Sikich principal Jerry Murphy was featured in Automation.com discussing why optimism is rising across the U.S. manufacturing sector and where leaders are directing investments heading into 2026. The article draws on findings from the latest Sikich Manufacturing Industry Pulse, which shows record‑high confidence levels among manufacturing and distribution executives, even amid continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Murphy explains that manufacturers are prioritizing operational efficiency and resilience, with more than half planning significant investments in automation and new equipment over the next six to 12 months. Leaders are also increasingly investing in AI and data analytics to improve forecasting, quality and real‑time decision‑making, signaling a shift from experimentation to execution.
Read the full article: https://www.automation.com/article/manufacturing-momentum-why-optimism-rising-where-leaders-investing-2026
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