Week 4 in Manufacturing News

US manufacturing output rises unexpectedly; UK manufacturing reports surge in optimism; The Manufacturer: Top videos of 2019; What To Do If A New Technology Disrupts Your Industry.

US manufacturing output rises unexpectedly

U.S. manufacturing output rose unexpectedly in December as a drop in motor vehicle output was outpaced by increases in production of other durable goods, food and beverages, and other products.

Manufacturing production rose 0.2% last month after a downwardly revised 1.0% increase in November, the Federal Reserve said.

Overall industrial output fell 0.3% in December after a downwardly revised increase of 0.8% in November.

Source: CNBC.

UK manufacturing reports surge in optimism

British manufacturers reported a boost in optimism in the three months to January, marking the largest upward sentiment swing in a single quarter on record. This is according to the latest CBI quarterly industrial trends survey.

The survey of 300 manufacturing companies reported that business optimism improved significantly in the quarter to January, at the fastest pace since April 2014. Meanwhile, export sentiment continued to fall, but was noticeably less negative compared to last quarter.

Source: PESmedia.

The Manufacturer: Top videos of 2019

1. How Made Smarter helped Abbey Group invest in new technology to increase efficiency and profits
2. The secret to a successful Digital Transformation? It’s not where to start but where to focus
3. What can businesses learn from the way Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport leverages data?
4. Can the US Navy’s elite Top Gun fighter squadron help transform UK manufacturing?
5. All the action from Smart Factory Expo 2019

Source: The manufacturer.

What To Do If A New Technology Disrupts Your Industry

Find your efficient scale Technological disruptions may change the scale that your firm needs to be competitive. 

Find your place in the value chain Technological disruptions redefine your place in the vertical supply chain.

Think how you will deal with tougher competition Technological innovations that connect customers with manufacturers enlarge markets, but also squeeze margins.

Source: Forbes.