Manufacturing industry veteran Brad DeSplinter of Texas Precision Metalcraft highlights how industry newcomers can forge a successful, fulfilling career. Brad DeSplinter grew up surrounded by manufacturing in Moline, Illinois, the home of John Deere’s world headquarters, and many of his... Continue Reading
Being able to lead yourself before leading others boosts emotional intelligence, problem solving skills and creativity – the traits most needed to thrive amid the rise of new technologies, says Andrew Bryant For nearly three decades, I have worked with leaders across more than 40... Continue Reading
In coaching conversations, a topic that comes up often is leaders feeling frustrated with a boss. Sometimes leaders feel unheard, other times they feel that they aren’t given the opportunity to include their opinions. And what also happens at times is that their boss takes credit for... Continue Reading
3.1 The Implementation Roadmap Transitioning to an AI-optimized posture is not an overnight task. It requires a phased approach that balances technical upgrades with content strategy and operational integration. Phase 1: The Digital Audit (Month 1-2) Objective: Assess current visibility... Continue Reading
Strategic Choices Heat Treaters Can’t Afford to Drift On There are moments in an industry when incremental thinking is no longer enough. For heat treaters, the next four years will shape the next twenty. Capital cycles are tightening. Skilled labor is harder to attract and retain.... Continue Reading
The heat treating industry is not entering a normal cycle. Economic forecasts, labor trends and advancements in AI point to 2026 being an inflection point leading up to the 2030s.Labor shortages are accelerating. Economic volatility is compressing decision timelines. AI and automation are... Continue Reading
Women have earned greater responsibilities, it’s time to put more of them in charge. Manufacturing has spent decades talking about the workforce gap, yet one of its most persistent blind spots remains leadership representation. Women continue to enter the sector with technical ability,... Continue Reading
In today’s high-precision, high-risk manufacturing environment, one oversight can turn into a catastrophic financial claim. That’s why the Metal Treating Institute’s Statement of Limited Liability is one of the most important protections available to heat treating... Continue Reading
2.1 Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): The Strategic Framework Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimizing content to ensure it becomes the definitive answer that AI platforms deliver to users. Unlike SEO, which optimizes for rankings, AEO optimizes for citations and... Continue Reading
Executive Summary The industrial manufacturing sector, specifically the heat-treating industry represented by the Metal Treating Institute (MTI), stands at a critical juncture. For decades, the "simple bargain" of the internet—creating content, receiving clicks—sustained digital... Continue Reading
From safety footwear and wearables to lift tables and pallet positioners, human-focused design is reshaping how safety risks are managed. Who wouldn’t want cool new shoes for work? The coolness factor may matter to manufacturers, if it gets workers to stand by personal protective... Continue Reading
“I’d rather be respected than liked.” How many times have you heard that? How many leadership books preach this gospel? It sounds tough. Principled. Like something a real leader would say. It’s also terrible advice. I learned this lesson the hard way... Continue Reading
