It’s time for us to change that narrative. 

Manufacturing Is More Than Making Parts 

For a lot of people who aren’t familiar with our industry, they picture manufacturing as standing next to a machine all day, pushing buttons, and watching parts come off the line. But that’s not an accurate look at today’s machine shop. 

Behind every precision component is a real-world outcome. Parts made in a modern CNC machine shop support life-saving medical devices, commercial aircraft, life-saving defense systems, and even space exploration. When people understand what they’re building and why it matters, the work becomes meaningful. 

That sense of purpose is a powerful reason people choose a manufacturing career and stay in it. 

A High-Tech and Evolving Industry

There’s still a stigma that machine shops are dark, dirty, and outdated. In reality, contract manufacturing facilities are clean, organized, well-lit, and filled with cutting-edge equipment. Advanced tooling and digital, automated workflows are now standard. 

Nowadays, a typical CNC business leverages a continuous improvement mindset. Processes evolve constantly as shops seek new ways to increase production and improve quality. No two days are the same, and that makes for an exciting and fulfilling work environment! 

Multiple Career Pathways 

One of the strongest advantages of a manufacturing career is stability. The need for products will never go away; what changes is how those products are made, and that creates opportunity for human innovation.

Manufacturing offers a truly multifaceted career path. Best of all, someone can start in one path and, through upskilling and hands-on experience, pivot to different areas within the field. Here are some of the most common career pathways within a machine shop setting:

• Machinists
• Programmers
• Inspectors and quality professionals 
• Engineers
• Customer service
• Machine shop management 
• Owners

Education Without the Debt

Many people grew up under the impression that a four-year degree was necessary for a successful career. However, we’ve noticed that more and more schools are emphasizing the importance of careers in the trades. These jobs don’t require individuals to go tens of thousands of dollars in debt for a degree they may or may not use. As representatives of the manufacturing sector, we’d like to support that message. 

Teenagers can graduate from high school and immediately begin working as a machinist, earning a livable wage without accruing any debt. In fact, many shops directly invest in their people’s education, covering the costs of training, certifications, and even degree programs. 

Through NTMA-U, individuals can enter apprenticeship programs and become journeymen. By pairing structured learning opportunities with hands-on experience in a shop, those new to manufacturing can steadily increase their earning potential without taking on student debt.

What Shops Can Do to Attract the Next Generation

Individuals in the manufacturing sector know firsthand how rewarding and impactful their work is. But many young people don’t know that these opportunities exist for them. In many cases, new talent isn’t simply going to come to you; that’s why machine shop decision-makers need to go to them, communicating what makes this industry so special.

Show, don’t tell

An article like this might be appealing to young job-seekers looking for a stable and lucrative career path, but what really makes an impact is when they can see a job shop environment for themselves. Hosting open houses and inviting local schools for shop tours can spark interest in ways words alone can’t. Seeing a clean, high-tech shop in action allows young people to connect the dots and visualize themselves in that work setting.

Share your story

Everyone in manufacturing has a story. Whether they grew up working for their family business or stumbled upon the industry by accident, those stories matter. They humanize the work and show there’s no single path into a manufacturing career. 

Lean into your NTMA community

We talk to machine shops all the time that are actively taking steps to attract young people to their workforce. If you’re seeking ideas, don’t hesitate to engage with the NTMA Connect community to learn practices directly from peers who have been in your shoes. You’ll never know what insights you might glean unless you ask!

Not a member yet? Join the NTMA community to take advantage of our resources that support bringing on the next generation of manufacturing professionals!

The post A Manufacturing Career Offers Opportunity and Stability appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

Whether you’re managing a team or figuring out how to run a machine shop more effectively, reflection yields progress.

Thinking Ahead: A Lesson from the Game of Chess

A useful way to think about planning and reflection is through the lens of chess, a game most of us have played at least a handful of times. Whether you’re a strong chess player or not is beside the point. But consider what sets a mediocre player apart from the experts.

• Average players focus on the move right in front of them.
• Strong players think multiple moves ahead. 
• Chessmasters are reflecting on past moves while anticipating future ones, reacting and planning at the same time.

The same applies to machine shop management. Shops that thrive aren’t just reacting to problems as they arise; they’re reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what assumptions shaped their decisions. That reflection fuels continuous improvement and helps leaders make smarter moves before challenges escalate. 

Reflection Turns Experience into Action 

Every new project, customer interaction, organizational change, and new hire offers lessons, as long as you pause to look for them. Be sure to ask questions like:

• What went well?
• What would we do differently next time?
• What were the key takeaways?

These moments of evaluation help ensure you’re not making the same mistakes repeatedly. Reflection isn’t about beating yourself up or sweating the small stuff; it’s about learning and growing. The goal here is to improve processes, not assign blame. 

Personal and Professional Growth Go Hand in Hand

Reflection drives continuous improvement at both the individual and organizational levels. Personally, it helps you grow as a leader. Professionally, it strengthens the team and business as a whole. 

For shop leaders, reflection means asking: 

• How can I better support my team?
• How can I adapt my leadership style to the people and processes in front of me? 

It’s also critical to involve peers and team members in the reflection process. Feedback from colleagues and industry peers often highlights blind spots you can’t see on your own. This kind of collaboration is especially valuable in a manufacturing network like NTMA, where shared insights help everyone improve. 

Adapting to Change in a CNC Business

Some people reach a point in their careers where they expect systems and teams to adapt to them. That mindset can be extremely limiting. Adaptability is a cornerstone of continuous improvement. 

Manufacturing has two constants that show up daily: change and challenge. If you’re not actively reflecting on how your shop operates today, you risk solving yesterday’s problems with today’s resources. That can lead to off-base plans and stalled growth, two things no business owner wants!

Reflection Paves the Road Forward

Reflection is about analyzing the past to ensure the future is less disruptive. When reflection becomes part of your culture, each challenge strengthens your ability to handle the next one.

That’s how continuous improvement truly takes hold, improving resilience and positioning your shop to respond more confidently to the unknown. 

In an industry where change is guaranteed, reflection is a strategic advantage that keeps your machine shop competitive and ready for what’s next. And NTMA is here to support you every step of the way. Leverage your membership to connect with industry peers who have prioritized reflection and improvement in their own shops.

The post Looking to Grow Your Business? Prioritize Continuous Improvement and Reflection appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

Our team caught up with AJ Schaeper, General Manager of Tomak Precision, to discuss how the company’s NTMA membership supports their goals. Additionally, we talked through the importance of building connections and casting a wider net within the national manufacturing community. Here are some of the highlights from this conversation:

Building a Stronger Manufacturing Network

As an individual, AJ has been attending our annual Engage conference for over 25 years. Whether he’s traveling to Detroit or Nashville or Las Vegas (where this year’s conference will be!), AJ uses his experiences at Engage to stay informed and build relationships with shop leaders from across the country. 

AJ understands that the connections he forms while attending conferences don’t end after the few days are up; these relationships become year-round assets. When challenges arise, AJ knows he’s not navigating them alone. He has a community of like-minded individuals he can reach out to when he needs advice or support. 

As he puts it, being involved helps you recognize that “you are not alone on an island. You are part of a collective group.” 

Strategic growth through networking 

More than a decade ago, Tomak Precision attended an Engage conference while actively exploring a shift into the medical manufacturing space. One critical requirement was securing reliable EDM sourcing, an area where internal capabilities were limited.

At the conference, AJ connected with Harry Moser, a dear friend of ours at NTMA and the American chairman for AgieCharmilles at the time. Through that conversation, a potential opportunity surfaced in the Cincinnati area. Nothing happened immediately, but that connection mattered one year later when that EDM-focused business was ready to sell and Tomak Precision was top of mind. This resulted in a strategic acquisition that supported Tomak Precision’s transition into medical manufacturing. 

This is a clear example of how networking through NTMA’s wide-reaching community can directly support long-term growth. 

Using Data to Make Smarter Decisions 

Tomak Precision actively participates in NTMA’s financial and wage surveys to benchmark performance and guide goal setting. Reviewing these results allows the company to evaluate how they compare across the industry and identify opportunities to improve their manufacturing processes.

One key objective involves analyzing the high-profit category of these surveys. By using survey data as a reference point, Tomak Precision can align their internal goals with broader industry performance.

Wage surveys and employee retention 

Tomak Precision also uses wage surveys annually to ensure compensation remains competitive within the market. And the results speak for themselves. In 2025, Tomak Precision reported a 6% employee turnover rate, an exceptional number for our industry. 

Advice from Tomak Precision: Vulnerability Leads to Growth

For new or prospective members, AJ emphasizes that participation is key. It can be anxiety-inducing putting yourself out there, especially for first-time conference attendees and new members, but it’s worth the effort. 

Problems may not be identical across shops, but they’re often very similar. Talking through those challenges with peers who understand the realities of a modern CNC machine shop can lead to new ideas and developments. 

For Tomak Precision, involvement has proven that forming connections and leveraging data are key to running a strong, resilient machine shop.

Not a member yet? Get in touch with our team to learn more about what NTMA membership can do for your business!

The post Tomak Precision Uses Industry Connections to Strengthen Their Business appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

• Better visibility
• Higher output
• Improved profitability 

But like any major investment in a modern CNC machine shop, machine monitoring only delivers value when it’s paired with a clear plan. Data is king, but only if you know what to do with it. 

Why Machine Monitoring Remains Critical 

Real-time monitoring has become a cornerstone of manufacturing efficiency and innovation. Shops are under constant pressure to reduce downtime and make decisions faster, and machine monitoring provides the data needed to accomplish this. 

However, many shop leaders rush to adopt monitoring tools without answering a critical question first: What actions will we take based on this data? Without that clarity, machine monitoring becomes a tool that’s helpful in theory, but disconnected from real operational change. 

Data Without Action Is Just Noise 

Real-time information → Real-time decisions 

One of the biggest misconceptions about machine monitoring is assuming the data analysis can wait. We all know how hectic the shop floor can be, and adding another recurring task to someone’s infinite to-do list feels like the last thing you want. 

In reality, data has a short shelf life. In a fast-moving CNC business like the environments many of our members operate in, conditions can change hour by hour. If machine utilization data isn’t reviewed and acted on quickly, it loses relevance and becomes frustrating rather than helpful. 

That’s why teams need to treat machine monitoring as an active process, not a passive reporting tool. Because real-time monitoring only works when real-time decisions follow. 

Tie data to a pain point or goal 

Before implementing machine monitoring, identify what you’re trying to fix or improve. Are you focused on reducing downtime? Improving on-time delivery? Increasing spindle utilization? Raising profitability? 

Data must tie directly to action. Otherwise, you’re collecting information in a vacuum, without a specific purpose or course of action. 

Our Advice: How to Build the Right Foundation for Real-Time Monitoring 

Technology goes nowhere without expert humans 

Chasing the next big technology trend has little value if your team isn’t prepared to use it. Successful shops ensure someone is responsible for reviewing machine monitoring data and translating it into action. When implementing new technology, it’s necessary to ensure your team is properly trained on how to review real-time data and how to create actionable plans based on this information. 

Start small and scale strategically 

One of the most common pitfalls companies face with new technology investments is trying to go from zero to 60 overnight. We understand that it can be tempting to get a new tool up and running as quickly and expansively as possible, but to make sure you don’t get in over your head, resist this urge. A better approach is to start with one or two machines, then build a roadmap from there. Learn what data is useful and what actions can be taken to make the most of these insights. 

Gradual implementation allows shops to improve manufacturing processes without overwhelming staff or disrupting workflows. When planned correctly, machine monitoring becomes a powerful tool to increase production, never a source of confusion. 

How NTMA Supports Smarter Machine Monitoring 

NTMA exists to help shops make better decisions together. For members exploring machine monitoring, NTMA offers several valuable resources: 

Peer-to-peer learning 

NTMA can connect you with members already using machine monitoring tools. Learning from peers about what worked and what didn’t during implementation can help you reach solutions faster and avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes. 

Trusted partners and resources 

NTMA also works with machine monitoring partners and can make introductions to trusted providers. Through our strong manufacturing network, members can gain access to real-world insights rather than sales pitches. 

Ask, learn, improve

Through NTMA Connect, members can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others who have already navigated these choices. Collaboration shortens the learning curve and sets you up on the right path to succeed as your peers have. 

Plan First, Monitor Second, and Win Long-Term 

Machine monitoring can be a game-changer, but only when paired with planning and purpose. Start slow, define your goals, provide proper training, and commit to acting on the data you collect. That’s how real-time monitoring turns into tangible results. 

As always, don’t hesitate to connect with your NTMA community as you navigate machine monitoring and other tech advancements. 

The post Well-Planned Machine Monitoring Turns Real-Time Data Into Actionable Results appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

Collaboration is a strategic advantage that helps reduce risks and improve performance. Just as importantly, it reduces the stress manufacturing leaders often feel when they find themselves on an island of their own making. For the betterment of both your shop and your sanity, don’t go it alone. 

Better Decisions Get Made Through Collaboration 

Very few (if any) decisions in a successful shop should be made in a vacuum. Whether it’s an internal discussion with your leadership team or an external conversation with peers, getting a different perspective almost always leads to better outcomes. 

Many shop owners grew up believing the leader should have all the answers. Over time, that mindset unintentionally trains the entire machine shop organization to wait for top-down decisions. Not only is this a heavy mental load to carry, but it also slows down progress. Think of all the great ideas that could come from the people programming and running the machines. But with a culture that encourages decision-making from the leaders alone, these ideas can never come to fruition. 

The truth is simple: no one expects you to know everything. Leaders who embrace collaboration tend to build companies that are more adaptable and resilient. 

Collaboration Reduces Risk and Loneliness 

Leadership can be lonely. When you’re at the top, it’s easy to become frozen by uncertainty. That’s when risk quietly creeps into the business. 

Collaboration helps prevent that stagnation. You can lower the cost of trial and error by learning from peers who have already implemented technologies you’re considering or reorganized their machine shop management structures. 

More collaboration equals less risk. And less risk leads to better decisions. 

Collaboration Extends Beyond Your Shop Walls

The benefits of a strong manufacturing community don’t stop with peers. Collaborating with trusted customers and suppliers creates deeper partnerships and better alignment. 

When customers understand your challenges and goals and you understand theirs, you become a stronger, more reliable supplier. That spirit of collaboration becomes a competitive differentiator you can actually promote. 

Companies known for openness and collaboration are often viewed as more innovative and more prepared for what’s next. 

Why Peer-to-Peer Learning Beats Going it Alone 

Every year at NTMA’s Engage conference, many of our members tell us that the most valuable experiences were: 

• Peer-led panels
• Shop visits 
• Roundtable discussions 

What do they all have in common? They revolve around connecting with others and gaining insights from fellow manufacturing leaders. You can keep up with all the latest machining news and study new technology all day long. But what you can’t get from a magazine or webinar is real-world, peer-to-peer insight. 

In NTMA’s recent Executive Cohort, 10 high-performing company owners met multiple times throughout the year. What stood out wasn’t just their success; it was their willingness to share what got them there. They openly discussed challenges, explained what didn’t work, and detailed the changes that helped them reduce risk and improve efficiency. Is that collaborative mindset a driving force behind the success of these companies? We certainly think so.

How NTMA Makes Collaboration Actionable 

NTMA exists to create opportunities for collaboration at every level: 

• NTMA Connect allows members to collaborate right from their desks, tapping into a specialized forum of industry peers. 
• Local chapter events foster face-to-face connections that strengthen trust and relationships. 
• Emerging Leaders programs consistently deliver the most value through networking and honest conversations. 

Often, members reach out because they’re facing a challenge, and NTMA can connect them directly with someone who’s already been there. 

Are You Actively Collaborating? 

Collaboration is a verb. It requires action. 

Ask yourself:

• Who are your collaborators? 
• Who are you learning from? 
• Who are you helping?

The strongest manufacturing leaders are willing to give and receive in an exchange that builds confidence and long-term success. 

If you want your shop to thrive, don’t go it alone. Invest in a manufacturing community that helps you move faster and smarter. Take advantage of your NTMA membership, or, if you haven’t already, join our manufacturing network to embrace collaboration. 

The post Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate! A Strong Manufacturing Community Is a Competitive Advantage appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

Deep Roots in Manufacturing, and with NTMA!

Blaser Swisslube has been a National Associate Member of NTMA for 13 years, reflecting a long-standing commitment to supporting job shops and the broader CNC business ecosystem. A family-run company with Swiss roots, Blaser supplies innovative coolant and lubricant solutions in more than 60 countries.

We spoke with Tiffany Bryson, Head of Industrial Partnerships (Americas) at Blaser Swisslube, who brings a uniquely personal connection to NTMA. Before joining Blaser roughly four and a half years ago, Tiffany actually worked for NTMA, where she helped manage and grow the National Associate Program. This hands-on perspective offered her deep insight into how meaningful association engagement is for companies, like Blaser Swisslube, that are critical to our regular members and the supply chain at large.

“Blaser is extremely focused on supporting NTMA, because NTMA supports our customers,” Tiffany explains. For Blaser Swisslube, being a National Associate Member means actively participating where real conversations are happening: at NTMA conferences and elsewhere. 

Why Listening to Job Shops Matters

Hearing challenges straight from the source

In modern manufacturing, challenges evolve quickly. That’s why Blaser Swisslube appreciates how NTMA creates a unique environment where honest conversations happen organically. 

During roundtables and peer-led discussions at events like NTMA’s annual Engage conference, Blaser Swisslube can listen directly to industry professionals about what’s working, what’s not, and what they need from their suppliers going forward. 

“It’s really helpful for us to hear the true challenges that job shops are having,” Tiffany tells us. “We might have a solution right then and there, or it might be a solution that Blaser can develop to help them be successful in the future.” 

This real-time feedback loop is critical for Blaser Swisslube’s ongoing efforts to provide better, more relevant solutions to support the supply chain. 

Supporting the backbone of the industry

Blaser Swisslube cares deeply about small- and medium-sized job shops, the backbone of our industry. “These are the people who provide so much for our supply chain, and we want to make sure that we are supporting them in any possible way,” Tiffany says. “Not just our customers, but the industry at large.” 

Events, Leadership Initiatives, and More!

Blaser Swisslube’s involvement with NTMA goes deep. As a National Associate Member, the company consistently invests time and resources into NTMA initiatives, including: 

• Engage conference: Blaser Swisslube attends this conference every year and prioritizes face-to-face conversations with NTMA members. 
• Chapter Leadership Summits: Blaser Swisslube supports local chapters through knowledge-sharing and sponsorship. 
• Emerging Leaders program: Blaser is passionate about growing the next generation of manufacturing leadership and attracting new talent to our industry. 
• International Tech Tours: Blaser has sponsored several tours, including a visit to Japan a few years ago, attended by the organization’s CEO. 

A Shared Commitment to the Manufacturing Community

We’d like to leave you with some words of advice from Tiffany, who understands the true value that comes with involvement in trade organizations like NTMA:

• Engagement creates value. According to Tiffany, real value comes from active participation, whether you’re a shop owner, up-and-coming talent, or National Associate Member. Join teams, attend events, build relationships, and converse with your peers; that’s where real growth happens.
• Nurture relationships. Like any meaningful relationship, it takes time and effort to build your connections. Showing up, asking questions, and contributing ideas are essential. 
• Considering joining? Jump right in! Tiffany believes that if a company is even thinking about joining NTMA, that’s a positive sign. “It means you’re looking for peer support and you want to grow. So don’t hesitate; jump in feet-first and start taking advantage of everything NTMA has to offer!”

Blaser Swisslube’s journey as a National Associate Member demonstrates the collaborative spirit and shared purpose that come with joining NTMA. 

If you have any questions about your membership, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to guide you in the right direction!

The post National Associate Member Spotlight: Blaser Swisslube Supports Job Shops Through NTMA appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

If you’re new to the industry, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) can be your roadmap. Our trade organization offers connection, camaraderie, education, and expertise from people who have already walked the path you’re on. 

The Power of a Strong Manufacturing Network 

If you’re starting a CNC machine shop or stepping into a new leadership role at an established manufacturing company, you’re faced with countless decisions. What tools and technology should you invest in? How should you navigate culture and hiring? Who can you trust to guide you through industry challenges? 

The most critical resource in this situation is direct access to people who have been there and done that. That’s why a manufacturing network like NTMA becomes invaluable. 

NTMA’s community comprises experienced shop owners, operators, educators, and innovators who are open to sharing the lessons they learned along the way. Our members are eager to help new members avoid common pitfalls and offer useful advice that they’ve learned on their own path to success. 

Learn from Experience, Not Just Information

There’s plenty of information available that can set you up for success (such as NTMA’s manufacturing news blog!), but real learning happens through your own hands-on experience and through people willing to share the lessons they’ve learned. 

You might feel pressure to have all the answers, but the truth is, nobody is an expert right away. The most successful leaders in this field didn’t get there alone. NTMA members understand that, and they’re open about their mistakes and how they overcame them. 

Through direct conversations with experts making up your manufacturing network, you gain access to insights that can build your confidence and improve your business. 

A Community That Understands Your Challenges 

Running a modern CNC machine shop often means wearing multiple hats. One moment you’re managing payroll, the next you’re troubleshooting a safety risk, then you’re handling an HR issue or dealing with a machine going down… it goes on and on. 

No one understands this reality more than NTMA members, who juggle those same responsibilities. This peer network is open to helping you find smarter, more efficient ways to manage issues. Whether you participate in your local chapters or attend national events, you’ll find peers who have faced and solved the same challenges. 

Even if you can’t attend events, NTMA Connect is an incredible resource. Many of our members use it daily to ask questions or respond with solutions. The advice on this forum is truly insightful for all members, not just those brand new to manufacturing. 

Building Trust Through Connection 

When you’re new to manufacturing, knowing who to trust can be difficult. Perhaps you’re seeking out a reliable cutting tool provider or selecting a payroll service; no matter what side of your business you’re looking at, the options can feel overwhelming. 

NTMA bridges that gap by helping members build trusting relationships with secondary processing vendors, material suppliers, and even potential customers. 

Trust is transferable, and being part of a tight-knit community can truly fast-track your confidence. 

Shorten Your Road to Success with NTMA

You have a choice: you can spend years figuring things out alone, or you can shorten the road by tapping into NTMA’s rich community and 80+ years of industry experience. 
If you’re starting a CNC machine shop or stepping into a leadership role at an existing business, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Join NTMA and become part of a community that’s ready to guide you every step of the way!

The post New to Manufacturing? Build Your Manufacturing Network with NTMA! appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

When suppliers or team members avoid sharing bad news, they don’t protect anyone; they instead create uncertainty. Delays, mistakes, or missed updates ripple through operations, affecting customers, coworkers, and company performance. The truth is, “no news” doesn’t give anyone a chance to pivot. 

NTMA President Roger Atkins puts it best: “You can’t fix what you don’t know. You can’t solve how it happened, and you can’t stop it from happening again.” 

Honesty Is the Best Policy at Any Successful Manufacturing Company

Roger’s years of experience in sales taught him a lesson that applies to every successful machine shop: honesty is always the best policy, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s easy to share good news, and it’s far more difficult to admit when something has gone wrong. But trust is built in those challenging moments. 

When a team hides a problem, whether it’s scrapped parts or late deliveries, they might think they’re avoiding trouble. In reality, they’re undermining trust and preventing improvement. Transparency gives everyone the chance to plan, adjust, and recover. Without it, problems multiply. 

What scenario do you think would go over better with your customer?

• Letting them know that you’re behind schedule and offering them a recovery plan? 
• Or avoiding any difficult conversation altogether, so they expect an on-time delivery that isn’t ready? 

The honest answer might sting at first, but at least it allows your customer time to pivot as needed. It certainly beats the waiting game they’d have to play with a company that leaves them guessing.

Why “No News” Hurts Efficiency

Silence slows progress. When leaders don’t have clear information, they can’t allocate resources, adjust schedules, or make data-driven decisions. For customers, unclear communication leads to frustration and loss of confidence in their manufacturing partner. 

Modern manufacturing is built on precision and high-quality production, but also on reliable, accurate, and timely communication. A machine shop organization that prioritizes honesty and transparency at every level, from the shop floor to customer service, operates more efficiently. Equipped with up-to-date information, everyone from machinists to managers to OEM customers can make informed choices that improve outcomes. 

Action Item: Build a Culture of Truth

Creating and fostering a culture of truth-telling in a manufacturing company doesn’t happen overnight. It requires leadership that encourages openness and eliminates the fear of blame. People must feel safe sharing bad news, knowing it’s part of the process of getting better… not a personal failure. 

When bad news surfaces, don’t just focus on the issue; focus on the solution: 

• What happened? 
• Why did it happen? 
• How do we prevent it from happening again? 

This mindset drives manufacturing improvement and strengthens relationships internally and externally. 

Action Item: Learn from Your Peers 

Honesty thrives in a network that values learning. That’s why NTMA members benefit from access to a strong manufacturing network of peers across the country. Through shared experience, members learn how others have handled difficult conversations and turned transparency into strength. 

NTMA’s Emerging Leaders program helps professionals grow the communication and leadership abilities that drive this kind of cultural change. Participants gain tools for navigating tough discussions and other skills that are essential to anyone leading a team in a modern CNC machine shop. 

Remember, a strong manufacturing company doesn’t avoid hard conversations; it faces them head-on. Because the sooner you know about a problem, the sooner you can fix it and the more trust you build with those who depend on you. 

No news isn’t good news anymore. Clear, honest communication is. 

Looking to join a vibrant network of manufacturers? Become a member!

The post No News Is Not Always Good News: Why Every Manufacturing Company Needs Honest Communication appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

We caught up with Omar Nashashibi, founder of Inside Beltway and long-time NTMA advocacy partner, to learn what members can expect in the year ahead, from tariffs and regulations to supply chain shifts. 

2026 Will Be Shaped by Elections and Economic Policy 

With 2026 being an election year, the focus in Washington will shift from new legislation to ensuring that government agencies remain funded through the year. That stability will be especially important for NTMA members involved in workforce training and apprenticeship programs. 

Once funding is secured, Congress will likely move into campaign mode, with manufacturing taking the center stage. We’ve seen manufacturing be a central theme in elections since 2016, and we expect that the industry will remain a major focus heading into 2026. 

Tariffs Will Continue to Be Part of the Discussion 

Tariffs have played a significant role in the most recent Trump administration thus far, and we expect this discourse to continue. The Trump administration plans to expand its use of various tariff codes, including Section 232 tariffs targeting steel, aluminum, industrial machinery, and robotics. A pending Supreme Court case may also determine whether the president’s existing tariffs are upheld or nullified. 

If the ruling leads to refunds or new tariff strategies, shops could see short-term disruptions. Even if the decision is delayed, Omar anticipates that tariffs will continue to dominate headlines and impact how shops approach equipment purchases and imports in 2026. 

For many members, these policies hit close to home, especially for those investing in tooling, automatic tool changers, grinders, lathes, CNC machines, and other equipment, all of which are essential to maintaining a competitive advantage. 

“When They Don’t Legislate, They Regulate”

Election years often mean less legislative movement, but that doesn’t mean less government activity. When Congress is focused on campaigning, federal agencies like OSHA and the EPA often “step into the void.” 

Expect to see increased regulatory activity in early 2026, particularly around:

• Lockout/Tagout safety updates (which would signal the first major update since 1989)
• Mechanical press and power press rules (last revised in 1988)
• New EPA policies and potential withdrawals of long-standing environmental rules 

This increased regulatory focus could significantly influence machining safety standards and the broader manufacturing network NTMA supports. For shops looking to stay ahead of compliance requirements, you can count on NTMA to provide timely updates and expert insight. 

The Defense Supply Chain 

Amid debates over tariffs and regulatory updates, the defense industrial base and shipbuilding sectors are attracting bipartisan attention. 

Lawmakers are exploring legislation to invest in U.S. shipyards and the domestic supply chain. That move could create opportunities for NTMA members serving defense and maritime industries. 

Navigating Change with NTMA 

2026 will bring uncertainty, but it also presents opportunity. From tariffs and trade to training and technology, NTMA’s manufacturing advocacy efforts will ensure your voice is heard where it matters most. 

Through continued engagement in Washington and collaboration with industry partners, NTMA remains dedicated to helping members navigate evolving policies and find new ways to improve efficiency. 

Continue following along to learn more about NTMA’s ongoing manufacturing advocacy efforts and how they support your business at every level, from the shop floor to Capitol Hill. 

Not a member yet? Join NTMA to experience the full benefits of our successful manufacturing network.

The post Q4 Manufacturing Advocacy Update: What to Expect in 2026 appeared first on National Tooling & Machining Association.

High-Performance Shops Prove That Results Require Action 

In a recent NTMA operational survey, high-performance shops outpaced typical shops in profitability by an average of 10 percentage points. 

What sets these companies apart? 

1. Strategic Sales Growth 

High performers grew sales 8.5% faster by targeting the right work. In other words, they took on high-demand jobs that better supported their margins. 

2. Gross Margin Improvement 

These shops had a 9% higher gross margin, with: 

• Labor costs that were 5% lower. Note that this wasn’t due to reduced wages, but through more strategic work assignments and smarter delegation of meaningful work. 
• Overall factory costs that were 6% lower, driven by intentional changes in operations. 

3. Employee Productivity 

Employee productivity was 19% higher, thanks to better technology, stronger planning, and workplace cultures that remove barriers to getting work done. 

Above all, these companies have one major attribute in common: they don’t just talk about improving their outcomes, they put in the work. 

Culture Drives Cost Reductions 

Driving change in a modern CNC machine shop isn’t always comfortable. Long-time supplier relationships and “the way we’ve always done things” can feel safer than pursuing improvement. 

But avoiding change leads to stagnation. Shops that cling to comfort are making an active decision to rest on their laurels rather than pursuing profitability. This isn’t just a leadership issue; high costs limit what every team member has the potential to earn. A shop that fails to improve eventually fails to compete, and that affects workers and their families. 

Becoming a high-performance shop means:

• Examining old assumptions
• Challenging internal comfort zones
• Creating a culture of accountability 
• Evaluating existing supplier relationships and identifying new vendors that could reduce costs

Practical Steps: How to Run a Machine Shop with Intention 

Cost reductions must be deliberate, measured, benchmarked, and reviewed continuously. 

Here are tactical moves every CNC business can make: 

• Review costs line by line: Inventory, materials, energy, tooling, and logistics should all be analyzed and negotiated. 
• Use the right tools for the job: For instance, automated resources can allow employees to spend more time on high-value work. 
• Get your people involved: Teams must understand how improvement helps their careers, not just the company’s bottom line. 
• Create a clear plan that focuses on efficiency: Define priorities, track progress, and communicate the “why.” 

Opportunities for Cost Reductions, Exclusively for NTMA Members 

This is where NTMA can help shops take action faster. Our exclusive member programs include: 

• Our first-of-its-kind cutting tool program with PTSolutions 
• Discounted tooling from partners like Grainger 
• Operational benchmarking and guidance from industry experts 
• Best practices from high-performance peers 

Choose Your Future: Typical or High-Performance? 

When it comes down to it, only 25% of shops we surveyed are considered high-performance. The remaining 75% are leaving major profit on the table. 

A high-performing future requires focus, change, accountability, and a willingness to disrupt comfort. Because cost reductions aren’t accidental; they’re earned. 

Shops that take decisive action are likely to build a more resilient business that can enhance outcomes with automation, withstand workforce changes, improve efficiency, and grow year over year. 

NTMA is here to help you get there. Let’s move from conversation to action, together. Not an NTMA member yet? What are you waiting for? Learn more about the benefits of joining our dynamic manufacturing network. 

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