The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $187 million for 55 projects aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing competitiveness in the U.S. In contrast, the UK economy experienced no growth at the end of 2019, marked by a contraction in manufacturing and a slowdown in the service sector. Additionally, emerging manufacturing trends highlight the importance of speed, environmental consciousness, and tailored convenience in product offerings.

1. WEEK 7 IN MANUFACTURING
NEWS

2. Department of Energy Awards $187 Million to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing
Competitiveness; UK economy saw zero growth at the end of 2019; A Look
Through Futurists’ Eyes; Manufacturing Trends to Watch.

3. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced approximately $187 million in funding,
including $48 million of cost share, for 55 projects in 25 states to support innovative
advanced manufacturing research and development. These projects address high-impact
manufacturing technology, materials, and process challenges.
The goal is to strengthen domestic manufacturing competitiveness and position the U.S. for
global leadership in advanced manufacturing.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy.
Department of Energy Awards $187
Million to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing
Competitiveness

4. The UK economy saw no growth in the final three months of 2019, as manufacturing
contracted for the third quarter in a row and the service sector slowed around the time of
the election.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the car industry had seen a particularly weak
quarter.
The ONS figures also showed the economy grew by 1.4% in 2019, marginally higher than
the 1.3% rate in 2018.
Source: BBC.
UK economy saw zero growth at the end of
2019

5. World-renowned futurists provide their insights into which technologies possess the staying
power to fuel today’s manufacturers into the winner’s circle tomorrow.
Slideshow at IndustryWeek.
A Look Through Futurists’ Eyes

6. #1 Fast manufacturing is getting faster
Whether its rapid market sensing, co-created and hyper-personalized products, or flexible
and adaptive manufacturing, companies are able to build real-time feedback loops and
develop product ranges that are much more responsive to consumer needs in each
moment.
Manufacturing Trends to Watch

7. #2 Packaged good
People want to reduce their environmental impact, and they’re thinking much more critically
about how their products are used and packaged.
#3 Convenience, but just right
Convenience today is about doing the small things well, focusing on the detail and using
digital technologies to deliver something that’s “just right” for each individual when they
need it.
Source: IndustryToday.
Manufacturing Trends to Watch

9. https://manufacturing-software-blog.mrpeasy.com/week-7-in-manufacturing-
news-2/
https://www.mrpeasy.com/