TMA e-News Bulletin May 20, 2026

NEWS

Resilient Consumer Demand & Data Centers Fuel Capital Spending

According to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report, the value of new orders of metalworking machinery grew 40.3% MoM in March, which represents a 31.5% increase compared to March 2025 as well as a 27.8% increase compared to first quarter last year. Worth noting from the report is 1) “…a sustained increase in average order value above inflation continues to point to increased demand for automation…” and 2) investment more than doubled among manufacturers of engines, turbines, and other power transmission systems. More HERE.

Wisconsin’s Unreasonable Refusal to Rehire Statute: A Costly Trap for Employers

All Wisconsin employers know the basics of the state’s workers’ compensation statute. If an employee is hurt on the job, they may be entitled to benefits under workers’ compensation insurance. However, many don’t realize that if they fail to bring the employee back to work when suitable employment is available, the employer may be exposed to liability in the form of paying the employee up to one year of wages and benefits. This risk comes from Wisconsin’s Unreasonable Refusal to Rehire (URR) statute. Although the consequences of this statute are significant, it is frequently overlooked until it is too late. More HERE.

Illinois Combined State, Local Tax Rate Tops the Country

Illinois’ burden is driven by property, sales and excise taxes that exceed national averages and those in neighboring states. More HERE.

Ukraine Is Not a Cost. It’s a Manufacturing Opportunity.

Americans are right to ask a simple question about Ukraine: What is in this for us? The strongest case for supporting Ukraine is a straightforward assessment of what it means for the American economy, U.S. businesses, and America’s long-term security. It is also an investment in American industry. U.S. defense manufacturers provide high-skilled jobs, expand production lines, and strengthen the industrial capacity that America would rely on in any future crisis. More HERE.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Wakes Up To China Competitive Threat

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce usually takes a white-glove approach to criticizing their members’ businesses in China. But in a recent study, conducted for the Chamber by the Rhodium Group, there is a marked change of tune. The Chamber said its members are experiencing a harder time to grow markets in China, not because they are lousy business leaders, but because the government does what it can to tip the scales in favor of Chinese brands. More HERE.

Report: U.S. Should Boost Support for Manufacturing USA Program

To better compete globally, the U.S. should develop a comprehensive industrial strategy to align resources for manufacturing and maximize the national security and economic impacts of the Manufacturing USA program. More HERE.

U.S. Reshoring Boom: What the Data Says One Year After “Liberation Day” Tariffs

U.S. manufacturing construction spending has declined since 2024, driven by a 44% slowdown in spending on electronics factories and semiconductor fabs since their peak in mid-2024. Discounting the electronics sector, there was a 5.6% jump in manufacturing construction spending since the start of the tariffs—lower than expected. Still, a report offers positive signs for US manufacturing health and shows that data centers and power generation & infrastructure are the real stories of US industrial growth. More HERE.

ADVOCACY

Educator Tells TMA Members State Mandate Will Limit CTE Courses in High Schools

TMA members who participated in last week’s virtual briefing with educator Terry Stroh learned that the state mandate requiring 2 years of a foreign language to graduate will dramatically reduce options for students to take Career & Technical Education courses starting in 2028. Stroh, who oversees CTE courses for nearly a dozen high schools in Kane County, is working to pass TMA’s legislation (SB 3070) that would let students fulfill the mandate with courses in advanced manufacturing, machining and other CTE classes. Click HERE to view a recording of the 30-minute virtual briefing.

MEMBERS

The Future of TMA Member Training

TMA Member Training remains very much alive, actively evolving, and positioned for its next phase of growth and relevance within the industry. Far from fading, we’re expanding, modernizing, and working to build a stronger future for you and the industry. Read more from TMA President Patrick Osborne HERE.

FOUNDATION

EVENTS

TRAINING

TMA Training: Built on Tradition. Driven by Innovation.

Like any long-standing program or institution, training models must continually evolve to remain effective and relevant. Even successful programs can become outdated as technologies advance, workforce expectations shift, and industry needs change.

As manufacturers know, periodic modernization is essential to sustaining growth and continuous improvement. By thoughtfully updating curriculum, instructional methods, and hands-on learning experiences to reflect modern manufacturing realities, TMA’s training programs continue to deliver lasting value to both students and employers.

Under new, forward-thinking leadership, TMA Training has been refocused on immersive, hands-on training and practical skills development, balancing foundational classroom learning with applied experience to better prepare today’s workforce for industry demands.

In short, this approach blends the old-school strengths of traditional training with a modern, innovation-driven model that prioritizes relevance, engagement, and real-world application.

Unlike others, TMA’s training program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education as a Private Business and Vocational School and serves as an approved Related Technical Instruction (RTI) provider for U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs. Both our technical and non-technical programs are built in alignment with industry standards and designed in collaboration with subject matter experts to ensure practical, job-ready outcomes.

First-Time Supervisors Are Struggling, But Targeted Leadership Training Can Fix It

How to ensure managers are engaged and motivated—and that they stick around. More HERE.

In need of Supervisor Training? Contact us at: education@tmaillinois.org

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