Manufacturing in Montana

07/27/2026

A Brief History of United States Manufacturing 🦅

From early workshops and mills to today's advanced technologies, the story of U.S. manufacturing is one of innovation, adaptation, and economic transformation.

This article takes a look at the milestones, challenges, and breakthroughs that helped shape the industry as it exists today.

📖 Read more: https://www.advancedmanufacturing.org/manufacturing-engineering/a-brief-history-of-united-states-manufacturing/article_f57ed668-1932-4a25-88ae-de2bd491d722.html?utm_source=usmfg.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=usmfgreport&_bhlid=456f0e18b08da0a941af8b66fafc66c4e8239cc2

When Washington crossed the Delaware, his boat was assembled with nails that were fashioned one at a time with handmade shanks. Today, U.S. rockets that carry astronauts deploy engine components

07/24/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Headwaters Tech Hub Summit! 🖥️

Join leaders from industry, higher education, entrepreneurship, economic development, nonprofits, and government September 9-11 at the University of Montana to explore the partnerships, technologies, and workforce strategies shaping Montana's innovation economy.

The Headwaters Tech Hub is focused on advancing smart photonic sensing systems while strengthening Montana's technology ecosystem.

🎟️ Early bird registration is available through July 31.

Learn more, view the agenda, and register: https://www.headwaterstechhub.us/events/summit

07/23/2026

A Busy Year of Food Safety Training Across Montana 🥫

From Kalispell to Columbus, MMEC's Food and Process Specialist Claude Smith has been helping Montana's growing community of food and beverage manufacturers strengthen their food safety knowledge and meet regulatory requirements.

Thanks to a partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Development Centers, Claude has delivered food safety trainings in communities across the state, making it easier for small and medium-sized manufacturers to access valuable in-person instruction.

These trainings help manufacturers better understand food safety requirements, develop food safety plans, and build confidence in their processes and operations.

07/22/2026

Why Good People Need Great Systems 🔄

What happens when your best employee takes a day off?

Many manufacturers rely on experienced team members, supervisors, or owners to solve problems, keep production moving, and bridge process gaps. But is that a sustainable way to build a high-performing organization?

In his latest article, MMEC Senior Business Advisor Steve Dybdal explores why even the most talented people can be limited by weak systems, and what manufacturers can do to create a culture that delivers consistent results, develops employees, and reduces dependence on individual heroes.

🔗Read the full article to learn how leading manufacturers build systems that help people succeed: https://www.montana.edu/mmec/news/article.html?id=25441

07/15/2026

We're excited to partner with Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. for their Web Marketing and eCommerce Jam Session THIS FRIDAY (July 17).

The guest speaker wil be one of our favorite marketing experts, Curt Anderson of B2Btail, who will lead a lively, interactive session on practical, affordable ways to increase visibility, attract more customers, and create new sales opportunities through digital marketing and eCommerce.

Join online, or if you're in the Billings area, join the watch party at Rock 31! To register for this no-cost event, sign up here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=cD7h_XNQRk6OYqVdz75l3odNGvmWKU5Mry9JD2mNholURFA2UUdQNTZQMlc0WEhFOFRZTDZMMjRDNS4u&route=shorturl

07/09/2026

From Freezer Failure to Food Innovation: A Montana Rancher’s Big Idea 🐄

A freezer failure on a Montana ranch sparked an idea that is now becoming a new food manufacturing venture. Near Conrad, Lisa Schmidt of A Land of Grass Ranch is developing From the Ground Up, a facility that will transform Montana-raised beef and lamb into shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meals—making local protein more accessible, convenient, and easier to store.

Beyond the meals themselves, this story highlights the role innovation can play in helping ranchers reach new markets and meet changing consumer needs.

🔗Read the full story here: https://www.krtv.com/news/montana-ag-network/montana-ag-network-rancher-works-to-turn-meat-into-shelf-stable-meals

What started as a freezer failure about 15 years ago is now turning into a new way to get Montana-raised meat from the ranch to the pantry.

07/08/2026

The AI Replacement Strategy Isn't Working the Way Many Expected 🖥️

A recent Forbes article examines reports that some organizations are rehiring employees after discovering that certain responsibilities still require human judgment, context, and relationship management alongside AI tools.

The article argues that while AI can help automate routine tasks, many businesses are continuing to evaluate where automation adds value and where human expertise remains important. It also highlights the operational and workforce considerations that come with large-scale AI adoption.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/terdawn-deboe/2026/05/21/companies-fired-workers-for-ai-now-they-want-them-back/

29% of companies that cut staff for AI have already rehired. What small businesses can learn without making the same expensive mistake.

07/07/2026

What’s Driving the Strongest Growth in U.S. Manufacturing Since 2022❓

US manufacturing is showing its strongest growth since 2022, but the drivers behind it are worth paying attention to. Manufacturing output hit a four-year high, fueled not only by stronger demand, but also by reshoring efforts, supply chain resilience strategies, and growing investment in AI infrastructure.

This article offers valuable insight into the trends shaping the future of manufacturing and what leaders should be watching as the industry balances growth, investment, and uncertainty.

👉 Check out the full article here: https://manufacturing-today.com/news/whats-really-driving-us-manufacturings-strongest-growth-since-2022/?utm_source=usmfg.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=usmfgreport&_bhlid=decb4a4c83695b079ab5cfa73969920e8a37dada

US manufacturing reached a four-year high as inventory building and AI investment boosted factory output.

07/03/2026

Ready to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret? 🔓

Food and agriculture businesses often have great products, but reaching a broader audience can be a challenge.

Join this interactive session on Digital Marketing & eCommerce Strategies to learn practical, affordable ways to increase visibility, attract customers, and grow your business online.

Led by presenter Curt Anderson, this session will cover:
- Real-world examples of small manufacturers succeeding online
- Simple, actionable steps you can take right away
- Resources available through Beartooth RC&D and MMEC

Whether you’re just getting started or already selling online, you’ll leave with ideas you can put into action.

📅 July 17
⏰ 10:00 AM MT
💻 Virtual (with optional in-person watch parties)
👉 Learn more and register: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=cD7h_XNQRk6OYqVdz75l3odNGvmWKU5Mry9JD2mNholURFA2UUdQNTZQMlc0WEhFOFRZTDZMMjRDNS4u&route=shorturl

07/02/2026

INTERFACE Montana 2026: Explore What’s Next in IT 💻

Join industry experts on July 29 at Montana State University’s Strand Union Building in Bozeman for INTERFACE Montana 2026, a full-day conference focused on today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

From information security and cloud infrastructure to disaster recovery and AI, this event provides valuable insights into the tools, trends, and strategies shaping modern IT. Attendees will benefit from expert presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitor showcases designed to deliver practical, real-world takeaways.

📅 July 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 MSU Strand Union Building, Bozeman
🔗 Learn more and register: https://f2fevents.com/event/mnt26/

Stay current with the technology that runs your organization and secures your operational infrastructure. Join us at INTERFACE Montana.