Internationally respected demographer Ken Gronbach predicts that the United States and the Americas will excel culturally and economically in the post-pandemic era. He predicts advanced manufacturing will expand abundantly — and soon. Listen to his 40-minute IMTS spark presentation. Here’s a sneak peek.

Will the new administration pursue a tougher policy regarding trade and export controls with China? What are the Congressional bills under consideration for dealing with the competition and the perceived high-technology threat posed by China? The former undersecretary of Commerce discusses these concerns. 

Did you ever know a famous person back when they had a mundane life? Like when Michelle Pfeiffer was studying to be a court reporter. Russ Waddell – who has spearheaded MTConnect^®, the world’s first and most comprehensive, royalty-free data dictionary of common machine tool and equipment terms – was named a luminary by SME’s Smart Manufacturing magazine.

Do you, your customers, or supply chain use products that contain the chemical substance phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1))? Often found in components used in electronics, robotics, and manufacturing equipment for flame retardant purposes, PIP (3:1) processing and distribution may be prohibited in the USA by Sept. 4, 2021. Public comment is due to the EPA May 17. 

While the timeline for economic recovery in the manufacturing industry is still unclear, industry leaders continue to look for strategic ways to ensure greater supply chain resiliency, make technology and other investments better positioned after the recovery, and take advantage of possible legislative support.