The hottest Manufacturing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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I’m Pumped That Tariffs Will Bring Our Blue Collar Manufacturing Jobs Back From Europe

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Manufacturing
  1. Tariffs are being used to bring back blue collar manufacturing jobs from Europe to the US. This is seen as a way to help American workers who have struggled with competition from lower-wage jobs overseas.
  2. While tariffs may raise costs for consumers, supporters believe the benefits of more jobs outweigh these drawbacks. American workers could see their wages increase as foreign competition decreases.
  3. Critics argue that these tariffs could harm other industries, like auto manufacturing, and raise prices for everyone. There's concern about the long-term effects on trade relationships and the economy.

Scaling Up Battery Production with 425+ New Factories

Exponential Industry • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The battery supply chain consists of six main segments, including raw material mining, material processing, and recycling.
  2. Battery pack manufacturing plants are expected to increase globally to over 500 by 2030 due to the rising demand for electric vehicles.
  3. Choosing the right battery chemistry is crucial for battery OEMs as it impacts performance, costs, and manufacturing efficiency.

Forge Biologics

axialdaily • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Forge Biologics is a gene therapy manufacturing company in Ohio led by Tim Miller.
  2. They have one of the largest AAV manufacturing facilities with collaborations with other companies.
  3. Forge Biologics aims to increase biomanufacturing capacity and focuses on treating Krabbe Disease.

Taking a Peep at America's Factory Boom

Exponential Industry • 19 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. On-demand manufacturing platforms and digital twins are hot trends as supply chain shortages continue.
  2. Companies in the USA and Japan are reshoring production, leading to a surge in construction spending for manufacturing facilities.
  3. Mexico's auto parts industry is adapting for the EV era by focusing on new materials and technologies.

Taking a Power Swap - Charting NIO's Journey

Tech Buzz China Insider • 19 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. NIO's battery swap system sets it apart from other EV companies, offering a unique advantage by reducing vehicle prices through battery separation.
  2. NIO has evolved its battery swap stations from first to second generation, with plans for third generation stations that prioritize automation and unstaffed operation.
  3. Despite the benefits, the adoption of NIO's battery swap technology faces challenges due to the specific battery requirements and potential safety concerns, raising questions about the future convergence of battery swapping and fast charging.
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Unrelenting AI Adoption in Design and Manufacturing

Exponential Industry • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. AI adoption is rapidly advancing in various industries like automotive design, robotics, and textile handling.
  2. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating AI technologies, with a strong preference for cloud vendors like Microsoft.
  3. Companies are investing billions of dollars in AI, automation, and manufacturing facilities to drive innovation and efficiency.

Transmission line explorations

Only Wonder Knows • 19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. When designing for high speeds, it's important to investigate the terrain, understand the influencing factors, and make informed decisions.
  2. For differential transmission lines, attention to impedance match and signal attenuation is crucial for maintaining signal integrity.
  3. Factors like coupling effects, dielectric thickness, solder mask, copper thickness, and material choice all play key roles in high-speed design outcomes.

Mexico's Investment Boom

Apricitas Economics • 63 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Mexico is experiencing a significant investment boom driven by major public works projects and supply-chain nearshoring.
  2. The construction boom in Mexico, particularly in southern states, has been fueled by massive public works projects like the Tren Maya and Dos Bocas refinery.
  3. Mexico's export manufacturing sector is growing, with a focus on genuine manufacturing growth in industries like computer, appliance, and motor vehicle production.

Deep Tech For Deep Minds? Or Deep Pockets?

Investing 101 • 59 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. The history of venture capital reveals a significant role played by hardware companies in the tech industry's early days, tracing back to the 1950s and even earlier.
  2. The decline in hardware investment by VCs in favor of software has had implications on manufacturing and American industrial capabilities, with a recent resurgence in manufacturing employment in the US.
  3. The recent interest in hard tech and manufacturing by VCs has led to a new wave of investment, sparked by success stories like SpaceX and Nvidia, raising concerns about hype cycles and the need for a deeper understanding of the complexities of hard tech startups.

Just how much battery is needed by China alone?

TP’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. China needs a huge amount of batteries for electric cars, with estimates suggesting around 1.3 terawatt-hours just for passenger vehicles. This shows a big shift towards electric cars in the country.
  2. The demand for batteries isn't just from cars; commercial vehicles also need a lot, with predictions of roughly 1 terawatt-hour for all types of trucks and other commercial vehicles. This means a lot of growth in the electric vehicle sector.
  3. To support a greener energy grid, China might need around 10 terawatt-hours of battery storage for renewable energy. This highlights that as they move to renewable energy, battery production has to increase significantly to meet these needs.

After the Global Factory

European Straits • 7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Apple was able to succeed in manufacturing by controlling key parts of its value chain while outsourcing the rest. This allowed them to maintain high value without owning all the factories.
  2. Companies don’t need to own everything to be successful in manufacturing; they just need to control the important parts where they can influence the entire process.
  3. Manufacturing is complex and tricky. Successful companies find ways to balance costs with strategies that create value, ensuring they earn profits even when things get challenging.

The PromethION...

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🔬 Science Manufacturing
  1. The PromethION flowcell might have a lower cost of goods sold compared to the MinION. This could be a reason for its continued use despite falling sales of the MinION.
  2. There’s speculation about who is involved in making and designing the PromethION and its costs. Understanding this could shed light on its future.
  3. The author seems to question why Oxford is not considering cancelling the MinION given its declining sales, which shows concern for business decisions.

Europe's second 'China shock' is blessing in disguise

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 09 Dec 25
💰 Finance Manufacturing
  1. Cheap Chinese exports are once again putting heavy competitive pressure on European manufacturers, repeating a shock similar to two decades ago.
  2. The flood of lower-priced imports is pushing down consumer prices and easing inflationary pressures across Europe.
  3. That disinflation gives the European Central Bank more leeway to cut interest rates in 2026, potentially easing financial conditions and supporting growth.

How Weight Loss Drugs Stopped a Danish Recession

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Demand for weight loss drugs in Denmark prevented a recession by boosting pharmaceutical exports
  2. Danish pharmaceutical industry experienced massive growth in production but faced challenges meeting demand
  3. The export boom in pharmaceuticals positively impacted Danish economy but did not fully translate to domestic consumption growth

Manufacturing Jobs Might Come Back: Safer and Fair? Not Clear

Gad’s Newsletter • 38 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Manufacturing jobs in the US are seeing an increase in employment due to domestic production efforts and legislation like the Chips Act.
  2. Wage fairness and safety remain concerns in the manufacturing industry, despite some improvements over time.
  3. Enhancing productivity and improving worker conditions must go hand in hand for sustainable progress in the manufacturing sector.

Ion Torrent Proton Chip Manifold

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The Ion Torrent Proton uses a unique chip manifold design that is quite intricate and beautiful. It seems it can't be made from a single piece; instead, it might need to be made in two parts and then joined together.
  2. The chip manifold's complexity showcases advanced engineering in its design and fabrication process. This attention to detail highlights the innovation in developing such technology.
  3. The information shared is for paid subscribers, indicating that there are exclusive insights available for those who support the content. It's a way to provide deeper knowledge to interested readers.

Small Mercies

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. India is set to approve a $10 billion subsidy for semiconductor manufacturing, which is a big step for the tech industry. People are eager to see if this will lead to actual semiconductor plants in the country soon.
  2. The success of this project heavily relies on the partnership between Vedanta and Foxconn, who are investing a significant amount to make this happen. They had plans for a major manufacturing unit, but funding is a major concern.
  3. Despite the exciting prospects, there are still uncertainties about when and how soon India can have its semiconductor fab operational. Many are curious about the timeline and the challenges that lie ahead.

We are as gods

Kvetch • 50 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. The evolution of technology has allowed for incredible precision and complexity, such as the growth of jet engine blades from a single crystal of metal.
  2. The history of precision engineering is intertwined with the rise of different nations, from Britain to America to Japan.
  3. Advancements in engineering have led to mind-blowing feats, like printing transistors at atomic scales using extreme ultraviolet radiation.

March 2023 Roundup

Intercalation Station • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. New regulations for protecting marine life through ocean protection agreement
  2. Focus on advancements in silicon anode technology for batteries in smartphones and electric vehicles
  3. Decrease in raw material prices like lithium, nickel, and cobalt due to increased production and demand dynamics

US Supply Chains are Recovering

Apricitas Economics • 42 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. US supply chains are recovering after facing crises due to the pandemic.
  2. Constraints like materials shortages and logistics issues are decreasing, indicating improvements in the supply chain.
  3. Consumer demand for goods has slowed down, leading to manufacturers facing more demand constraints than supply constraints.

Terraform Industries

cleanenergyreview • 1 HN point • 04 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Terraform Industries aims to produce cheap, carbon-neutral methane by using solar energy, air, and technology, potentially transforming global energy markets.
  2. Terraform's business model is highly leveraged on decreasing costs of utility-scale solar PV, making it an audacious and potentially game-changing venture.
  3. Early demand for Terraform's product may come from sectors willing to pay for carbon-neutral gas and those with lower electricity costs, creating a diverse customer base.

India On The Heels Of USA In Defense And Space Manufacturing - Could It Outpace By 2030?

Golden Pineapple • 31 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. India is making significant strides in defense and space manufacturing, with 10% of growing companies in the industry based there.
  2. The top 10 fastest growing companies in defense and space manufacturing include notable names like Mach Industries, Pixxel, and Vannevar Labs.
  3. About 70% of the 117 growing defense and space manufacturing companies prioritize the engineering department, showing a strong focus on technology and innovation.

AI and robotics for deep automation

AI Prospects: Toward Global Goal Convergence • 1 HN point • 21 May 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. AI and robotics will transform manufacturing by scaling production, reducing costs, and increasing possibilities.
  2. Humanoid robots are not practical for manufacturing due to cost, clumsiness, and inefficiency compared to specialized machines.
  3. Automation in mass production focuses on designing and constructing machines efficiently, with AI playing a key role in breaking production bottlenecks.

Some tariffs are worse than others

Economic Forces • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. Tariffs can hurt jobs and the economy, especially when they target parts instead of finished products. This can raise costs for manufacturers and lead to job losses.
  2. Not all tariffs are created equal; some can actually help domestic industries if designed carefully, but they can also create odd workarounds that waste resources.
  3. Policymakers need to think carefully about how they set tariffs. Simple solutions often lead to complex problems that can waste money and resources.

Data-Driven Design: Breaching the Boundaries of Creation

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Data-driven design is revolutionizing manufacturing by partnering with nature and using intricate data.
  2. To fully realize the potential of advanced manufacturing techniques, tools and platforms need to be developed to enhance and integrate with them.
  3. DDMM combines data and design to create innovative, intelligent, and precise outcomes in the realm of material discovery and manufacturing.

Is Brazil the perfect market for BYD?

TP’s Substack • 14 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Manufacturing
  1. BYD is investing heavily in Brazil to expand its market presence due to factors like high local auto prices, lack of competition, and access to local resources like lithium and iron.
  2. Brazil offers ample opportunities for BYD in sectors beyond automotive, such as renewable energy, electric buses, and possibly semiconductor technology.
  3. BYD's focus on AI and advanced technologies like autonomous driving will be crucial for success in South America, where smart features are becoming increasingly attractive to customers.

Automation at BYD Factory

TP’s Substack • 13 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. China has seen a significant increase in the use of industrial robots, with over half of the world's installations by 2022.
  2. BYD, a prominent Chinese company, has highly automated factories with impressive features like 97% automation and self-developed tire grabbing machines.
  3. Embracing Industry 4.0 and automation, BYD factories showcase advanced technologies like robots for assembly, painting, and welding, achieving high levels of efficiency and productivity.

Contra Scott on AI Races

Bretton Goods • 24 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. Under a slow takeoff, the race for general AI is indefinite, and staying ahead is crucial for maintaining an advantage.
  2. In an indefinite race, falling behind can result in a significant GDP gap with long-term implications for military conflicts.
  3. Economic and technological advantages, especially driven by AI, play a critical role in modern warfare scenarios, emphasizing the importance of competitiveness.

Parallel Tracks: observations from the Jade Empire (Part 1)

East Wind • 7 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Manufacturing
  1. China and the US are in a tech race, but with different goals. China wants to become independent in key tech areas, while the US aims to bring manufacturing back home and limit China's advancements.
  2. China's economy is struggling, leading to a need for change. There are big problems like falling real estate prices and decreased foreign investment, which push China to improve its tech game.
  3. China is doing well in consumer tech, but it’s vying for a bigger role in high-end technologies like EVs and semiconductors. The US is currently ahead in areas like AI, but competition is growing.

The Model T

subtract • 5 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💾 History Manufacturing
  1. The Model T was created to be a powerful workhorse for chores and travel, solving the problem by providing a better way for families to transport, drive, and handle rough environments - all at an affordable price.
  2. Automobiles initially targeted the wealthy until the Model T made transportation more accessible, easier to drive, and rugged for off-road use, catering to average-income families' needs.
  3. Henry Ford's relentless pursuit of innovation, from creating a new steel type for a lighter car to pioneering manufacturing and marketing strategies, led the Model T to become the go-to option for American consumers, fundamentally changing the automotive industry.