The document summarizes discussions from speakers at the Manufacturing CXO Summit 2014 about the state of US manufacturing. Rebecca Taylor discussed how future manufacturing will utilize things like big data, virtual processes, 3D printing and robotics to reinvent costs and timelines. Tom Easterday noted manufacturing is recovering in the US led by automakers, but faces challenges from taxes and regulations. Patrick Malone stated continued resurgence in US manufacturing will require strategic workforce planning and talent management as talent drives business success.

1. Manufacturing CXO Summit 2014
29-30 September 2014
executive perspectives
speakers from the Manufacturing CXO Summit 2014 discuss…
The State of US Manufacturing Today
Rebecca R. Taylor, Senior Vice President, National Center for Manufacturing Sciences
We stand at a threshold where we can fast-track the future of manufacturing. That future
replaces physical processes with virtual ones, feeding on trillion-point data sets and pioneering
advances in nanomaterials, 3D printing, and robotics to create new demands, opportunities and
avenues for productivity. The future of manufacturing will completely reinvent paradigms for
cost, risk, and time to market.
The biggest opportunities lie in the management, protection, and analysis of Big Data – bigger
than what manufacturing has embraced so far. Simulations and virtual processes will create an
environment of ultra-connected, intelligent systems, allowing companies to manage equipment,
lifecycle, and customer relationships in real time. Manufacturing will be four-dimensional,
customizable, employing a vast workforce of highly skilled, highly paid professionals in design,
engineering, cyber-security, and data analytics. The Twentieth was a pretty cool century, but the
next industrial revolution is going to leave this world behind.
Tom Easterday, Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, Subaru of
Indiana Automotive, Inc.
Manufacturing in America is clearly on the rise, continuing its steady recovery from the decline
caused by the recession. While production has increased in several sectors, growth in production
volume has been particularly strong among automakers and automotive parts suppliers; as
vehicle sales in the US have risen from 10.4 million in 2009 to 15.6 million in 2013.
Continued growth in US manufacturing is largely dependent on improved economic conditions in
the US and our leading export markets. However, the biggest current challenges to US
manufacturing growth may be the high federal tax rate and the growing burden and cost of
federal regulations. To remain competitive in the global marketplace, manufacturers need to
better educate government officials on these issues and make sure our voice is heard in
Washington.
It is also very important that US manufacturers maintain their leadership in quality, productivity
and innovation. To further improve, and maintain that leadership, they need to enhance
workforce recruiting and skills training programs, expand utilization of lean manufacturing
practices, and strengthen continuous improvement activities that increase quality, encourage
creativity, promote environmental stewardship, reduce downtime and make workplaces even
safer.
Patrick Malone, Director, Manufacturing Operations, Medtronic
Since 2009, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported a steady increase in the number of
manufacturing jobs in the US. I believe this resurgence in US manufacturing will continue, as
the outlook for energy cost in the US is expected to be relatively favorable from a global
perspective. A second important factor is the shift towards higher levels of manufacturing
automation, which will make moving manufacturing to low cost labor regions less financially
attractive.
In order to support this resurgence in US manufacturing, US manufacturers need to be focused
on strategic workforce planning and ensure talent management processes are developed to
support future business growth. Talent drives the business and a prioritized, deliberate focus on
achieving talent excellence will be a differentiator for market leaders. Key elements of effective
strategic workforce planning will include critical competency forecasting, anticipatory talent
acquisition methodology, a rigorous talent development process, partnerships with academic
institutions and a flexible work environment that enables a culture of innovation and
collaboration.

2. About the Manufacturing CXO Summit 2014
The Manufacturing CXO Summit is the premium forum bringing elite buyers and
sellers together. The Summit offers solution providers and manufacturing
executives an intimate environment for a focused discussion of key new drivers
shaping the manufacturing industry. Taking place at the Red Rock Casino, Resort &
Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 29-30, 2014, the Summit includes
presentations on LEAN best practices, innovation in manufacturing, effective talent
management, supply chain performance and on reducing manufacturing costs.
www.manufacturingcxosummit.com
Contact
Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian, Press Manager, marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com
All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly
inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss
strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to
individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, case studies, roundtables and one-on-one business meetings.
For more information, please visit: www.marcusevans.com
Upcoming Events
Manufacturing Japan Summit - www.manufacturingjapansummit.com
Medical Device Manufacturing Summit - www.medicalmanufacturingsummit.com
To view the web version of this interview, please click here:
www.manufacturingcxosummit.com/RebeccaRTaylorTomEasterdayPatrickMalone
The marcus evans Summit
groups deliver peer-to-peer
information on strategic matters,
p r o f e s s i o n a l t r e n d s a n d
breakthrough innovations.
Please note that the Summit is a
closed business event and the
number of participants strictly
limited.