Industrial Brush Sector Update Part 1: Manufacturer Capabilities and Focus

By Bob Lawrence

Given that industrial brushes are ubiquitous in numerous industries, from automotive and aerospace to robotics, automation and food processing, it’s not surprising that its market share is enormous in the multi-billion dollar global brush industry. In a 2022 analysis by India-based Maximize Market Research, it was reported that the global industrial brush market size was valued at US $654.72 million, with total revenue expected to grow at an 8.5 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from now to 2029. During that period, the firm projects that the industrial brush market size should reach $1.16 billion. Factors driving this steady, robust growth include increasing demand from the manufacturing industry for brushes used in such applications as surface finishing, cleaning, and deburring and demand for specialized, custom-made brushes for automation and robotic equipment, 3D printing, and other end-user requirements.

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Supply Chain Disruptions and Chokepoints Dominate

By Lisa Anderson

To succeed in the current world dominated by supply chain disruptions and chokepoints, executives must create resiliency and get ahead of the inevitable volatility. The latest, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, has caused massive diversions on the East Coast and in the Baltimore region pointing out the need for backup sources of supply and agility in the supply chain. The level of geopolitical and supply chain risk has remained elevated and should not be ignored in designing supply chain plans.

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Skills Gap Challenge for Manufacturing Success

By Lisa Anderson

According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, two million jobs could go unfilled in the sector by 2030. The cost in 2030 alone could potentially total $1 trillion. Worse yet, the surveyed manufacturers said it is 36 percent harder to find the right talent than in 2018, and 77 percent of manufacturers expect to have ongoing difficulties attracting and retaining manufacturing employees.

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Will AI Revolutionize Manufacturing?

Smart industry robot arms for digital factory production technology showing automation manufacturing process of the Industry 4.0 or 4th industrial revolution and IOT software to control operation. Photo by istockphoto/NanoStockk

By John Davis
CTO, Global Shop Solutions

Few technologies have changed the manufacturing industry as much as ERP software. From automated scheduling to precision inventory management, automated purchasing, real-time job costing and more, ERP simplifies production processes so manufacturers can work faster and more efficiently while delivering a quality product on time every time. The next transformative technology is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and both are already having a significant impact on our industry by changing the way manufacturers collect, process and analyze data.

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Integrate AI in Manufacturing to Raise the Bar

By Lisa Anderson

According to Polaris Market Research, the market size of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing is predicted to grow more than 41 percent during the next decade. Although the latest Sikich Industry Pulse found that less than 20 percent of manufacturers have started to implement AI, those wanting to thrive in the next decade are pursuing AI strategies that make sense to support their business objectives. AI can help manufacturers target where to focus and automate mundane tasks.

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New Board Leadership Announced for NAM

Seasoned Executives Take Helm at NAM as Policymakers Debate Competitiveness Issues for Manufacturing Industry

The National Association of Manufacturers announced its Board of Directors has elected Johnson & Johnson Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations and Risk Officer Kathy Wengel as board chair and Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO Blake Moret as vice chair.

“Building on the solid foundation left by Immediate Past Chair Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow, the NAM enters 2024 with continued successful results for our members, strong financial growth and forward momentum with Kathy as chair and Blake as vice chair. Their companies are at the forefront of modern manufacturing, representing the future of what our industry can accomplish,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

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NAM Bolsters Government Relations Leadership

The National Association of Manufacturers named Stef Webb as its new Managing Vice President of Government Relations. Webb joins the NAM from Gopuff, the fast-growing $15 billion global consumer goods and food delivery company, where she served as director of corporate affairs, helping to establish its federal affairs program and spearhead public and government affairs during key market entries globally.

“Whether she’s bringing together lawmakers and line workers in Midwest manufacturing facilities or building relationships on Capitol Hill or in world capitals, Stef has built a sterling reputation as an effective and collaborative advocate who does not relent until the policies or priorities she’s fighting for are across the finish line,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

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NAM Urges Passage of Tax Policies Vital to American Manufacturing

On November 1, 2023, the National Association of Manufacturers, joined by more than 1,300 associations and businesses representing manufacturers of all sizes, called on Congress to act quickly in advancing bicameral legislation that would ensure the tax code once again supports the ability of businesses to create jobs in the U.S. and compete in the global economy. In a letter sent to Congress, the coalition writes:

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