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
As the labor market recalibrates, Mario Peshev, offers leaders three critical strategies to consider when hiring employees in 2026. The talent market is a pendulum swinging back and forth with wild abandon, making it difficult for leaders to know when to hire, who to hire and how to structure... Continue Reading
Most companies treat economic forecasts like “owner-only” information—something discussed only in leadership meetings. This kind of thinking is missing a huge opportunity to enhance their workplace culture with their team. For Members of the Metal Treating Institute,... Continue Reading
Many of Trump's sweeping tariffs face legal challenges, with the Supreme Court due to rule on their legality after hearing arguments late last year. Boosts in revenue from taxes and tariffs narrowed the U.S. budget deficit in the October to December period from the year before, Department of... Continue Reading
Manufacturers are moving beyond audits and checklists by using data-driven safety platforms to improve compliance and proactively manage workplace risk. Industrial workplace safety is undergoing a fundamental shift. What was once driven largely by compliance checklists, periodic audits, and... Continue Reading
The Metal Treating Institute’s AI Task Force convened on January 13, 2026, to take a significant next step in guiding the responsible, practical use of artificial intelligence within the heat treating industry. Many in the heat treating industry have not created policies or protocols... Continue Reading
With business operations changing so fast in an AI era, it is critical for top management at any heat treating company to know how the market is shifting in real-time. MTI’s weekly operational check-in questions have played an important role in giving Members real-time data on issues... Continue Reading
Assessing the success of your strategic goals is key to creating new strategies, writes Rebecca Homkes, who offers three key questions. How did we do? Was our strategy successful this year? It’s a critical question to ask at year’s end, especially as you gear up to kick off... Continue Reading
A positive physical environment is the first step to attracting the people you want to work for you. Culture gets built from the bottom up, not the top down. In this case, I literally mean the bathroom. Too many CEOs think they can change a culture by decree, or with catchy slogans the... Continue Reading
How did we arrive at this moment where AI, lean thinking and human-centered leadership all converge? In previous columns, I explored how human resources can help lead AI transformation without losing culture, how AI and lean intersect in practical ways, and where organizations should... Continue Reading
