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.
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.
Edge Devices: A Practical Tool for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
For small and mid-sized manufacturers, edge devices offer a practical first step into smart manufacturing. They don’t require replacing your machines or making a massive investment. Instead, they let you start small—installing a sensor here, a gateway there—and begin seeing improvements in quality, uptime, and efficiency almost immediately.
How to Prepare for Automation: Start Simple and Keep Your Team Involved
Shawn Furman, MRC’s Director of Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy, explores how automation can enhance productivity without overwhelming manufacturers in his latest blog. He emphasizes starting with small, manageable steps and involving your team to ensure a smooth transition. Discover practical insights to build a resilient, team-focused operation ready for the future.
Building Boldly: How the PA Dream Team is Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce
The PA Dream Team is more than just a career awareness initiative. It’s a dynamic ambassador program designed to connect K-12 students with the real people behind the region’s most innovative manufacturers. The most effective way to expose area students to STEM careers, technology, and modern manufacturing environments is by meeting young successful employees who work in the field.
Could an SBA Loan Be the Growth Boost Your Manufacturing Business Needs?
SBA loans can be a highly beneficial financing option for manufacturers. Here’s why they can be a good fit Access to capital for growth and expansion: Manufacturers often need significant capital to invest in new equipment, technology, facility expansion, or working capital to grow their operations.
AI for Small Manufacturers: Practical Paths, Real Value
AI isn’t about replacing people or revamping your plant overnight. It’s about helping your team work smarter, improve quality, reduce waste, and boost uptime — all with tools that are becoming more accessible every day.
A Blueprint for Manufacturing Success: Home Depot’s Bold Strategy
Both linear and lateral thinking are valuable in manufacturing, and the most successful approach often involves a combination of both. Understanding when to apply each style can lead to greater efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities.
Embracing Change with Confidence
Participants dove deep into the art and science of change management. From understanding the psychology of resistance to applying proven models like ADKAR and Kotter’s 8-Step Process, attendees walked away with new perspective on leading change with purpose and clarity.
Blueprint for Safety: Creating Effective Emergency and OSHA Compliance Plans
Does your organization plan for emergencies? What if a hazardous spill occurs? Do employees have procedures for lockout/tagout? Do you have any idea what you will do in case of exposure to blood?
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...
Smart Moves: Efficiency That Drives Long-Term Vision
Smart Moves: Efficiency That Drives Long-Term Vision How manufacturers can turn today’s operational gains into tomorrow’s strategic advantage by Rich Hobbs, President & CEO Manufacturers Resource Center Manufacturers face pressure from economic shifts, evolving...
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Protecting Your Operations and Data
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Protecting Your Operations and Data By Mary A. Stevens II Senior Relationship Manager EZ Micro Solutions The manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving with smart technology, connected equipment, and digital supply chains (digital...
Edge Devices: A Practical Tool for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
Edge Devices: A Practical Tool for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers by Shawn Furman Director, Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manufacturers Resource Center For many small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs), the idea of “Industry 4.0, 5.0, etc.” or...
How to Prepare for Automation: Start Simple and Keep Your Team Involved
How to Prepare for Automation: Start Simple and Keep Your Team Involved by Shawn Furman Director, Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy Manufacturers Resource Center Automation has the power to boost productivity, reduce waste, and free up your team to...
Building Boldly: How the PA Dream Team is Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce
Building Boldly: How the PA Dream Team is Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce by Amber Morris Workforce Initiatives Specialist Manufacturers Resource Center At a time when workforce challenges are top of mind for local manufacturers, the PA Dream Team career exploration...
Could an SBA Loan Be the Growth Boost Your Manufacturing Business Needs?
Could an SBA Loan Be the Growth Boost Your Manufacturing Business Needs? By Diane Lewis VP Manufacturing Solutions & Center Operations In March, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, aiming to increase...
AI for Small Manufacturers: Practical Paths, Real Value
AI for Small Manufacturers: Practical Paths, Real Value by Shawn Furman Director, Automation and Manufacturing Technology Strategy When people think about artificial intelligence (AI), they often picture high-tech labs, huge budgets, and tech giants. But what if AI...
A Blueprint for Manufacturing Success: Home Depot’s Bold Strategy
A Blueprint for Manufacturing Success: Home Depot’s Bold Strategy by Rich Hobbs President & CEO Manufacturers Resource Center Sometimes the smartest move isn’t doing more of the same thing — it’s doing something completely different. In other words, sometimes it...