IMTS 2024: Key Takeaways and Thought Leadership from the Hirsh Team

The International Manufacturing Technology Show, or IMTS, is fondly referred to as the Super Bowl of manufacturing, and for good reason.

Year after year, Chicago plays hosts to thousands of people who make their way from all over the world to experience the latest technology, hear from thought leaders, network with their peers, and get an edge on the direction that the manufacturing industry is heading. IMTS 2024 was no exception.

As manufacturers, we love numbers - so let's take a look at some. 

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There's still work to be done to address the millions of unfilled jobs and close the skills gap - but there's no question that manufacturing jobs are getting their time in the spotlight and the next generation is waking up to what great career opportunities await them in the wide world of manufacturing. 

We were able to send a team of three to IMTS this year.

• Peter Doyle, President and CEO 
• Annette Siverling, Director of Quality 
• Amanda White, Marketing Manager

This team went to Chicago with several goals:

1. Connect with our current vendors and identify potential partners
2. Gain a pulse on the latest inspection equipment, machining technology, and post-machining processes
3. Contribute to various panels and discussions. 

Thought Leadership with Peter Doyle

President and CEO Peter Doyle had a busy week in Chicago. On Day 2 of IMTS, he contributed to an insightful panel discussion titled How Factory Owners Evaluate and Procure New Technology.

Panel Description 

Hear directly from a panel of small and medium sized manufacturers on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing them, and how the view technology’s ability to make an impact on their businesses. During this discussion, the panel will discuss how they evaluate tech and create roadmaps, which technologies are they most (and least) excited about, and draw from their experiences adopting novel technologies.

Other panel participants included: 

• Ryan Kelly with AMT (Moderator) 
• Nicole Wolter with HM Manufacturing, Inc.
• Nick Sainati with Belden Universal

On Day 3 of IMTS, Peter gave a talk titled "Promises and Perils of Automated, Flexible Manufacturing in a High-Mix Environment" at  the Fastems booth during their Lunch & Learn segment. 

Alongside highlighting the primary advantages of a long-term investment such as Fastems' automated manufacturing solutions, Peter also delved into the concealed challenges that come with such investments and how component manufacturers can utilize strategic decision-making to make the right investments that will foster successful organizational growth.

You can watch the live presentation below or click here to view a copy of the presentation. 

Hirsh Precision's Marketing Manager, Amanda White, also went to Chicago with some lofty goals. As someone new to the industry, this was her first time attending IMTS. 

In addition to growing her network and identifying numerous marketing opportunities for the team, Amanda participated in the Creators Lounge, IMTS' studio where industrial influencers host casual, insightful conversations with industry leaders and brands to amplify manufacturing stories. 

Here's the full interview between Chris Luecke from the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast and Amanda. 

Technology Update with Annette Siverling 

Our Director of Quality, Annette Siverling, acted as the eyes and ears for our team members who couldn't make it to Chicago this year. She spent her time thoroughly investigating the wide array of new technologies, both hardware and software, showcased at IMTS.

A major highlight was the robotics and AI equipment designed to automate, scale, or accelerate inspection processes. At Hirsh, quality is a core principle; our customers recognize it, and our employees are trained to uphold it. Consequently, inspection plays a significant role in our production efforts and is a key area where we invest in technology.

Regarding this year's show, our team was particularly impressed by robots designed for inspection and part loading, along with new inspection equipment like programmable optical comparators and CT technology for examining both internal and external features.

Additionally, software solutions offering more detailed OEE metrics, predictive maintenance, collision prevention, tool verification, and energy efficiency piqued our interest as potential areas for further exploration.

It was truly exciting for our team to soak in the buzz that American manufacturing has created and see how it's boosting our technology, thought leadership, workforce development, and emerging leaders. The vibrant energy and enthusiasm at IMTS 2024 were a clear sign of the industry's strength and innovative spirit.

We got to see some amazing advancements in manufacturing technology up close, from top-notch robotics to cutting-edge AI-driven inspection systems. The event also gave thought leaders a chance to share their insights, creating a friendly space where ideas could really take off. Plus, there was a big focus on workforce development, with lots of efforts aimed at closing the skills gap and getting the next generation of manufacturing pros ready.

The up-and-coming leaders we met were full of passion and drive, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. This experience has not only strengthened our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry but also inspired us to be even more active in its growth and evolution.

We can't wait for IMTS 2026 to see what new innovations and opportunities are in store!