Welcome to Manufacturing Minute!

I'm glad you're here.

Let's get to it.

But first, a word about doing more with less:

Are you stuck missing the production targets from 2 years ago while your budget hasn’t adjusted since COVID?

Most plant managers are sitting on 15-30% (maybe even 50%) untapped capacity, they just don't know where to look. At Axiom, we help you find it without buying new equipment, hiring more people, or waiting for next year's capital budget.

Ready to unlock what you already have?

Book Your (free) 30-Minute Strategy Call →

🚨In the News

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) received a sizable tax incentive for a $133 million upgrade to its Three Rivers, MI facility, including new machinery, infrastructure improvements, and renovations.

This move was chosen over relocating investment to Mexico and highlights the reshoring and local workforce focus in U.S. manufacturing.

I, for one, love to see it.

Keep it coming.

🏭 Manufacturing Minute:

"I'm a sh*tty conference goer, but this is one that matters."

That's how a Fortune 500 senior leader kicked off one of our COO Council sessions this week at the LNS Research IX in Chicago.

These are my kind of people, the ones asking the right questions instead of regurgitating buzzwords.

Then, in the same session, another CEO attendee dropped this gem (lightly paraphrased, except the good parts):

"None of us should feel bad that we're behind… we're not. But this is like learning a new foundational skill, like riding a bike. No one can do it for us, we've got to get on and pedal.

This isn't an IT thing, it's a business thing. None of us are losing because someone else runs a better ERP. I've used all the big ones… doesn't matter, they all suck." (That part's a direct quote, and I love it.)

"But in 3 months, AI tools can make us better. And in a year, if we don't learn, AI could let someone else lap us. It has to be woven into how we think and work, into our culture. As CEO, I need to own that."

Hard to argue with that level of clarity.

This is what I've been trying to articulate for months.

AI isn't another consultant engagement or a vendor solution you buy off the shelf.

It's not something you delegate to IT and hope works out.

It's a bike.

You're going to wobble. You're going to feel stupid. But you've got to get on and pedal.

The leaders who understand this, the ones willing to admit they're still figuring it out, are the ones who'll win.

Not because they have all the answers, but because they're willing to start the journey.

Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Get on the damn bike.

As promised, tactical manufacturing in a minute,

Ryan