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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future—it’s a tool driving measurable impact in manufacturing today. Across Southwestern Pennsylvania, manufacturers are using AI to enhance quality management, streamline production, and make smarter, faster business decisions. Whether you’re a small shop looking to reduce scrap rates or a growing manufacturer exploring automation, understanding how to integrate AI into your operations is becoming essential for long-term competitiveness. Why…

Across Appalachia, the energy transition is creating new opportunities for manufacturers. From data centers and hydrogen to solar, nuclear, and advanced materials, the region is emerging as a critical hub for the technologies driving America’s energy future. Catalyst Connection’s Energy and Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA) program helps manufacturers understand, prepare for, and participate in this transformation. Through detailed research, industry engagement, and targeted training, EMA connects the dots between traditional manufacturing…

Manufacturing is evolving at a pace unlike any other time in history. Technologies once considered futuristic, such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, and cybersecurity, are now central to how products are designed, produced, and delivered. Yet for many manufacturers, the greatest challenge isn’t adopting these technologies; it’s finding and developing the skilled workers who can harness them. Across Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond, manufacturers are facing a widening skills gap.…

From adhesive compounds to ammunition and industrial motors, manufacturers across the country are proving that artificial intelligence isn’t a buzzword — it’s a practical tool for tightening financial controls, improving visibility, and freeing up time for strategy. 1. Meridian Adhesives Group - Smarter Cash Forecasting in Charlotte For Meridian Adhesives Group in Charlotte, North Carolina, AI became a way to see — and plan — more clearly. The company’s finance…

In manufacturing today, finance teams are doing much more than ledger entries and reconciliations. You are a critical part of your company’s operational resilience. When cyber risk and fraud intersect, it’s your P&L, working capital, and contract eligibility that take the first hit. Why It Matters Manufacturing is now the top-targeted industry for cyber incidents. Recent reports show it leads all sectors in verified ransomware and data leak events.…