🤖 Advanced Manufacturing #11
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts as automation, robotics, and AI reshape the industry. With demand for specialized skills accelerating, continuous learning is key to driving innovation, boosting efficiency, and building a future-ready workforce.
This week in Advanced Manufacturing, ABB opened a $40M electrification facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, creating over 150 jobs. NOVONIX is investing $4.6M in land acquisition for a second synthetic graphite facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, supported by a $755M DOE loan and $54M in incentives. In Malaysia, Nafco Precision launched a $40M aerospace manufacturing facility in Seremban, contributing to Malaysia’s goal of capturing 5% of the global MRO market by 2030.
Upskilling efforts are gaining momentum as Caterpillar commits $100M to workforce development over five years, focusing on AI, robotics, CAD, and IoT. Indolift launched a four-week technical training program in Kolkata to enhance automation and safety skills aligned with India’s national skilling priorities. In Michigan, the Navy-Macomb Maritime Manufacturing Program is training 400 workers through a 17-week welding and CNC program supported by $15M in funding. On the policy front, the state of Bihar is launching specialized industrial zones aligned with regional manufacturing strengths, following $2B in investment proposals at the Bihar Business Connect 2024 summit.
Thanks for reading!
Not a subscriber yet?
Advanced Manufacturing Labor Market Trends
⚡ ABB Opens $40M Electrification Manufacturing Facility in New Mexico. ABB has opened a $40M+, 90,000-sq-ft greenfield facility in Albuquerque to double production of Elastimold cable accessories and support grid resilience. Creating over 150 new jobs, the site expands ABB’s presence in New Mexico and includes a Pioneering Innovation Center. Powered by $15M in automation, the investment expands US electrification and streamlines supply chains.
⚙️ NOVONIX Invests $4.6M in New Tennessee Synthetic Graphite Facility. NOVONIX is investing $4.6M to acquire land for a second synthetic graphite facility in Chattanooga, TN, Enterprise South, which will create 500 jobs and produce 31,500 tpa by 2028. Supported by a $755M conditional DOE loan and $54M in tax incentives, the project expands total Chattanooga capacity.
🛩️ NAFCO Group Launches $40M Aerospace Manufacturing Facility in Malaysia. Nafco Precision Sdn Bhd has opened a $40M advanced manufacturing facility in Seremban, Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aerospace sector. The site features 3,500 sq m of production space, focusing on aerospace fasteners and precision components. Plans are underway for a second, larger facility of 19,000 sq m within two years.
Japan Sees a Turnaround in AI Talent Migration After a 0.3 Outflow in 2019
🤖 After a net outflow in 2019 (-0.3 per 10K), Japan reversed its AI talent migration trend, posting strong gains across the next four years.
📈 The sharpest inflow came in 2020, with +0.7 AI professionals per 10K LinkedIn members, signaling a surge in digital workforce demand.
🧠 Growth dipped slightly in 2021 (+0.1), but rebounded in 2022 (+0.6), and remained high in 2023 (+0.5), reflecting consistent attraction of global AI talent.
Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives
🤖 Caterpillar Pledges $100M to Upskill Advanced Manufacturing Workforce. Caterpillar is investing $100M over five years to equip workers with skills in AI, robotics, digital twins, CAD modeling, and IoT core to advanced manufacturing. The initiative will fund global training partnerships, develop industry-aligned curricula, and support upskilling programs aimed at preparing workers for 170M projected new technology-driven jobs by 2030.
🏗️ Indolift Unveils Expert-Led Training Program. Indolift has rolled out a four-week training initiative in Kolkata, India, designed to improve technical expertise, safety protocols, and quality assurance for its engineers and technicians. The program, centered on advanced equipment operation and automation, aligns with India’s national skill development goals and boosts material handling operations. This effort underscores Indolift’s dedication to innovation and developing a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing.
⚓ Navy-Macomb Program Trains 400 for Maritime Manufacturing by 2027. As part of the $50M Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative, Macomb Community College and the US Navy launched a 17-week accelerated welding and CNC training program in Warren, MI. With $15.4M in Navy funding, the program aims to rebuild the maritime industrial base, training 400 workers by 2027. Graduates are already employed in high-precision fabrication roles at defense contractors like Dynasty Fab, which reports faster onboarding, lower retraining costs, and stronger production output from M3 hires compared to traditional entrants.
Policy Initiatives
🏭 Bihar to Launch Specialized Industrial Zones in Key Districts. Bihar is set to establish specialized industrial zones across its districts, following investment proposals totaling $2.17B during the Bihar Business Connect 2024 summit. The upcoming zones will align with local strengths, such as toys and plastics in Begusarai and West Champaran, as well as pharmaceuticals in Hajipur. A new industrial policy is nearing completion, aiming to convert MoUs into operational projects within a year, supported by dedicated nodal officers for investor facilitation.
Like getting this newsletter? Request a demo for unlimited access to over one million charts
Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com
