Manufacturing in the U.S. is on the rise, with $2.9 trillion contributed to the economy in 2024, representing 10% of the U.S. gross domestic product, as reported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (see “Manufacturing in America – Contributing to Our Economy, Employment, and Innovation”).

But while U.S. non-food manufacturing output continues to see growth, reaching an all-time high in 2024 per the World Bank, employment in the sector has seen significant declines over the past few decades. NIST reports that the employment rate for U.S. manufacturing, 13 million jobs, has reached a higher level than before the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that the manufacturing sector has seen some stabilization.

However, in order to sustain continued manufacturing output, U.S. companies will focus on implementing technological advancements like automation and robotics, often augmented with artificial intelligence (AI) support. Increasing the role of robotics and automation in U.S. manufacturing can help supplant historical job losses through increased operational efficiency and improved quality control.

End-of-line packaging processes are a prime candidate for implementing automation and robotics. In packaging, labor-intensive processes like palletizing and depalletizing, carton and case packing and sealing, labeling, and pick-and-place, are often delegated to robotic operations.

To catalyze manufacturing output increases amidst an historic decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs, companies will need to evaluate strategic areas of their operations, identifying areas suited to streamlining through automation and robotics. MAX, the Manufacturing & Automation eXchange, was established to serve as a showcase for automation and robotic opportunities available to non-food manufacturers. The event is taking place March 25-26, 2026, at Music City Center in Nashville.

The theme of MAX is “The Future of Manufacturing Lives Here,” aligning its vision with the greater U.S. manufacturing community as the sector positions itself for continued growth.

MAX presents a rare opportunity for manufacturing companies to observe the full scope of automation, robotics, and other technological advancements in one environment. The range of competencies on display at MAX will include:

• Systems integration
• Material handling
• Automation
• Quality control
• Adhesives and coatings
• Operational safety
• Primary and secondary packaging

Each discipline will be represented through live, operational displays. By experiencing these technologies side by side, as they are on actual production floors, attendees will gain a grounded understanding of how manufacturing functions align, overlap, and evolve in practice. The event reflects the collaborative and cross-functional nature of real-world operations, with technologies and practices from across the manufacturing spectrum presented in a shared, integrated setting.

For complete details and to register, visit the MAX, Manufacturing & Automation eXchange website.