Eaton Says Goodbye to eMobility, and How the Economy is Shaking Up 2026: IndustryWeek’s Weekly Review
What’s ahead in 2026 appears to be an ongoing concern for the IndustryWeek manufacturing community, based on this review of the most popular content on www.industryweek.com over the past seven days. Five of the top 10 items in this edition of IndustryWeek’s Weekly Review reflect a focus on 2026 uncertainty. That’s perhaps not unusual, given that we haven’t yet exited January and much of the new year remains ahead of us. Other topics of interest include Eaton’s new strategy, a call for peace and a continued interest in the teachings of Dr. W. Edwards Deming. Without further ado, the Top 10, plus one Editor’s Choice selection, are:
2026 Predictions: AI Makes a Fundamental Shift: How autonomous, goal-oriented systems will finally bridge the gap between physical operations and digital intelligence, with the human at the center of the strategy.
Eaton to Spin Off Vehicle, eMobility Segments: The separation, expected in 2027, will create an independent, publicly traded company.
How to Drive Out Fear, Deming's Eighth Point for Management: Podcast hosts Dr. Mohamed Saleh and John Dyer explore Dr. W. Edwards Deming's eighth point for management: Drive out fear.
Over 60 Minnesota CEOs Call for De-Escalation in Open Letter: In a letter released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, CEOs of Minnesota-based companies urge peace.
3 Economic Factors Reshaping Manufacturing in 2026: Persistent inflation, uneven tariff pressures and the normalization of effective AI are creating a new playbook.
Podcast: Leadership Needs an Overhaul: Podcast hosts Dr. Mohamed Saleh and John Dyer dive into Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s seventh point of management transformation: Institute leadership.
5 Economic Events From 2025 That Are Shaking Up 2026: How last year's defining trends will shape business leadership in 2026.
Volatility Brings Growth Opportunities: EY survey counts strategic acquisition, R&D investment among 2026's bright spots.
Burning Questions for 2026: Industry, AI, Geopolitics and the Future of Manufacturing: Eight predictions for the new year and beyond.
Alcoa Still Won't Commit to Restarting Indiana Smelter Line: President and CEO Bill Oplinger said cost and supply-chain lead times are outweighing higher aluminum prices and little expected supply growth.
Editor's Choice
Enter the 2026 IndustryWeek Best Plants Awards Competition: We have launched our annual search for the best manufacturing plants in North America. If your facility is an example of operational excellence, apply today!