resource Center Automation isn't a distant "future" anymore—it's a practical, proven tool that manufacturers right here in the...
The 2026 Manufacturing Reality: Modest Growth, Major Transformation
The 2026 Manufacturing Reality: Modest Growth, Major Transformation by Richard Hobbs, President & CEO Manufacturers Resource Center If 2025 was about stabilizing, 2026 is shaping up to be about strategic growth and smart adaptation. Economic forecasts and industry...
Navigating ISO 27001: Essential for Information Security Across Industries
Navigating ISO 27001: Essential for Information Security Across Industries by Sally Wilk, CEO / Sales & Operations Manager WCH Professional Services, LLC www.wchservices.com In an era where data breaches make headlines and cyber threats evolve daily,...
Automation Isn’t About Robots — It’s About People
Automation Isn’t About Robots — It’s About People by Shawn Furman Director, Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manufacturers Resource Center As we wrap up 2025 and head into the holidays, manufacturers everywhere will be reflecting on another fast-paced...
Navigating ISO 14001: A Must-Have for Manufacturers in the Supply Chain
Navigating ISO 14001: A Must-Have for Manufacturers in the Supply Chain by Sally Wilk, CEO / Sales & Operations Manager WCH Professional Services, LLC www.wchservices.com In today's manufacturing landscape, sustainability isn't just a buzzword. It's a core...
The Sandwiched Leader: Skills Every Mid-Level Manager Needs in Manufacturing
The Sandwiched Leader: Skills Every Mid-Level Manager Needs in Manufacturing by Janelle Rabenold, Director Leadership Development and Training Strategy Manufacturers Resource Center In manufacturing, mid-level managers — the leaders who guide other leaders — often...
Lean Culture Immersion: Go, See & Learn at the Original Gemba
Lean Culture Immersion: Go, See & Learn at the Original Gemba September 9–11, 2025 | Kentucky Tour Manufacturers Resource Center October 28, 2025 In September, manufacturing leaders from across the Lehigh Valley and beyond traveled to the heart of Kentucky’s Lean...