Generational Change and More Explored at Women in Manufacturing Summit
The 2025 Women in Manufacturing Summit was held Oct. 12-14 both virtually and in-person in Chicago. This year's event featured sessions on reshoring, AI and how to empower and support women in a variety of roles in the manufacturing field.
Keynote focuses on generational differences
The keynote session, led by Cultural Anthropologist and Global Expert on Generational Dynamics and Societal Change Marcie Merriman, was on leading through generational change and strategies for a multigenerational workforce. Merriman discussed the differences in how the generations work, think and lead and what it takes to stay relevant in the face of change.
"We're seeing different indicators of success. [Gen Z] aren't rejecting work and responsibility, they're asking what actually leads to a good life today," says Merriman. "For many they're prioritizing balance, community, financial stability and experiences that offer personal growth over chasing title or possessions."
Merriman also emphasized how generations view technology differently. Gen Z searches for the 'why' and the purpose of new tech and why they should utilize it, whereas Gen X and Milennials were conditioned in their professional life to just move along with whatever is new so they don't risk falling behind. With the rise in use of AI in the workplace, it's important to recognize where these differences lie.
AI in manufacturing
Research Engagement Manager at Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute Belinda Vogel hosted a session on the future of AI on the factory floor. She emphasized its potential to address productivity and workforce shortages that the manufacturing space is currently experiencing. Vogel said there is a current trend that shows in less than ten years there will be a shortage of 2 million manufacturing workers in the U.S.
Vogel says many companies are already using AI in their business operations, but not on the factory floor. There are technical challenges in doing so, including centralizing data in distributed manufacturing networks, bandwidth, and cybersecurity concerns. However, the benefits will often outweigh the concerns.
"This is something that can be used to help enhance safety in a more predictive manner. Rather than looking back at what happened that caused harm and correcting for it, there's an opportunity to have another set of eyes on your processes that can notice where you're at risk before something happens," says Vogel.
Supply chain resilience
Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute Rosemary Coates discussed the evolution of global manufacturing strategies, emphasizing the shift from China to reshoring due to rising labor costs and tariffs. There is a growing interest in near-shoring, particularly in Mexico, due to lower labor costs and advanced infrastructure.
Coates emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to support advanced manufacturing in the U.S., as well as the importance of considering global politics, trade wars and technological advances in manufacturing decisions.
