The technology is bringing new prosperity to certain parts of the economy, but also creating new vulnerabilities. Some economic repercussions of the artificial intelligence boom are impossible to miss. There are data centers measured in miles and retirement accounts soaring from the stock... Continue Reading
Manufacturing Expansion Drives Payroll Growth Manufacturing employment rises again in September: Manufacturing employment advanced by 9,000 in September after increasing by 15,000 in August. Meanwhile, nonfarm payroll employment increased by just 29,000 in September, coming in below... Continue Reading
For years, industrial environments have looked to physical risks as their biggest safety concerns. However, now we are seeing a new class of concerns: lack of worker engagement. As experienced workers leave, remaining teams are stretched thin, and digital transformation systems designed to boost... Continue Reading
As heat treating companies begin setting goals for 2027, many leadership teams are discussing the same challenges: market uncertainty, recruiting and retaining workers, experienced employees retiring, rising operational costs, and the fast pace of change. These challenges deserve a place in every... Continue Reading
MTI’s fourth quarter webcast series brings Members valuable insights into economic trends, leadership, artificial intelligence, and technical standards. As companies prepare for 2027, these sessions offer an opportunity to strengthen management teams and identify practical improvements... Continue Reading
Where are heat treating companies finding their strongest growth opportunities? A comparison of MTI Members’ responses with ITR Economics’ August 2026 forecast reveals meaningful alignment in aerospace and defense, along with differences that deserve attention as companies develop... Continue Reading
Furnaces North America 2026 is coming to Indianapolis October 12–14, and MTI Members have every reason to be there. If you plan to attend, book your hotel room by close of business September 25. The FNA room block closes tomorrow. FNA brings the heat treating industry together at a time... Continue Reading
Choosing a new ERP system is a major decision for any heat treating company. The system must support the way work moves through the plant, from quoting and scheduling to job tracking, quality documentation, invoicing, and reporting. With so much at stake, knowing where to begin can be a... Continue Reading
The Metal Treating Institute will host its Annual Business Meeting during the MTI Fall Meeting, held in Conjunction with Furnaces North America 2026. The meeting will be held at 7:00 am on October 14 in room 125 in the Indiana Convention Center. During the business meeting, Nominating Chair, Paul... Continue Reading
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an emerging technology to a practical business tool for commercial and captive heat treaters. The AI & Smart Manufacturing Track at Furnaces North America 2026, taking place on Wednesday, October 14, will show attendees how AI is already helping... Continue Reading
We do not have a one-size-fits-all economy in 2026; mild aggregate growth is masking uneven outcomes across consumer, industrial, and construction markets. These divergent outcomes are due in part to differing sensitivities to sticky long-term interest rates, inflationary pressures, and... Continue Reading
High-performing employees do not develop by accident. They grow when they have convenient access to knowledge, trusted information, industry experts, and a professional community that helps them succeed. Because employee engagement is a leading factor in the success of any heat-treat plant, MTI... Continue Reading
