Hexagon Launches ‘Race to Innovate’ Tour to Empower the Future of American Manufacturing!

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced the launch of its ambitious “Race to Innovate” Tour, a dynamic four-city initiative designed to help U.S. manufacturers tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. With stops in key manufacturing hubs, the tour combines live technology demonstrations, expert insights, and valuable networking opportunities to accelerate innovation and strengthen the foundation of American manufacturing.

The tour will visit Charlotte, North Carolina—hosted at the Hendrick Motorsports campus and featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of their QC lab and race shops; Novi, Michigan, home to Hexagon’s largest U.S. demo and service center; Tempe, Arizona, where attendees will gather at the Embassy Suites for networking sessions; and Fullerton, California, where visitors will tour the Fullerton College Manufacturing Technology Center.

At each location, participants will gain hands-on experience with Hexagon’s latest technologies designed to address the sector’s critical challenges—ranging from workforce shortages and outdated systems to increasing demands for operational efficiency and digital transformation.

“Manufacturers today face significant pressures, from workforce shortages to the challenges of modernizing their facilities,” said Steve Ilmrud, Vice President of Operations, North America. “Our ‘Race to Innovate’ Tour is about giving the industry the tools, vision, and support to overcome these hurdles and thrive in a dynamic market.”

The tour comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. manufacturing sector, as highlighted by Hexagon’s Americas State of Manufacturing report, which outlines key workforce and technology gaps:

• The industry will need 3.8 million new workers by 2033, but nearly half of those positions—1.9 million—could remain unfilled without strategic investment in workforce development.
• 72% of manufacturers report that outdated technology limits their ability to attract and retain skilled workers.
• Only 8% of companies believe they are adequately reskilling their workforce, underscoring a massive opportunity for transformation through digitalization and training.

Through the “Race to Innovate” Tour, Hexagon aims to showcase how its integrated solutions can help manufacturers modernize their operations, streamline production, enhance precision, and ultimately build a more resilient, tech-enabled future. From advanced metrology and automation to digital manufacturing ecosystems, Hexagon’s technologies are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing workflows—boosting productivity, reducing defects, and driving smarter decision-making.

This initiative represents a key milestone in Hexagon’s long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth within the manufacturing sector. By directly engaging with manufacturers and offering practical pathways toward modernization, Hexagon continues to empower the industry to embrace the next era of intelligent manufacturing.

With over 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately €5.4 billion, Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) stands as a global leader in precision measurement and digital solutions—ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability from microns to Mars.