Rising Labor Costs in 2025: How to Maintain Production Without Overstretching Your Workforce

As we progress through 2025, companies across North America – particularly in manufacturing, mining, and logistics – are grappling with a pressing challenge: rising labor costs. From increased minimum wages and inflation-driven salary adjustments to talent shortages in skilled trades, many employers are feeling the squeeze. In a time when operational efficiency is more critical
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How to Optimize Workforce Planning for Summer Maintenance Shutdowns

A single day of unplanned downtime can cost manufacturers up to $50,000 per hour. Yet 73% of industrial facilities experience unexpected delays during summer maintenance shutdowns due to poor workforce planning. Summer maintenance shutdowns are unavoidable—but workforce chaos doesn’t have to be. While temperatures rise and equipment demands peak maintenance, competition for skilled tradespeople intensifies.
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From Overtime to Burnout: Managing Shift Schedules in a Tight Labor Market

Your production line can’t afford to stop, but your people are hitting a wall. When skilled operators become impossible to replace and deadlines won’t budge, overtime feels like your only option. But here’s the reality: that “quick fix” is creating a bigger problem. Overworked employees make costly mistakes, call in sick more often, and eventually
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9 Must-Attend Manufacturing Conferences in the Second Half of 2025

The manufacturing sector continues to evolve rapidly with smart automation, Lean transformation, digital integration, and talent optimization taking center stage. Whether you’re a plant manager, process engineer, HR leader, or operations executive, staying connected through high-value conferences can provide a crucial competitive edge. We’ve curated the top manufacturing conferences in the second half of 2025
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Lean Manufacturing Roles: The Key to Reducing Costs Amid Tariff Changes

The recent reintroduction of Trump tariffs has sent ripples through the manufacturing industry in North America. With supply chain costs rising and profit margins tightening, manufacturing companies are being forced to re-evaluate their operational strategies. While much attention often focuses on reducing equipment downtime, forward-thinking organizations are now prioritizing operational efficiency and lean manufacturing processes
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How HR Leaders Can Ensure Employee Well-being in the Manufacturing Industry

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, employee well-being is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a business imperative. From reducing turnover to boosting productivity and retention, well-being programs are essential for maintaining a healthy and high-performing workforce. But how can HR leaders in the manufacturing sector take tangible steps to improve employee wellness while meeting operational
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