Welcome to the final IndustryWeek's Weekly Reads of June 2025. In this edition, we talk digital development with Northrop Grumman, learn why the rare earths crisis is far from over and contemplate employee ownership as an answer to manufacturing's challenges. Without further ado, the Top 10 most consumed content from the past seven days are:
Northrop Grumman Challenges Engineers and Proves Value with Digital Design: Sitting designers, engineers, supply chain and project management experts at the same digital table may invite short-term conflict, but the long-term gains create efficiency and satisfaction.
Build or Buy Your MES? Lessons from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: If off-the-shelf manufacturing execution systems don't fit the bill, developing your own MES provides real advantages.
Detroit 3 Automakers Killed Passenger Cars: Big Mistake: Ford, GM and Stellantis were guided by government EV policies that encouraged light trucks. Now, that strategy is outdated.
China's Rare-Earth Chokehold: The scramble for critical minerals leaves the U.S. vulnerable to geopolitical pressure in ways that many executives are only beginning to understand.
2025 IW U.S. 500: Top Automotive Companies: 2024 was a mixed year for the auto industry, but automakers and suppliers managed to stick the landing as 2025 approached.
Employee Ownership Could Help Solve a Manufacturing Crisis: Even small shops with 15 employees or fewer could be good candidates for the succession planning approach.
Manufacturing Revenues, Profits Plunge: 2025 IndustryWeek U.S. 500: Massive losses at a handful of critical companies draw the index down sharply for 2025
Congress Must Preserve the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program: Here in Indiana, Purdue University MEP Center has achieved almost $8 billion in economic impact. It is expected to lose its federal funding July 1.
Mental Health Drives Operations Gains (Production Pulse): Understanding mental health first aid offers safety and operational benefits.
US and Nippon Steel Seal the Deal: The acquisition follows guidelines OK’d by President Trump in May, which gives him and the government strong oversight of the company’s leadership.
