2026 Predictions, Frozen Funds and How to Prepare Manufacturing Leaders: IndustryWeek's Weekly Review
Dr. Deming and the dismantling of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership captured the IndustryWeek audience's attention over the past seven days, as evidenced by this edition of IW's Weekly Review, where we share the top-consumed content of the week. Also of interest: two forecast articles that contemplate what's ahead for 2026.
Our Top 10 are:
‘Shock and Devastation’: Ohio MEP in Jeopardy as Feds, State Freeze Funds ‘Effective Immediately’: Gov. Dewine warns Trump administration to proceed with caution as MEP audits show reporting errors.
Podcast: Dr. Deming's ‘Wake-up Call’ for Unwilling Management: Hosts Dr. Mohamed Saleh and John Dyer explore Deming’s second point for management transformation, which they say takes aim at management and leaders who persist in pursuing outdated practices rather than evolve.
Burning Questions for 2026: Industry, AI, Geopolitics and the Future of Manufacturing: Eight predictions for the new year and beyond.
Ford Scales Back EV Ambitions, Forecasts $19.5 Billion Write-Down: Ford said it had halted production of the current F-150 Lightning electric pickup, which it once hoped would spearhead a transition to EVs.
Dayton MEP Plans Closure After Federal Funds Freeze: ‘We’ve been on this for 13 years and never been as good as we are today,’ said FastLane's director and co-founder.
Podcast: Why Dr. Deming’s First Point of Management Transformation Is Critical: Cohosts Dr. Mohamed Saleh and John Dyer begin their review of Dr. Deming’s 14 points of management, starting with “constancy of purpose.”
US Trade Gap Shrinks to Narrowest Since 2020 After Tariff Hikes: In September, U.S. goods imports increased as a whole, but those of capital goods like computers and electric apparatus dropped, according to Commerce Department data.
Are Your Best Workers Becoming Your Worst Bosses? Preparing Manufacturing Leaders for Success: Common mistakes in leadership development include promoting employees for the wrong reasons and underestimating training opportunities.
Supply Chain Strategy, AI Set To Transform Manufacturing in 2026: Four key trends are setting the stage for manufacturers in 2026, says West Monroe in a new report.
A Real-Life Blueprint for Planning a Factory Expansion: A power-equipment manufacturer in need of an upgrade followed these 10 principles for success.