Schneider Electric has become the first company to secure NEMA Make it American™ certification across more than 20 US facilities, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chain resilience.

ELECTRIFICATION AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

As demand for reliable energy infrastructure continues to accelerate across the US, Schneider Electric has reached a significant milestone in strengthening domestic manufacturing.

The global energy technology leader has become the first company to secure National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Make it American™ certification across more than 20 US supply chain facilities, demonstrating its commitment to domestic production, regional supply chains, and supporting the country’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The achievement follows the company’s planned USD$700 million investment in US manufacturing and comes as industries nationwide face unprecedented electricity demand driven by AI data centres, industrial electrification, and advanced manufacturing.

STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC SUPPLY CHAINS

Schneider Electric began pursuing NEMA’s Make it American process certification for facilities last year, initially focusing on its Fairfield, Ohio, manufacturing site.

The Fairfield facility became one of the first in the country to receive certification in May 2025. Following additional independent audits, more than 20 Schneider Electric facilities have now achieved certification and are listed in the NEMA Make it American Build America, Buy America (BABA) Registry.

The certified facilities manufacture a broad portfolio of critical electrical equipment, including low- and medium-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, variable-speed drives, and motor control centres. They are located across California, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

For customers participating in federally funded infrastructure projects, the certification provides independent verification that Schneider Electric’s facilities and products meet Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements, helping to simplify procurement and providing greater confidence in supply chain compliance.

The milestone also reflects Schneider Electric’s broader strategy to regionalise manufacturing and build greater resilience into its North American supply chain as demand for electrification technologies continues to grow.

MEETING THE ENERGY MOMENT

The certification arrives at a pivotal time for the US energy sector.

Rapid AI adoption, expanding data centre capacity, industrial electrification, and the continued growth of advanced manufacturing are placing increasing pressure on the nation’s electrical infrastructure. Against this backdrop, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities has become increasingly important for improving supply chain agility and reducing time to power.

Schneider Electric believes its investment in American manufacturing positions the company to support customers as they navigate this transition while reinforcing domestic industrial capacity.

Becker also said the certification milestone highlights the company’s ability to support customers through a new era of energy transformation and industrial intelligence. As Schneider Electric marks 190 years of innovation in 2026, she added that the achievement reinforces its position as a trusted Energy Technology Partner.

Phillips also discussed how the Make It American programme provides independent verification that facilities and supply chains comply with Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements, giving federal buyers greater transparency and confidence.

She added that, as infrastructure investment accelerates and America’s industrial base continues to expand, Schneider Electric is helping shape the next phase of US manufacturing.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The announcement also coincides with Becker’s appointment to NEMA’s Board of Directors, where she will help shape the organisation’s policy advocacy, workforce initiatives, legal action, and operational excellence during a period of rising energy demand and increasing importance for US electrical manufacturers.

Today, Schneider Electric employs more than 24,000 people across the US and operates over 20 smart factories, facilities, and distribution centres nationwide.

Alongside the expansion of its manufacturing footprint, the company continues to receive recognition for its workplace culture and sustainability leadership. It was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025, earned recognition as a 2026 Gold Military Friendly® employer, and was ranked by TIME magazine as the world’s most sustainable company for the second consecutive year in 2025.

The company was also named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation in 2025 by Corporate Knights, becoming the only organisation to achieve the top position in the Global 100 ranking twice.

As energy demand continues to reshape the industrial landscape, Schneider Electric’s latest certification milestone reinforces its long-term commitment to expanding domestic manufacturing capacity while supporting the technologies driving America’s next phase of industrial growth.

The post Schneider Electric Powers Achieves NEMA Make it American™ certification appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Epicor has expanded the availability of its AI-powered Prism platform across the UK and select European markets, helping manufacturers transform operational data into actionable insights through embedded, industry-specific intelligence.

DECISION-MAKING IN REAL TIME

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have long served as the backbone of manufacturing operations, capturing vast quantities of business-critical information across production, supply chains, procurement, and finance.

Yet for many organisations, the challenge is no longer collecting data – it is turning that data into timely, actionable insight.

To address this, Epicor has launched Epicor Prism across the UK and select European markets, introducing a new generation of embedded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities designed specifically for manufacturers and supply chain-intensive industries.

Integrated directly within Epicor Kinetic, the company’s ERP platform, Epicor Prism enables users to interact with live operational data through natural-language conversations, helping organisations move from information gathering to decision-making in real time.

THE EVOLUTION OF ERP

The launch represents a significant milestone in Epicor’s broader Cognitive ERP vision, which aims to transform ERP systems from passive repositories of information into active business partners that support thinking, decision-making, and action.

Manufacturers throughout Europe continue to face mounting pressures to improve productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and remain competitive amid workforce shortages and ongoing digital skills gaps.

While ERP investments remain central to these efforts, extracting meaningful insight from increasingly complex datasets often requires specialist expertise that many organisations struggle to access.

By embedding intelligence directly into everyday workflows, Epicor Prism is designed to help close this gap by guiding users through complex operational decisions, regardless of their ERP expertise.

EMBEDDED INTELLIGENCE IN ACTION

At the heart of Epicor Prism is a growing portfolio of AI agents designed to support a wide range of operational activities.

Rather than requiring separate analytics platforms or external AI tools, users can access insights directly within their existing ERP environment, using conversational prompts to analyse information, automate tasks, and initiate actions.

One of the platform’s flagship capabilities is the Epicor Prism Reasoning Agent, which combines live ERP data with supporting documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, and other business files to deliver contextual recommendations and explanations.

Instead of relying on static reports, users can ask questions such as why a production line is running behind schedule or what factors are contributing to overdue orders and receive responses grounded in real-time operational data.

This contextual understanding helps decision-makers identify root causes faster, improve visibility across operations, and act with greater confidence.

Importantly, Epicor Prism has been designed to operate securely within existing governance frameworks, respecting role-based permissions and maintaining human oversight over critical decisions and actions.

ACCELERATING PRODUCTIVITY

Beyond operational analysis, Epicor Prism also aims to reduce the administrative burden associated with many ERP processes.

The platform currently includes more than 18 pre-built AI agents that address decision-critical workflows across manufacturing and supply chain environments.

These capabilities include translating complex ERP outputs into clear insights, identifying risks and opportunities across supply, demand, and fulfilment networks, and reducing manual effort in sourcing, reporting, compliance, and internal analysis.

The technology can also support employee onboarding and skills development by helping less experienced users navigate ERP systems more effectively through embedded knowledge and guidance.

For technical teams, Epicor Prism Developer for App Studio delivers additional productivity gains by streamlining ERP customisation projects. According to Epicor, the tool reduces the time required to build and test screen customisations by an average of 60 percent, enabling faster delivery without compromising quality.

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC AI

A key differentiator for Epicor Prism is its industry-specific design.

Unlike generic AI assistants, the platform draws on Epicor’s vertical data ontology, developed through more than five decades of experience serving manufacturing, distribution, building supply, retail, and automotive organisations.

This enables AI agents to interpret information within the context of real operational workflows, combining trusted business data with industry expertise to generate more relevant recommendations and insights.

By embedding AI directly into everyday workflows, Epicor aims to support frontline users with real-time intelligence while ensuring recommendations remain firmly grounded in operational realities.

As manufacturers continue navigating increasingly complex economic and operational environments, the ability to convert data into action quickly and effectively is becoming a critical competitive advantage.

With the European rollout of Epicor Prism, the company is positioning Cognitive ERP as the next stage in the evolution of enterprise software – one where intelligent systems help organisations not only understand their business, but actively improve it.

The post Epicor Launches Prism AI Across Europe to Transform Manufacturing ERP Decision-Making appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Rockwell Automation has collaborated with the Center for Automotive Research to release a new whitepaper titled ‘Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact’. The report outlines how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are shaping manufacturing across the automotive, tire, and battery sectors.

TRANSFORMING MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS 

Rockwell Automation has partnered with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to publish a new white paper examining the growing impact of smart manufacturing across the automotive, tire, and battery industries. 

Titled ‘Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact’, the report was authored by CAR using extensive data supplied by Rockwell Automation. It explores how artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation technologies are transforming manufacturing operations and influencing future competitiveness. 

According to the findings, the industry has reached a turning point. Rather than debating whether to invest in smart manufacturing technologies, manufacturers are increasingly focused on determining where and how quickly they can deploy them. 

EXPANDING AUTOMATION CAPABILITIES 

While advanced automation has long been established in areas such as body production, painting, and welding, manufacturers are now extending these capabilities into more complex functions. 

Electronics assembly, validation processes, production coordination, and logistics are among the areas seeing increased automation adoption. At the same time, AI and ML technologies are helping manufacturers enhance predictive maintenance programs, improve inspection accuracy, and optimize overall system performance. 

“The industry has built a strong automation foundation. What is changing now is how manufacturers are using AI and data to manage growing complexity, improve decision-making, and create competitive advantage,” said Edgar Faler, Principal Mobility Analyst and Strategy Lead at CAR.  

“Those that move faster are starting to see measurable advantages.” 

DRIVERS OF INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION  

The white paper combines CAR’s analysis with proprietary findings from Rockwell Automation’s 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report. 

The research identifies several factors fueling adoption, including increasingly complex production environments, persistent warranty challenges, rising operational costs, and intensifying global competition. Smart manufacturing technologies are also supporting onshoring initiatives by helping manufacturers maintain cost-competitive operations despite ongoing labor constraints. 

Manufacturers implementing these technologies are already reporting tangible benefits. In select applications, organizations have achieved reductions in unplanned downtime of up to 50 percent, alongside approximately five percent improvements in overall equipment effectiveness and throughput gains of between five percent and seven percent through the use of real-time production analytics. 

“Manufacturers are being asked to do more with less while managing greater complexity,” said James Glasson, VP Global Industry – Automotive, Tire & Advanced Mobility at Rockwell Automation.  

A GROWING COMPETITIVE DIVIDE  

The report also highlights an emerging divide across the automotive manufacturing landscape. 

As adoption rates vary between organizations, differences in quality, productivity, and operational uptime are becoming increasingly pronounced. The findings suggest that these gaps could have significant implications for supplier performance and long-term competitiveness as smart manufacturing technologies continue to mature and scale across the industry. 

The post Rockwell Automation Whitepaper Outlines the Next Phase of Automotive Smart Manufacturing appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Nine UK SMEs have showcased innovative digital twin solutions capable of transforming operations, improving sustainability, and strengthening industrial resilience across multiple sectors.

A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE

Delivered by Digital Catapult‘s UK Digital Twin Centre in Belfast, the inaugural Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator has demonstrated how digital twin technologies can move from concept to practical implementation, creating tangible value for businesses across the UK.

Showcasing innovative solutions developed by nine small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK, the programme demonstrated how digital twins can address real-world industrial challenges in high-growth sectors, including aerospace, maritime, defence, manufacturing, renewable energy, engineering, and critical infrastructure.

The accelerator represents a significant milestone for Northern Ireland’s technology sector, highlighting the region’s internationally recognised strengths in modelling and simulation whilst supporting wider industrial transformation across the UK.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

Designed to demystify digital twin technology, the accelerator brought together technology providers and industry leaders to explore practical applications that deliver measurable business outcomes.

Supported by Digital Catapult’s team of technologists and innovation experts, participating companies examined how digital twins could strengthen supply chain resilience, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support better decision-making across industrial environments.

The programme also provided access to specialist facilities, connectivity, and computing resources, enabling deep tech startups to validate solutions, demonstrate market value, and accelerate commercialisation opportunities.

By moving conversations beyond theoretical potential and towards practical implementation, the initiative has helped businesses better understand how digital twins can be integrated into existing operations to drive long-term value.

SHOWCASING INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION

Among the participating companies was Voxshell, which developed an AI-enabled digital twin platform that connects design, simulation, testing, and manufacturing environments into a single ecosystem for the aerospace sector.

The solution demonstrated how engineers can visualise real-time system behaviour, optimise performance, and reduce prototyping costs through enhanced visibility and simulation capabilities.

Meanwhile, Helix8 Ltd collaborated with the Port of Larne to explore how digital twins could support ports on their journey towards net-zero operations.

Its AI-enabled geospatial digital twin analysed real-time Internet of Things (IoT) data from port infrastructure, providing greater visibility of energy consumption and supporting more effective management of electrification, electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy generation.

By modelling future demand and simulating decarbonisation scenarios, the solution illustrated how ports could reduce emissions, optimise energy resources, and develop more sustainable operating models.

STRENGTHENING THE UK’S DEEP TECH ECOSYSTEM

The programme concluded with a showcase event attended by investors, innovators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, providing an opportunity to assess the outcomes and future potential of the participating solutions.

The success of the accelerator underscores Belfast’s growing importance within the UK’s digital economy and highlights the wider impact that innovation emerging from Northern Ireland’s deep tech ecosystem can have across national industries.

Strong alignment with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy further reinforces the role digital twins can play in enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and resilience across high-growth sectors.

According to Sherrie Rad, Programme Lead at Innovate UK, the accelerator demonstrated how collaboration between technology innovators and industry can accelerate the deployment of digital twins whilst creating measurable business value through improved performance, resilience, and sustainability.

BUILDING A DIGITAL TWIN COMMUNITY

Alongside the accelerator, the UK Digital Twin Centre has launched a new Digital Twin Community Platform designed to connect industry, academia, and technology providers from across the UK’s digital twin ecosystem.

The online hub will provide access to learning resources, knowledge-sharing opportunities, industry events, and collaborative innovation initiatives, helping to further accelerate the adoption and scaling of digital twin technologies nationwide.

For Dr Katrina Thompson, Director of the UK Digital Twin Centre, the programme has demonstrated that digital twins are no longer a theoretical proposition but a practical competitive advantage for organisations willing to embrace modelling and simulation technologies.

As the first programme of its kind, the Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator has not only showcased the transformative potential of digital twins but also established a foundation for future interventions to support innovation and growth across the UK’s most strategically important industries.

The post Digital Catapult Unlocks Digital Twin Potential appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Celebrating 80 years of excellence, Pupkewitz Megabuild continues to supply the products, expertise, and partnerships helping to drive Namibia’s construction and home improvement sectors. We speak with a senior member of the executive team who shares more.

BUILDING ON A MEGA LEGACY

As Namibia continues to invest in housing, mining, and oil and gas development, the construction sector remains a vital contributor to the country’s economic growth. 

Namibia’s construction industry is showing encouraging signs of recovery following a downturn between 2017 and 2020, with renewed momentum driven by residential developments, commercial expansion, and increased public infrastructure investment. 

Whilst the industry continues to face challenges – including fluctuating material costs, supply chain demands, and affordability constraints linked to global cost-of-living pressures – it also presents significant opportunities for businesses capable of consistently delivering quality, reliability, and value. 

Pupkewitz Megabuild is well positioned within this landscape. Established in 1946 as the building materials division of the Pupkewitz Group, the company has spent eight decades supporting contractors, developers, and homeowners across Namibia. 

Today, Pupkewitz Megabuild is recognised as one of the country’s leading building material and hardware suppliers. With a nationwide network of over 24 branches across 19 towns, it serves a diverse customer base – from large contractors and developers to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tradespeople, and homeowners. 

With over 20,000 stock-keeping units, the company offers comprehensive solutions across the entire construction value chain, from foundations and structural materials through to finishing products and home improvement solutions. 

This national footprint reflects a business that has evolved alongside Namibia itself, continuously adapting to meet changing market demands whilst maintaining a strong commitment to quality, service, and long-term partnerships. 

Namibia’s ongoing urbanisation, infrastructure development, and economic growth continue to support long-term demand, positioning Pupkewitz Megabuild strongly for the future. 

CUSTOMER-FIRST APPROACH

At the heart of Pupkewitz Megabuild’s success is a clear and consistent mission – to deliver cost-effective, quality products and exceptional customer service that drives sustainable growth. 

The company’s broader vision is to be Namibia’s most progressive and sustainable business, empowering communities and contributing to societal transformation.  

In terms of workforce, it employs over 800 team members across Namibia, supported by more than 2,200 employees within the Pupkewitz Group.  

With head offices based in Windhoek, Pupkewitz Megabuild maintains a strong national presence that reflects a commitment to serving Namibia as a whole and bringing products closer to customers. 

The company’s customer-centric approach is evident across all operations, whether supporting large-scale commercial developments, enabling mining projects, or assisting homeowners undertaking renovations. 

Beyond product supply, Pupkewitz Megabuild’s customers benefit from specialist advice, logistical support, and technical expertise designed to simplify projects and improve outcomes. 

By positioning itself as a partner rather than just a supplier, the company has built long-standing relationships across multiple sectors of the Namibian economy.  

Indeed, its national footprint, strong supplier network, and commitment to service excellence provide a clear competitive edge. 

Continuous investment in store modernisation, accessibility, digital initiatives, and expansion projects reflects Pupkewitz Megabuild’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience and staying aligned with evolving customer expectations.

EIGHT DECADES OF GROWTH

Pupkewitz Megabuild’s 80th anniversary marks a significant milestone, representing eight decades of resilience, adaptability, and contribution to Namibia’s growth. 

More importantly, it reflects a shared journey with the Namibian people and all the customers, employees, partners, contractors, and businesses who have played a role in shaping the business.  

The focus is not only on what has been built, but also equally on looking ahead and continuing to evolve and innovate for the next generation. 

The company has a rich history, deeply rooted in Namibia. What began as a builders’ merchant in 1946 has grown into a multifaceted business serving virtually every segment of the construction and home improvement market today. 

Looking ahead, Pupkewitz Megabuild remains committed to contributing positively to the development of Namibia and its people for the next 80+ years. 

The company’s performance has also been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including being named Namibia’s Overall Best Building Material Supplier at the PMR Africa Awards for three consecutive years. 

This is a testament to the consistency of its service, product offering, and customer trust.  

These awards also reflect the dedication of Pupkewitz Megabuild’s teams on the ground, who deliver excellence every day and reinforce the company’s position as a trusted partner in the building and construction space.

INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

One of the key factors differentiating Pupkewitz Megabuild from the competition is its willingness to evolve whilst remaining closely connected to its deep-rooted Namibian heritage. 

The company doesn’t just supply materials – it provides complete solutions, including technical expertise, logistics, cost estimation support, and credit facilities for approved customers. 

At the same time, Pupkewitz Megabuild recognises the importance of supporting local economic development through strong supplier relationships. 

Local suppliers are absolutely critical to its operations, and it prioritises sourcing locally wherever possible, provided quality, continuity, and pricing standards are met. 

Beyond that, the company actively supports community development through projects, partnerships, and SME empowerment initiatives. As a group, it has worked with hundreds of emerging entrepreneurs, helping to drive job creation and economic inclusion. 

With corporate social responsibility (CSR) fundamental to who the company is, the Pupkewitz Foundation invests heavily in improving the lives of Namibians through feeding schemes, education, health, sport, and community upliftment projects. 

Additionally, at branch level, Pupkewitz Megabuild actively engages in community projects – from supporting local schools and sports initiatives to infrastructure improvements – ensuring it makes a tangible difference operates. 

Equally important is the company’s investment in its employees. People are Pupkewitz Megabuild’s greatest asset, and it invests heavily in training, development, and upskilling to ensure teams remain knowledgeable and empowered. 

This includes internal training programmes, leadership development, and creating opportunities for growth across the business. 

Pupkewitz Megabuild’s culture is built around respect, performance, and continuous improvement, ensuring its employees feel valued and supported.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, as Namibia’s construction industry continues to evolve, Pupkewitz Megabuild remains focused on strengthening its position as a trusted partner to customers nationwide. 

Future growth will centre around delivering increasingly efficient and customised solutions, supported by strong logistics, technology, and supply chain capabilities. 

The company’s key priorities include expanding its national footprint where needed, whilst strengthening digital and customer engagement platforms to enhance accessibility to its range of products and services. 

At the same time, Pupkewitz Megabuild continues to enhance supply chain efficiency to achieve cost leadership and make products more affordable across the spectrum, whilst driving sustainability and responsible sourcing, and supporting SMEs and local industry growth. 

After 80 years in business, the company’s success is ultimately rooted in the relationships it has built with customers, suppliers, employees, and communities across Namibia. 

As it looks towards the next chapter, Pupkewitz Megabuild’s mission remains unchanged – to provide the products, expertise, and support needed to help build homes, businesses, industries, and futures throughout the country. 

Ultimately, Pupkewitz Megabuild’s goal is to remain Namibia’s most trusted and progressive building materials partner. and progressive building materials partner,” du Toit confidently concludes.

PUPKEWITZ MEGABUILD PARTNER

The post Pupkewitz Megabuild : Building on a Mega Legacy appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Adani Group and Jabil plan to establish a vertically integrated AI infrastructure manufacturing platform in India, targeting global demand for AI-ready data centre hardware while strengthening supply chain resilience and advancing India’s ambitions as a major technology manufacturing hub.

India targets a larger role in the global AI supply chain

As the race to build AI infrastructure accelerates, attention is increasingly shifting beyond chip design and cloud platforms to the manufacturing ecosystems capable of delivering the physical hardware that powers artificial intelligence.

Adani Group and Jabil have announced plans to form a strategic alliance to establish what they describe as a world-class, vertically integrated AI and data centre infrastructure manufacturing platform in India.

The proposed partnership combines Adani’s infrastructure footprint and energy capabilities with Jabil’s advanced manufacturing expertise to address rising domestic and international demand for AI-ready data centre equipment.

If realised, the initiative could position India as a significant export hub for AI infrastructure at a time when organisations are seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce concentration risks.

Building an end-to-end AI infrastructure manufacturing ecosystem

The alliance aims to go beyond assembling individual components by creating a comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem covering multiple layers of data centre infrastructure.

The platform is expected to focus on three core areas.

Giga-scale AI rack manufacturing

The companies plan to establish multi-gigawatt capacity for high-density AI rack manufacturing in India.

The facilities would support the production and integration of:

• Next-generation liquid-cooled AI racks
• Servers
• Storage systems
• Networking systems
• Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assemblies
• Complex box-build processes

The intended customer base includes hyperscale cloud providers, colocation operators and enterprise data centre operators.

Beyond the rack: white space and grey space infrastructure

The alliance also intends to manufacture critical supporting infrastructure required inside data centres.

• Power Distribution Units (PDUs);
• Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs);
• Transformers;
• Switchgears;
• Bus bars; and
• Advanced thermal management systems.

These capabilities are designed to provide customers with a single-source, design-to-deployment solution.

Transitioning toward execution

While the collaboration remains subject to definitive agreements, both organisations said they are currently working on the operational frameworks and documentation needed to advance the manufacturing roadmap.

AI demand reshapes manufacturing priorities

The announcement comes amid unprecedented investment in AI infrastructure globally, as the companies estimate the initiative addresses a market opportunity exceeding US$3 trillion over the next seven years, driven by structural investment in AI computing capacity.

India’s own market is evolving rapidly and industry forecasts project India’s data centre capacity could reach between 5GW and 8GW by 2030, fuelled by:

• Growing AI adoption
• Expansion of cloud services
• Data localisation requirements
• Increased investment from global hyperscalers

More than US$50 billion in planned spending across India’s data centre, cloud and AI ecosystems is also expected to support growth.

Linking energy and compute

The initiative complements Adani Group’s previously announced commitment to develop 5GW of green-energy-powered, hyperscale AI-ready data centres by 2035.

For Adani Chairman Gautam Adani, the convergence of energy infrastructure and computing capability represents a defining economic shift.

“The world is entering an Intelligence Revolution more profound than any previous Industrial Revolution. Nations that master the symmetry between energy and compute will shape the next decade. India is uniquely positioned to lead. Our alliance with Jabil represents a decisive step in building India’s complete AI infrastructure stack — from green power generation to world-class hardware manufacturing. Together, we will ensure India is not merely a consumer in the AI age, but a creator, builder, and exporter of intelligence.”

Jabil expands its role in AI infrastructure manufacturing

For Jabil, the partnership extends its growing presence in AI-related manufacturing.

The company reported US$29.8 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025 and has expanded its capabilities through investments and acquisitions, including Hanley Energy Group and Mikros Technologies.

Jabil CEO Mike Dastoor said the collaboration aligns with the company’s objective of supporting customers throughout the AI product lifecycle.

“This strategic collaboration with Adani Group is another step forward in our efforts to create long-term value for customers throughout the AI ecosystem by offering scalable solutions across the product lifecycle. By combining Jabil’s more than sixty years of engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities with Adani’s formidable infrastructure and energy platform, we can expect to execute down to the rack level for hyperscalers and enterprises here in India and across the globe. As India becomes one of the world’s fastest-growing AI markets, the country’s skilled workforce and supportive business environment make it an attractive destination for this collaboration.”

The post How Adani and Jabil Plan to Build the Next Generation of AI Data Centre Infrastructure appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Armada has announced an agreement with Johnson Controls to open Galleon Forge One, expanding its US modular artificial intelligence infrastructure capabilities through new manufacturing capacity and strategic investment to meet growing customer demand across global industries.

SUPPORTING AI DEPLOYMENT  

Armada has announced plans to establish Galleon Forge One, a dedicated manufacturing facility in Arizona designed to accelerate the production of modular artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. 

The development follows a framework agreement with Johnson Controls and is expected to generate more than 500 jobs, alongside additional opportunities throughout the domestic supply chain. 

Spanning up to 400,000 square feet, the facility is scheduled to begin continuous production in summer 2026. Initial manufacturing efforts will focus on Leviathan, Armada’s megawatt-scale modular data center platform developed to support high-density AI training and inference workloads, sovereign neo-cloud environments, and multi-tenant compute operations. 

Commenting on the initiative, Dan Wright, co-Founder and CEO of Armada, emphasized the importance of manufacturing capacity in the future of AI infrastructure. 

STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH JOHNSON CONTROLS 

Alongside the manufacturing announcement, Armada and Johnson Controls unveiled a Global Framework Agreement focused on modular data center systems. 

Johnson Controls is also investing in Armada as part of the collaboration. The company brings expertise in advanced thermal management and mission-critical building systems, supported by a global presence that includes more than 40,000 field personnel across key regions. 

According to Armada, this global reach will support the deployment of sovereign AI infrastructure in locations where customers require localized computing capabilities. 

“Johnson Controls is working with Armada to rapidly deliver secure modular data centers at scale,” said Joakim Weidemanis, CEO of Johnson Controls.  

SERIES B FUNDING FUELS GROWTH 

Armada also announced the completion of its largest funding round to date, with its Series B financing co-led by Overmatch, BlackRock, and 8090 Industries. 

The oversubscribed raise brings the company’s total funding to nearly half a billion dollars. New strategic investors participating in the round include BlackRock, Johnson Controls, NightDragon, Mitsui, and Singtel Innov8, alongside existing investors Overmatch, 8090 Industries, Felicis, Marlinspike, Shield Capital, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Silent Ventures, Veriten, and Gladebrook. 

The company says the investment will support continued expansion while increasing modular data center capacity for organizations seeking AI-powered operations in distributed environments. 

Armada also reported strong commercial momentum. Between FY25 and FY26, customer bookings increased by 540 percent, while Q1 FY27 recorded a 2,000 percent increase in bookings compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The company noted significant interest in its Leviathan platform during this period. 

DEMAND GROWS ACROSS INDUSTRIES 

Armada highlighted several recent deployments that demonstrate growing demand for modular AI infrastructure. 

In the defense sector, the company supported an allied defense organization by deploying a Triton system in six days, enabling rapid delivery of operational computing capability without relying on traditional data center construction timelines. 

Meanwhile, Australian customer WinDC selected Armada to develop a network of portable AI factories powered by renewable energy that cannot be absorbed by the national grid. After initially deploying a Triton unit, the organization is scaling its sovereign AI infrastructure toward a Leviathan deployment exceeding 10MW. 

Armada has also supported the U.S. Navy during a multinational maritime exercise, deploying edge computing capabilities aboard a communications-constrained vessel. Mission applications, including Minotaur, were operated on a Galleon system to support real-time decision-making in environments where centralized cloud infrastructure was unavailable or limited. 

In the energy sector, Aker BP is conducting building and testing activities with the objective of deploying a Galleon system aboard the Deepsea Nordkapp on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The deployment is intended to support AI applications at the rig and advance the company’s ambitions for autonomous operations. 

“At Aker BP, we are transforming how hydrocarbons are produced in the most challenging environments, and we know we cannot do it alone,” said Mads Rødsjø, VP, D&W Operations, Aker BP.  

“Our vision is real-time data processing, AI-ready workflows, and autonomous operations at the edge. Partnering with Armada gives us the infrastructure to make that vision a reality and scale across our fleet.” 

EXPANDING THE AI ECOSYSTEM 

To support customer deployments, Armada continues to strengthen its ecosystem and Marketplace through partnerships and collaborations with Microsoft, NVIDIA, Palantir and Dell Technologies. 

According to the company, these relationships help customers deploy AI infrastructure more rapidly, process workloads closer to where data is generated, and maintain control of sensitive data, models and operational systems. 

With dedicated manufacturing capacity, new strategic investment and an expanding partner network, Armada is positioning itself to meet increasing demand for modular AI infrastructure in complex operating environments around the world. 

The post Armada Signs Agreement with Johnson Controls to Boost AI Infrastructure Deployment  appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Unilever is expanding the use of AI-enabled digital twins across its manufacturing network through a multi-year partnership with Accenture, aiming to improve product quality, reduce waste, increase capacity and give factory teams new tools to make faster, data-driven decisions.

Unilever expands industrial AI ambitions across manufacturing

As manufacturers search for practical ways to apply artificial intelligence on the factory floor, Unilever is betting on digital twins to deliver measurable operational gains at scale.

The consumer goods giant has announced a multi-year partnership with Accenture to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled digital twins across its global manufacturing footprint. The initiative will see Unilever build more than 40 new digital twins over the next 18 months, creating a blueprint for wider rollout across its network.

The move represents the latest stage in Unilever’s broader effort to embed advanced technologies throughout its operations, using industrial AI not simply as an experimentation tool but as a mechanism to improve production performance, responsiveness and sustainability outcomes.

Moving digital twins from pilot projects to global deployment

Digital twins create virtual representations of factory assets and production lines using live operational data collected from equipment on the shop floor. By modelling how physical systems behave, they allow manufacturers to monitor performance, predict issues and test scenarios before making changes in real-world environments.

Unilever is now combining these digital models with AI-enabled insights and agentic capabilities designed to support decision-making throughout the production cycle.

The approach enables manufacturing teams to:

• Detect issues earlier
• Simulate production scenarios more rapidly
• Optimise operating parameters
• Predict maintenance requirements
• Improve operational decision-making

Accenture said the technology can progressively automate selected adjustments over time, while maintaining human oversight as employees build confidence in the system’s recommendations.

A manufacturing strategy built around people and AI

For Unilever, the programme reflects a broader operational philosophy centred on augmenting workforce capabilities rather than replacing them.

“Scaling AI across our operations isn’t just a technological shift, it’s a commitment to superior products, sustainability and empowering our teams across our factories,” said Adam Raeburn-James, Global VP for Digital Business Operations, Unilever.

“Through our partnership with Accenture to accelerate digital twins, we are turning innovation into measurable impact to create desirable brands for our 3.7 billion consumers worldwide.”

Accenture positioned the initiative as an example of industrial AI delivering long-term business value through disciplined implementation.

“Unilever has long been recognized for its supply chain excellence, and expanding the use of manufacturing digital twins reflects the company’s continued focus on both technology and people,” said Nicole van Det, CEO Accenture Netherlands and Nordics and global account lead for Unilever.

“Having invested early in AI, the company is setting the standard for pairing advanced tools with smart process design and disciplined execution on the shop floor. Together, we’re setting the benchmark for how industrial AI creates long-lasting value in the consumer goods sector.”

Early factory results demonstrate measurable gains

The announcement stands out because it is underpinned by operational examples already delivering results across Unilever’s manufacturing network.

At Unilever’s Raeford, North Carolina facility, digital twins supporting the production of brands including Dove, Degree and Axe predict 95% of process flow restrictions in deodorant stick manufacturing.

According to the company, the technology has contributed to:

• A 20% reduction in waste
• A 10% increase in production capacity
• Reducing energy consumption in detergent production

In Haldia, India, where powder detergents including Surf and Sunlight are manufactured, an energy twin optimises fan speeds, temperature settings and moisture controls.

Over a two-year period, the initiative has helped lower thermal energy consumption while supporting progress towards Unilever’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 climate targets.

Delivering consistency in food production

At the Poznan facility in Poland, digital twin technology is being used to improve mayonnaise production for brands including Knorr and Hellmann’s.

The company reported that the system has:

• Reduced viscosity variation
• Cut minor stoppages by up to 20%
• Reduced waste by nearly 30%
• Enhancing soap quality through real-time recommendations

At Gandhidham, India, one of Unilever’s largest South Asian personal care sites, digital twins provide real-time control recommendations during production.

Over four years, the company said this contributed to a 30% reduction in quality defects, measured in distribution centres immediately before products reached customers.

Optimising ingredient usage

In Cu Chi, Vietnam, AI-enabled digital twins help manage the production of liquid home care products such as OMO laundry detergent.

The intelligent mixing system optimises raw material dosing, preventing overuse while maintaining quality standards.

The result, according to Unilever, has been savings of between 1% and 2% in premium ingredients.

Industrial AI shifts from experimentation to execution

The partnership reflects a broader transition occurring across manufacturing as companies move beyond isolated AI pilots and seek scalable applications capable of delivering tangible returns.

Digital twins have long been viewed as a promising technology for industrial operations, but widespread adoption has often been constrained by implementation complexity and unclear business outcomes.

By grounding deployment in specific operational use cases and measurable performance metrics, Unilever appears to be focusing on industrial AI applications with clear links to productivity, quality and sustainability objectives.

The initiative also builds on the company’s wider technology investments, including its previously announced AI Horizon3 Lab in Toronto, which focuses on identifying and testing emerging AI applications.

The post Unilever and Accenture Scale AI Digital Twins Across Global Factories to Boost Efficiency and Quality appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Tesco is urging industry collaboration to scale low-carbon fertilisers and agri-tech innovation, aiming to strengthen UK food security, support farmers’ resilience, and reduce emissions amid supply chain volatility.

PARTNERSHIP APPROACH KEY TO RESILIENCE

Tesco is calling for deeper collaboration across the food system, bringing together retailers, farmers, and innovators to accelerate the adoption of agricultural technologies that can strengthen resilience in UK farming.

The retailer argues that scaling innovation is now essential to protect British farmers from future supply shocks, while also reinforcing long-term food security and improving on-farm stability.

Speaking at London Tech Week earlier this month, Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad is set to highlight both the potential of emerging farm technologies and the structural barriers that continue to limit their uptake, including access to funding and consistent supply availability.

LOW CARBON FERTILISERS DELIVER EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS

A central focus of Tesco’s approach is the development and scaling of UK-produced, low-carbon fertilisers. These products are positioned as a lower-emission, more domestically stable alternative to conventional fertilisers, which have been affected by global supply chain disruption and rising prices.

Recent conditions have narrowed the price gap between low-carbon and traditional fertilisers, strengthening the case for wider adoption, particularly as farmers seek more predictable input costs.

TRIALS DEMONSTRATE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY

Trials conducted on Tesco’s Low Carbon Concept Farm in Lincolnshire have demonstrated significant environmental benefits without compromising productivity.

Working with supplier Branston, the initiative recorded a more than 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions in potato production, while maintaining both yield and quality. The resulting 500 tonnes of potatoes were subsequently sold in Tesco stores.

The results suggest that low-carbon growing techniques, including approaches that lock in CO₂ during production, can deliver measurable sustainability gains at commercial scale.

ADDRESSING SUPPLY CHAIN PRESSURES

Despite promising results, adoption remains constrained by structural challenges. Farmers continue to cite limited availability of low-carbon fertilisers and difficulties accessing funding for on-farm trials as key barriers.

Tesco has emphasised that while these innovations can deliver comparable yields and reduced environmental impact, their long-term value depends on consistent supply, clear pricing structures, and greater confidence for farmers to plan ahead.

These issues are becoming more urgent as global fertiliser markets face ongoing disruption, contributing to volatility and uncertainty across the sector.

TESCO AGRI-TECH CHALLENGE TO SCALE INNOVATION

To accelerate progress, Tesco has relaunched its global innovation programme, the Tesco Agri-tech Challenge. The initiative seeks to identify start-ups and innovators developing practical solutions that can improve sustainability, productivity, and resilience in farming.

Successful applicants will gain the opportunity to collaborate with Tesco and supplier partners, including access to real farm trials, as well as a year’s membership with Agri-TechE.

Applications for the programme remain open until 3 July, with a focus on moving technologies from pilot stage into real-world agricultural deployment.

FROM PILOTS TO MAINSTREAM ADOPTION

Tesco’s wider ambition is to move promising innovations beyond isolated trials and into mainstream agricultural use. The retailer argues that scaling technologies such as low-carbon fertilisers will be critical not only for reducing emissions, but also for strengthening the UK’s long-term food security and economic resilience.

By combining industry collaboration, targeted investment, and on-farm testing, Tesco is positioning innovation as a central pillar in the future of British agriculture

The post Tesco Drives Agri-Tech Resilience appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

For UK manufacturers – and particularly the food and beverage sector – grid flexibility programmes offer a new revenue stream and help avoid production losses through power failures. We explore the opportunity and discuss what participation means for one major producer – Carlsberg Britvic.

A MULTI-PARTY MODEL 

The energy network has evolved, moving away from a top-down distribution model to become a system in which multiple parties participate.  

On this new energy network, an interdependence between consumer, generator, infrastructure, and regulator has developed, which is key to overcoming some of the biggest energy challenges of our time – power doesn’t just come from power stations anymore: it comes from businesses and communities working together to use energy in a smarter way. 

In the UK there are now multiple, highly complex energy markets which all ultimately serve a common goal. They ensure the nation’s supply of electricity matches demand, now and into the future, and that electricity is clean, stable, and affordable. 

The Capacity Market is arguably the simplest of these. It’s a mechanism that plans ahead to ensure that future energy supply, from multiple sources, is sufficient to match the forecast for demand. UK businesses are key contributors to the Capacity Market’s energy inventory, playing an important role in maintaining the balance of supply and demand on the grid.  

On 1^st October 2025, Enel X helped Carlsberg Britvic enrol in the UK’s new Capacity Market season, pledging to make electricity available to the grid in the event of a power grid emergency. In doing so, it joined future-focused commercial and industrial energy users in their support of a more secure energy supply, the stability of the electricity grid, and a greener future fuelled by renewable energy. 

Nigel Paine, Vice President of Production at Carlsberg Britvic, explains what participation means to the company.  

“When Enel X first introduced us to the Capacity Market, the motivation for businesses like ours to be ‘good grid citizens’ was clear. Our commitment to give back energy to the grid, should the need arise, is a small sacrifice to make if it means we all benefit from a more stable supply of electricity. 

THE POWER TO FLEX  

Most organisations have flexible electricity capacity that they are simply unaware of. Everyday equipment such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and compressors, pumps, or processes that involve refrigeration or extreme heat can be curtailed with minimum disruption to the business.  

On-site energy generation and storage assets such as combined heat and power (CHP) or battery energy storage systems (BESS) can also provide backup to the national grid through the Capacity Market and other flexibility schemes. 

This is a more circular approach to the management of the country’s energy supply, as it effectively uses resources that exist locally to keep pace with the growing demand for electricity. That’s a far more efficient – and less environmentally damaging – alternative to turning “traditional” centralised power stations up and ultimately having to build new ones.  

More importantly, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that these power stations would have produced over their lifetime are also avoided, making a positive contribution to our journey to net zero. 

The UK government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan includes a call for significantly more flexibility across the electricity system. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has projected that by 2030 the UK will need 25-45 gigawatt (GW) of within-day flexibility – roughly double current levels.  

The government’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap goes further still, setting out a total flexibility capacity target of 51-66 GW by 2030, a two to three-fold increase on the approximately 24 GW installed today. 

THE OPPORTUNITY  

What does this mean for the UK’s businesses, and specifically for food and beverage operators with major manufacturing, bottling, and packaging operations?  

Flexibility schemes typically pay organisations for their participation, whether or not their flexible energy resources are called on to help balance the grid. This opens up additional revenue, helping offset production costs or provide capital that can be reinvested in the business. 

The financial rewards can be significant, but there are other compelling reasons for participation. By helping support the grid’s stability, major producers can help improve its reliability to avoid outages and maximise their own uptime, as well as that of supply partners who also depend on it. 

Demand flexibility is especially important in the context of renewable energy, the output from which is far more variable than gas, coal, or nuclear plants. By contributing flexible resources, organisations are supporting the grid’s ability to adapt to less predictable inputs, in turn accelerating the connection of clean power projects and a reduction in the carbon footprint of power. 

WHAT FLEXIBILITY LOOKS LIKE  

Enel X works with organisations to help identify untapped flexibility resources so that they can be put to work as part of its virtual power plant (VPP), which examines what participation looks like in practice. 

Nigel explains: “We deal with high-quality, perishable goods, so sudden or unplanned interruptions to production could carry a high cost. In extreme cases, it may even impact our ability to fulfil customer orders, which, for us, is non-negotiable. Any steps we can take to mitigate this risk must be taken. 

“By accessing the Capacity Market with Enel X, we have joined a community of like-minded organisations coming together in a virtual power plant. Working as a group, small adjustments to our collective energy consumption can make a big difference to electricity grid stability. By temporarily switching off machinery or rescheduling a production process, Carlsberg Britvic can help to relieve pressure on the electricity system, which reduces the risk of an interruption to our own power supply. 

“As a Capacity Market contributor, we also benefit from receiving an invaluable four-hour advance warning should grid stability be at risk. This enables us to act before it’s too late.  

“We are also paid based on the level of commitment we make to the Capacity Market. Most food and drink manufacturers work with the tightest of margins, so this income makes the Capacity Market a very compelling proposition for the sector.” 

As Carlsberg Britvic’s experience shows, the transition towards a decentralised, digitised and decarbonised power system presents opportunities for industry and consumers that are prepared to adopt a more flexible approach to energy consumption. For food and beverage manufacturers operating on tight margins and with little tolerance for downtime, the case for participation is particularly strong. Their participation not only supports the roadmap to net zero and boosts the competitiveness of British industry, but it also helps underscore industrial reliability too. 

Commercial and industrial energy users such as Carlsberg Britvic have a crucial role to play in Britain’s energy future. Flexibility is one of the UK’s largely untapped strengths. The nation already has the businesses, scale, assets, and processes in place to deliver meaningful system services today. Unlocking further participation at scale and at pace will be essential if the UK is to hit its sustainability targets for 2030 – and beyond. 

What does participation in demand flexibility look like for your business? How could benefits unlocked through the Enel X VPP provide revenue or offset capital expenditure? Contact the company today to discover more. 

ABOUT ENEL X  

Enel X is a multinational power company and a leading integrated player in the global power and renewables markets, present in 27 countries worldwide.   

At global level, it is the largest renewable player, the foremost electricity distribution network player by number of grid customers served and the biggest retail operator by customer base.  

Enel X generates electricity with approximately 92 GW of total capacity. Enel Green Power, the Group’s renewables arm, has a total capacity of approximately 67 GW and a generation mix that includes wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power, as well as energy storage facilities, installed in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. 

Enel Grids, the Group’s global business line dedicated to the management of the electricity distribution service worldwide, delivers electricity through a network of 1.9 million kilometres with more than 69 million end users connected to its distribution grids.  

Enel Commercial is the Group’s arm dedicated to customers around the world with the aim of effectively providing products and services based on their energy needs and encouraging them towards a more conscious and sustainable use of energy.  

It provides electricity, gas and integrated services to more than 29 million customers globally, including households, enterprises, industries and public administrations. In addition, it offers flexibility services aggregating 10.4 GW and has approximately 33,800 owned public charging points for electric mobility. 

Enel’s leadership in the different categories is defined by comparison with FY2025 data and results of relevant comparable listed companies, excluding those with predominant state control.

The post Cheers to Flexibility : How Food and Beverage Manufacturers Profit from Stabilising the Grid  appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Launching its new ‘Spectraflair’ paint finish, Bentley has announced its state-of-the-art Paint Shop as part of a strategic development plan for future product offerings.

MILESTONE OPERATIONS LAUNCHED

Marking a landmark moment in Bentley’s ongoing transformation of its headquarters in Crewe, England, the company has announced the commencement of operations in its newest cutting-edge Paint Shop.

This state-of-the-art facility will offer an expanded choice of nearly 100 individual exterior paint colours to its customers, alongside its innovative ‘Spectraflair’ paint finish. This occasion was cemented by the completion of a one-of-one Continental GT S in the new Spectral Verdant finish with a hand-sprayed Union Flag racing stripe – a signature Bentley model that showcases its timeless appeal to the automotive industry.

The Paint Shop boasts 12,500 square metres and stands as the tallest building at Bentley’s Crewe site. However, more importantly, it highlights the company’s next step in setting a new benchmark in high-value, digital manufacturing capabilities, having been designed with dedicated space to introduce bespoke paint processes.

“Today marks one of the most significant milestones in our Dream Factory journey, and one of the proudest moments for me since I joined Bentley in 2023. The new Paint Shop is a testament to the skill and commitment of everyone involved in its development, construction, and integration into the company’s overall manufacturing operations,” notes Andreas Lehe, Board Member for Manufacturing at Bentley.

This facility is the first in the world to use Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to move car bodies around the shop, and all Bentley models, including its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) launching late 2026, will be painted in the facility by 2036.

Inside the Paint Shop, operations take place across two floors that have been carefully constructed to optimise the production process and create the ideal conditions for both labour-intensive and automated application work.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS

“For decades to come, this Paint Shop will help to solidify our position as leaders in paint quality and be a core strategic enabler of Bentley’s capability to build on our recent developments in paint offerings – such as new Ombré and satin finishes – to develop truly bespoke, world-class finishes across our diverse product range,” details Lehe.

Additionally, the new facility offers sophisticated energy and thermal management technologies to ensure comfortable, cool working conditions on the ground floor, where the handcraftsmanship of the skilled paint team is needed the most. It also simultaneously captures warmer air generated from the high-tech paint application systems and redistributes this recovered energy across the facility, meaning the Paint Shop does not require heating for two-thirds of the year.

To add to its improved energy efficiency, Bentley has introduced a water-based paint primer to replace the traditional solvent-based solution. A greater accuracy of paint application, reduction in masking materials, and a filtration monitoring system will enable the Paint Shop to see an approximate 45 percent overall reduction in waste materials compared to the previous facility.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions attributed to the company’s long-standing paint operations will be reduced by up to 98 percent due to the implementation of a Residual Thermal Oxidiser (RTO), which directs fumes from the paint process to be burned at 1,000°C to purify the air expelled from the new facility, thereby helping to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

The exterior of the building boasts 45 sets of display panels, which have been finished in a variety of colours from Bentley’s customer paint palette offering. Every individual panel has been painted by Bentley’s expert team using the same techniques applied to each vehicle that leaves the facility.

The post Bentley Begins Operations at New Paint Shop appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Hitachi and Intel have launched a strategic collaboration spanning physical AI, semiconductor manufacturing, energy systems, quantum computing and factory automation, aiming to help manufacturers and infrastructure operators deploy next-generation industrial intelligence at scale.

Hitachi and Intel expand partnership around industrial AI

Hitachi and Intel have announced a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence across manufacturing, energy, mobility and other critical industrial sectors.

The partnership combines Hitachi’s expertise in information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and industrial systems with Intel’s computing, semiconductor and AI capabilities to develop new solutions that support smarter, more resilient infrastructure and production environments.

The companies will initially focus on five areas: semiconductor foundry tools, quantum computing, energy optimisation, custom silicon and edge AI, and factory automation.

Physical AI emerges as the next industrial frontier

A central focus of the collaboration is the development of what the companies describe as “physical AI” – the application of artificial intelligence to real-world industrial systems, equipment and infrastructure.

Rather than concentrating solely on enterprise software applications, the partnership aims to bring AI closer to industrial operations, enabling predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, intelligent automation and real-time operational optimisation.

The initiative reflects growing industry efforts to move AI beyond data analysis and into the management of physical assets and production processes.

Semiconductor manufacturing a key focus

One of the first areas of collaboration will be semiconductor manufacturing.

Hitachi plans to combine data generated from its metrology and etching systems with its ExTOPE integrated platform to support predictive diagnostics and maintenance optimisation in chip production environments.

The companies say the approach could help improve manufacturing yields, enhance product quality and reduce time to market in increasingly complex semiconductor fabrication processes.

The partnership comes as semiconductor manufacturers continue to seek AI-driven approaches to improve operational efficiency and process control.

Energy optimisation and factory efficiency

Energy management is another major component of the agreement.

Hitachi’s HMAX Energy platform is expected to be deployed within Intel fabrication facilities to provide managed services for core power infrastructure. At the same time, Intel plans to supply high-voltage silicon chips designed to enhance the performance of Hitachi’s power systems.

The collaboration highlights the increasing convergence of energy management, digital infrastructure and manufacturing operations as companies seek to reduce costs and improve resilience.

Quantum computing and industrial innovation

The companies also intend to deepen existing research collaboration in quantum computing.

Joint development efforts between Hitachi and Intel research teams are expected to focus on accelerating the advancement of quantum technologies and exploring future industrial applications.

While still emerging, quantum computing is increasingly being viewed as a potential tool for solving complex optimisation, simulation and materials science challenges across manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

Factory automation and edge AI opportunities

Beyond semiconductor production and energy systems, the companies are exploring opportunities in custom silicon, edge AI and factory automation.

These areas are expected to leverage Intel’s advanced computing platforms alongside Hitachi’s operational technology expertise to support more intelligent industrial environments.

Potential applications include autonomous industrial equipment, AI-enabled monitoring systems and advanced automation technologies capable of operating closer to the production edge.

Building the infrastructure for industrial AI adoption

The partnership reflects a broader shift in how industrial organisations are approaching AI deployment.

As manufacturers and infrastructure operators seek to modernise operations, the focus is increasingly moving from standalone AI applications toward integrated platforms that combine computing power, industrial data and operational expertise.

“Building on more than 40 years of trust with Intel, we are delighted to launch a comprehensive strategic collaboration,” said Toshiaki Tokunaga, President & CEO, Hitachi, Ltd.

“As the emergence of Physical AI brings a significant impact on our society, this collaboration will accelerate AI transformation across a wide range of industries that support social infrastructure. By combining Hitachi’s IT, OT, and products with Intel’s advanced computing capabilities, we are well positioned to advance the deployment of AI in mission-critical social infrastructure worldwide. We will also create new value in frontier fields such as quantum computing.”

“The coming wave of physical AI will transform the industrial edge of our economy through new advances in robotics, autonomous machines, and other AI edge devices,” added Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel Corporation.

“By combining Intel’s advanced computing and AI capabilities with Hitachi’s deep OT expertise and world class IT capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to help industries capture the enormous opportunity represented by physical AI at industrial scale. Together, we will accelerate the deployment of intelligent, real-world systems and bring the benefits of AI to more businesses and industries around the world.”

The post Hitachi & Intel Partnership Explained: Accelerating AI Transformation Across Key Global Industries appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Amazon’s multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning will expand US fiber optics manufacturing, create 1,000 skilled jobs in North Carolina, and strengthen critical infrastructure supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital services continues to accelerate, Amazon has announced a multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning Incorporated (Corning) to expand domestic fiber optics manufacturing capacity in the United States.

The long-term partnership will see Corning supply the optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions required to support Amazon’s expanding data centre infrastructure nationwide, whilst simultaneously boosting American manufacturing and workforce development.

The investment is expected to create 1,000 new advanced manufacturing jobs across Corning’s North Carolina facilities, along with hundreds of additional construction roles associated with facility expansion projects.

STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC SUPPLY CHAINS

The agreement reflects a growing focus on reinforcing domestic supply chains for critical infrastructure technologies.

Fiber optic networks underpin modern data centres, enabling the rapid transfer of vast amounts of information that support everything from healthcare services and emergency response systems to streaming platforms and AI applications.

By sourcing these components through expanded US manufacturing operations, Amazon and Corning aim to increase resilience across the country’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Garman also emphasised the importance of workforce development, adding that the company is also partnering to train North Carolinians for highly skilled roles in fiber optics and fusion splicing.

These long-term investments create long-term careers and real opportunity in the communities where it operates.

INVESTING IN NORTH CAROLINA

The Corning partnership follows Amazon’s previously announced plan to invest $10 billion in North Carolina to expand cloud computing infrastructure.

The latest commitment adds to more than $20 billion that Amazon has invested in the state since 2010, supporting employment across logistics, cloud infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.

Political leaders have welcomed the announcement as further evidence of North Carolina’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology investment.

Budd added that the partnership demonstrates how North Carolina continues to attract major investment from leading companies seeking to expand manufacturing and technology operations.

BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW

Beyond job creation, the partnership places significant emphasis on workforce development.

Amazon and Corning will expand Corning’s Fiber Optic Technician Training Program in collaboration with Catawba Valley Community College. The initiative will provide students with hands-on training and technical education tailored to careers in fiber optic manufacturing and related industries.

The programme is designed to increase the pool of qualified talent available to support future industry growth whilst creating pathways into high-paying technical careers.

The new initiative also complements Amazon’s broader workforce development efforts across North Carolina. Through programmes such as Career Choice and other upskilling initiatives, the company has already provided practical training opportunities to nearly 7,000 people throughout the state.

A MILESTONE FOR AMERICAN MANUFACTURING

For Corning, the agreement represents a significant expansion of its manufacturing footprint and reinforces its longstanding position within the optical communications sector.

Weeks added that the agreement marks an important moment for both Corning and the wider manufacturing sector as demand for advanced communications infrastructure continues to grow.

The announcement also highlights the wider economic impact generated by large-scale technology infrastructure investments.

Alongside direct employment opportunities and manufacturing growth, Amazon continues to support local communities across North Carolina through charitable contributions, workforce programmes, and public infrastructure projects.

As demand for digital connectivity continues to rise, the partnership between Amazon and Corning demonstrates how investments in cloud infrastructure can simultaneously drive technological advancement, strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, and create long-term economic opportunities across the United States.

The post Amazon and Corning Connect America’s Future appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies has modernised its Packaging Competence Centre in Düsseldorf, Germany, to meet the evolving demands of the packaging industry, serving as a central industrial hub that drives hands-on collaboration.

TURNING IDEAS INTO INDUSTRIAL REALITY  

Henkel Adhesive Technologies (Henkel) has unveiled its modernised Packaging Competence Centre in Düsseldorf, Germany, created to support customers in developing and scaling next-generation packaging solutions. 

The investment comes as the packaging industry responds to tightening sustainability regulations, increasing demand for circular packaging, and growing digitalisation across manufacturing operations. 

Designed as a collaborative innovation hub, the upgraded facility enables customers and partners to test, refine, and scale adhesive and coating technologies under realistic production conditions. 

“The choice of adhesive or coating made today are defining the packages that will reach the shelves tomorrow,” says Dirk Martin, Head of Henkel Packaging Adhesives and Coatings in Europe.  

ADVANCING INDUSTRY COLLABORATION  

The modernisation follows Henkel’s strategic partnership with Nordmeccanica, announced in May 2025, focused on driving innovation and sustainability within the flexible packaging sector. 

New equipment installed at the site includes Nordmeccanica’s Super Combi 5000 and Super Simplex SL e800 machines, supporting standard lamination and coating processes widely used throughout the industry. The facility also features five flexible application trolleys with gearless flexo coating technology, alongside enhanced digital systems for process monitoring and data collection. 

Henkel states the upgraded centre reflects the latest industrial standards whilst allowing customers to validate solutions before introducing them at industrial scale. 

“A strategic partnership only creates value when it delivers results in practice,” says Nordmeccanica Vice President Vincenzo Cerciello.  

SUPPORTING THE SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION  

According to Henkel, the facility has been designed to support the industry’s transition towards recyclable packaging solutions and reduced use of chemicals of concern. 

“The site is built for where the industry is heading: recyclable solutions and fewer chemicals of concern,” says Kai Ethner, Director of Application Engineering for Henkel Packaging Adhesives and Coatings in Europe.  

“For example, coatings are essential to this transition, enabling the functional mono-material packaging designs the market increasingly demands. With a particular focus on gravure and flexographic coating applications for plastic and paper substrates, we are helping our customers test faster, scale sooner, and bring recyclable solutions to market with greater impact. Henkel is covering its complete product portfolio ranging from solvent-free, water-based, solvent-based, as well as coatings solutions.” 

Alongside developments in flexible packaging, Henkel has also expanded its testing capabilities for pressure-sensitive adhesive applications. For example, the updated laboratory area now includes modern coating systems together with UV activation and measurement technologies to support the specialty tapes and labels market. 

END-TO-END SUPPORT 

The Packaging Competence Centre also connects directly with the neighbouring Inspiration Centre Düsseldorf, enabling customers to access support across the entire product lifecycle, from chemistry development and application testing through to recyclability testing and training programmes. 

Henkel additionally offers customer support initiatives including the Converter’s Academy and PSA Academy to help businesses strengthen understanding of application technologies and accelerate implementation into production environments. 

“Achieving our number one target, true sustainability in packaging, demands strong collaboration across the value chain,” says Ethner.  

The post Henkel Ushers In Future-Ready Packaging Solutions with Upgraded Facility  appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.

Adrian Wood, Director of Strategic Business Development at DELMIA, gives his insight into why manufacturers need to move beyond ageing IT and spreadsheet-driven planning and adopt model-based governance built on a unified data transformation.  

Replacing legacy systems  

How often have you had that sinking feeling when seeing a late engineering change order? Do you relive the stress of the cascading events? Someone updates a spreadsheet schedule, someone else updates a Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM) extract, a supplier works off an old revision, and the shop floor discovers a feasibility issue during ramp-up. 

Spreadsheets and legacy systems aren’t inherently “bad tools”; they were just not designed to support the complexity and speed of today’s manufacturing environments. These tools might be able to scale information within their own scope but can’t provide the digital thread that orchestrates information across silos and reveals the true impacts of changes. 

The overall business impact of inaction includes slower time-to-market, lower productivity, and higher costs related to quality and scrap. This, of course, also means there is a significant opportunity and ROI to transformation! 

What does transformation look like? 

Don’t think about transformation as just new software; it’s really a shift to a process of model-based governance that uses a unified data foundation and empowers the workforce to make better decisions and drive innovation at greater scale. 

Today, your teams are probably spending significant amounts of effort translating and reconciling: engineering hands-off documents, manufacturing rebuild definitions, planning re-enter constraints. In the transformed world, the enterprise works from a shared, living definition, so change becomes faster, safer, and repeatable. 

Here are some of the key elements to consider when thinking about the best practices of transformation: 

• A Unified Data Foundation – Transformation accelerates when teams start to use (and trust) a single source of truth. Therefore, a common data model is key to connecting critical information across product definition, process plans, resources, and constraints. This allows seamless versioning, traceability, and the knowledge that the “current state” is always known. 

• Orchestration Between Silos – Eliminating “translation loss” between engineering and manufacturing is the biggest “leap” in the transformation. Being able to rapidly see the impact of changes eliminates the need for costly, real-world corrections (seeing the impact on lines, tooling, suppliers, work instructions, etc.). Note that this link is bi-directional, so that governance works whether it starts upstream or downstream. 

• Virtual Twin Simulation – Feasibility needs to be proven before you commit to execution. This can only be efficiently accomplished in the virtual model of the production systems. Virtual twin technology leverages the unified data model and permits the governance for teams to experiment and visually analyse impacts and innovation in a scientific and collaborative environment. 

• AI-Assisted Decision Support – Developing “optimal” plans requires humans to let the algorithms do the heavy lifting. The complexity of manufacturing operations leads to an almost infinite array of possibilities based upon real-world constraints and changes to demand and supply. Artificial intelligence has become adept at consuming vast amounts of real-time (and historic) data to help guide planners to make better decisions that are feasible and trusted. 

Although there are more aspects to a complete transformation, high-tech manufacturers are leveraging these foundational elements to move away from manual methods and disconnected tools. Being able to align around trusted data, simulate, and make optimised decisions allows them to consistently respond faster and with less risk. 

What are the results? 

Leaders care about impacting the core elements of their products and business: speed, cost, quality, service, and risk. There are many daily inefficiencies that are the root causes of poor business performance, but digital transformation can address all of these with significant results. Below is an analysis of existing challenges and their results once the transformations have taken place.  

• ECO meetings debating whose file is correct: instant impact analysis of the virtual twin 

• Ramp issues discovered in pilot builds: feasibility proven as part of design and engineering 

• Schedulers chasing parts in spreadsheets: constraint-aware schedules with what-if scenarios 

• Training via tribal knowledge: visual, validated work instructions (and ergonomic checks) 

• Quality investigations via email threads: traceability to exact revision, lot, and operation 

There are, certainly, many more examples of root-cause challenges, but the broad scope of virtual twins allows companies to model and simulate almost any part of the process needed, and the scientific accuracy is able to capture any level of detail. 

How to get started 

A good place to start is usually where the biggest challenge or impact occurs, although it is feasible to run smaller pilots (especially if the company is new to transformation, AI technology, or perhaps has a “shaky” data foundation).  

Regardless, choosing a single value stream is appropriate; that could be NPI ramp, ECO responses, quality escapes, etc. This ensures that there will be defined goals and stakeholders to drive the process. 

Next, companies should focus on building the core backbone of the model (including data) to define the product, processes, resources, and constraints. Developing this virtual twin is key because making confident and trusted decisions relies upon a solid foundation. 

After these steps, companies can start to define and experiment with the connection points and governance between engineering and manufacturing. This stage provides the first steps into the “playground” that will become the centre of the transformation, allowing stakeholders to not only align on common models and decisions, but also experiment with new ideas and opportunities for innovation. 

Finally, as each decision is made, the virtual twin can validate and record the outcomes and provide a closed loop from execution back to engineering that drives continuous improvements. 

What is the value? 

Of course, it depends upon the problem that you’re solving, but the important takeaway is that the transformation of day-to-day operations does impact all of the critical business goals that leaders will be expecting. 

• Faster ramp/fewer late changes 

• Lower scrap/rework and fewer quality escapes 

• Better schedule adherence and service levels 

• Lower inventory buffers and less obsolescence 

• Higher engineering productivity and repeatability across sites 

It’s important not to forget the value of the human element of transformation. There are many warnings that digital transformation and AI will reduce and eliminate the manufacturing workforce, but they are not completely justified.  

Firstly, most manufacturers are still struggling with gaps in workers and skills, so some of the transformation will help to fill the empty space, but existing workers will also benefit from becoming far more productive and consistent. 

For further evidence, Panasonic Connect is an example of a company that has undergone digital transformation to great effect. Originally facing problems of static spreadsheets, a lack of real-time collaboration, and the challenge of the “data drift” between engineering and the shop floor, Panasonic Connect looked to DELMIA solutions for help. 

DELMIA allowed Panasonic Connect to move away from analogue and fragmented data to a unified platform. By digitising its expertise and connecting to a “Single Source of Truth,” Panasonic Connect was able to visualise the entire factory in real-time. This transformation allowed them to track progress accurately and synchronise global operations; a direct result of replacing “Ageing IT” with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 

DELMIA centralised and managed the unorganised data and analogue info, and because of that, was able to track in real-time the overall factory line operations of Panasonic Connect. 

Spreadsheets and ageing IT really can’t keep up with high-tech manufacturing complexity. This means changes propagate slowly, issues surface late, and teams waste time reconciling data instead of improving performance. 

About the author  

Adrian Wood is the Strategic Business Development at DELMIA. He has spent over 20 years in customer-facing positions ranging from sales and marketing to fulfilment and account management.  

Wood’s career focus has been on problem-solving and development within emerging and rapid growth segments to enable customer success across a wide range of industries, from tech to retail and logistics across multiple disciplines such as supply chain, manufacturing, simulation, and analytics. 

The post Why Model-Based Transformation Is Essential to Replace Ageing IT and Spreadsheets appeared first on Manufacturing Outlook.