It's just business: Manufacturing moves from GM, Yokogawa, IBM, and more

As manufacturers strive to optimize and improve profitability, they often use various business strategies to stay competitive. These actions include mergers, acquisitions, promotions, layoffs, funding, and much more. Below are just a few of the companies that are making moves and making headlines in the industrial sector. 

Personnel: JP Clausen, a former Tesla executive, stepped down as General Motors' head of manufacturing operations after serving in the role for one year. In a recent LinkedIn post, Clausen wrote: "After a year of incredible experiences and growth, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave General Motors. This wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but it makes sense for me and my family right now. Working at GM has been a defining chapter — one that challenged me, shaped me, and allowed me to contribute to vehicles that millions of people rely on every day. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside brilliant engineers, designers, and most importantly to me, manufacturing experts who are driving real change." 
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Acquisition: Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the acquisition of Singapore-based Web Synergies, a provider of IT and integrated IT/OT solutions, to strengthen its digital transformation (DX) business. The acquisition builds on a long-standing partnership between the two companies and will enhance Yokogawa’s capabilities in cloud services, enterprise data management, and IT/OT security. In a recent quote, Gideon Lim, CEO of Web Synergies, said, “We are proud to now be part of the Yokogawa family. Our leadership team is committed to continuing to leverage our expertise to surpass the expectations set forth by our key stakeholders. With a shared vision for success, we look forward to achieving growth by developing DX business opportunities in the manufacturing industry and the emerging sectors that Yokogawa is targeting.” 
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Acquisition: Nano Dimension Ltd. has completed its $116 million acquisition of Markforged Holding Corporation, securing a significant position in metal and composite manufacturing and advancing its AI-driven digital manufacturing capabilities. The deal was finalized after obtaining regulatory approvals and meeting customary closing conditions. In a recent quote, Ofir Baharav, Chief Executive Officer of Nano Dimension, said, “Nano Dimension remains firmly committed to its vision: building a preeminent digital manufacturing leader. Completing the Markforged acquisition is a major milestone in fulfilling that vision. With proven metal and composite solutions that tightly integrate hardware, cloud-based AI-enhanced software, and materials science, Markforged has played a critical role in manufacturing on factory floors worldwide. Its install base of over 15,000 systems across leading industrial customers can serve as a strong platform for expanding Nano Dimension’s reach.” 
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Partnership: Wabash has announced a strategic partnership with UP.Labs to launch Wabash Venture Lab and co-develop two AI-driven startups aimed at improving configuration workflows and aftermarket parts optimization. In a recent quote, Mike Pettit, chief growth officer at Wabash, said, “Our collaboration with UP.Labs gives us a faster and lower risk path to creating value for our customers and partners. Rather than try to build the right solutions entirely in-house, we’re working with proven venture builders to co-create tools tailored to the needs of our business. From quoting trailers and truck bodies faster to ensuring the right parts are available when and where they’re needed, we’re unlocking smarter, more agile ways to enhance the customer experience and drive innovation.” This initiative is part of Wabash’s broader transformation strategy focused on long-term customer value, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. 
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Investment: IBM announced plans to invest $150 billion in America over the next five years to support economic growth and strengthen its leadership in computing, according to a press release. The investment includes more than $30 billion dedicated to research and development to advance American manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers. In a recent quote, Arvind Krishna, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "Technology doesn't just build the future — it defines it. We have been focused on American jobs and manufacturing since our founding 114 years ago, and with this investment and manufacturing commitment we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world's most advanced computing and AI capabilities." 
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