In a special episode recorded live at the NTMA ENGAGE Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, host Tony Gunn delivers a keynote presentation that is nothing short of transformative. In his dynamic keynote, Tony Gunn addresses the critical importance of revitalizing manufacturing in the United States. Drawing parallels to the resilience of characters like Tony Stark from the Marvel Universe, Gunn emphasizes that, much like Stark’s innovative spirit, the U.S. manufacturing sector must embrace change and innovation to thrive. Gunn highlights the significant trend of onshoring and reshoring, where companies are relocating production back to the U.S. He cites data from the Reshoring Initiative, noting that nearly 1.6 million manufacturing jobs have been announced from 2010 through 2022, with a record-breaking 364,000 jobs announced in 2022 alone. Emphasizing the power of collaboration, Gunn draws inspiration from the Avengers, stating that just as superheroes unite to overcome challenges, so must industry leaders, policymakers, and workers come together to strengthen the manufacturing sector. He underscores that more than 90% of North American companies have relocated production and sourcing over the past five years, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and high U.S. tariffs. Gunn passionately advocates for the adoption of new technologies, likening the integration of advanced manufacturing techniques to the futuristic innovations seen in “Black Panther’s” Wakanda. He points out that companies are constructing U.S. manufacturing facilities at a higher rate than any other property type, with spending rising to an annual rate of $114.7 billion in 2022—a 40% increase year over year. Concluding his keynote, Gunn paints a vivid picture of a future where American manufacturing is not just a participant but a leader on the global stage. He calls upon the industry to channel the determination of characters like Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunger Games,” urging everyone …
