Ranking the Top Five Manufacturing Stories of the Week

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Mario Berra, SVP, Global Manufacturing GSC at BIC will discuss resilience, innovation & leadership in session at 11th annual American Manufacturing Summit
From sustainable manufacturing to industrial robots to electrification, here's the top five manufacturing stories we shared this week

Welcome to our top five stories of the week- a new rapid-fire series where we recount which daily stories have had the biggest impact. 

This series will run every Friday, giving you insight into some of the manufacturing stories you may have missed or may want to read again.

This week we covered everything from sustainable manufacturing to industrial robots, sharing news from some of the world's biggest manufacturers. 

Read on to discover our top five stories and why.

5. Rockwell Automation acquires Clearview Robotics

This week we shared how Rockwell Automation has completed its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics, a leader in autonomous robotics, particularly autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) used in industrial settings.

This acquisition boosts Rockwell's position in autonomous technology, enhancing its industrial and research portfolios.

Clearpath’s AMRs, including OTTO Motors, are transforming manufacturing by enhancing productivity and safety.

The integration supports Rockwell’s vision for end-to-end digital transformation in production logistics.

With the AMR market set to reach US$6.2bn by 2027, Rockwell is positioned to capitalise on this expanding trend.

This is a top story as it highlights the growing importance of industrial robots to global manufacturing.

4. ABB & Škoda Group accelerate railway innovation

A battery train from Skoda Group

Another important story covered was how ABB and Škoda Group have partnered to enhance sustainable rail transport in the Czech Republic.

ABB will supply its Traction Battery Pro Series for Škoda’s new fleet of battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) which will be used by the national railway operator, České dráhy.

This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions and support the transition to greener operations.

The agreement, valued under US$20m, includes 195 battery packs and a 15-year service contract, marking a significant step in railway electrification and environmental progress.

Why is this a top story? Because it spotlights both the critical progression of electrification in the global railway sector and ABB's dedication to sustainable manufacturing.

3. Critical gaps found in meeting CSRD requirements

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Our third top story of the week was our article highlighting Assent’s research on manufacturers' readiness for the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) effective from April 2025.

Assent's research revealed critical gaps in meeting new ESG reporting requirements.

The CSRD mandates companies to disclose environmental and social risks, including carbon emissions, human rights, and biodiversity impact.

Assent found that while 99% of companies have integrated ESG into strategies, many struggle with data collection, reporting and meeting diverse global standards.

Notably, only 24% met biodiversity disclosure requirements. Assent’s report urges manufacturers to overhaul their sustainability reporting practices to align with CSRD.

By highlighting a vital gap that must be addressed in ESG reporting, this piece helps drive greater manufacturing sustainability- making it a top pick of the week.

2. Saudi Aramco pivots to sustainable manufacturing

Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, is pivoting towards sustainability in response to climate change.

Despite producing nearly 10% of global oil, Aramco is investing heavily in R&D for sustainable alternatives and partnering with carbon capture initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company is also diversifying by entering the lithium market, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, through a partnership with Ma'aden.

This shift positions Aramco to lead in the energy transition, supporting both its business and Saudi Arabia’s net-zero goals.

This is our second top story of the week, due to the promise it holds for sustainable energy manufacturing. 

As the world's largest oil company, Saudi Aramco has significant global influence, and its pivot will inspire other manufacturers to explore similar options.

1. BIC's model for global & operational manufacturing success

Mario Berra, SVP, Global Manufacturing GSC at BIC will discuss resilience, innovation & leadership in session at 11th annual American Manufacturing Summit

In our top piece of the week, Mario Berra, Senior Vice President of Global Manufacturing at BIC, discusses his journey, leadership strategies, and innovation.

Set to speak at the 11th Annual American Manufacturing Summit, he highlights BIC's shift towards a global, interconnected manufacturing model, where teams across twelve sites worldwide collaborate to drive continuous improvement.

His key focus is empowering employees through the "BIC Up" methodology, fostering a culture of idea generation and operational efficiency.

Berra shares insights on navigating challenges like inflation and geopolitical issues with strategies that balance local needs and global strategies, aiming to build resilience through collaboration and communication.

He emphasizes the importance of engaging employees by demonstrating how their ideas lead to tangible outcomes.

This is our top piece of the week due to its vital discussion of manufacturing leadership and innovation strategies- vital for all to understand across the industry. 


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