Manufacturing’s next ‘Henry Ford moment’

When Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line in 1913, manufacturing changed forever. Ford’s innovation paved the way for transformation, and those who embrace the future now will define manufacturing to 2028 and beyond.

Technological advancements, consumer demand and global markets have always had the power to change the manufacturing industry, and in the coming years it is inevitable that we will see some big changes. Here are some of the key catalysts of the transformation of modern manufacturing set to shape the industry to 2028.

The rise of the ‘smart factory’

The manufacturing sector is already seeing fundamental shifts thanks to the evolution of digital innovations. Automation and AI are transforming the factory floor, and this trend is set to continue.

Despite the obvious advantages of digitalisation, McKinsey estimates that only 30 per cent of manufacturers have successfully scaled Industry 4.0 innovations beyond pilot stage. That’s a missed opportunity, considering the potential to unlock $37 trillion in additional value. However, with smart manufacturing set to double by 2030, it looks as though more businesses are seizing its potential. The 2024 World Manufacturing Report projects that in the next few years, smart factories will be the norm.