What’s good, MFGs!

Intel's new leadership is reportedly weighing a major shift in its chip manufacturing business. The potential plan would shelve the current 18A process to focus company resources on its next-generation '14A' technology.

It's a high-stakes gamble that could result in a massive write-off for investments already made in the 18A process. The question is whether this costly pivot will be enough for Intel to leapfrog its rival TSMC and reclaim its manufacturing dominance.

In today’s MFG recap:

• Intel's potential pivot to 14A chips

• HP's new pop-up 3D printing factories

• The U.S. bill to end EV tax credits

• India's $18B smart city manufacturing plan

MFG NOW: According to an exclusive report, Intel's new CEO is weighing a major pivot in its foundry business, potentially shelving its 18A process for external clients to focus on the next-gen '14A' and retake its manufacturing lead from TSMC.

Unpacked:

• The move aims to win over major clients like Apple and Nvidia by focusing resources on 14A, a process where Intel believes it can gain a competitive advantage over rival TSMC.

• This is a high-stakes decision that could result in a write-off of hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars for the work already invested in the 18A process.

• The review is being driven by CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who was appointed in March with a clear mandate to turn the company around and restore its leadership position.

Bottom line: This potential shift signals Intel is willing to make aggressive, costly decisions to reclaim its manufacturing dominance. A successful pivot to 14A could significantly alter the global semiconductor landscape by offering a formidable U.S.-based alternative to TSMC.

The Pop-Up Factory

MFG NOW:The Recap: Firestorm Labs is partnering with HP to deploy mobile 3D printing factories inside shipping containers, enabling on-demand production of critical parts in the world's most remote locations.

Unpacked:

• The system, called xCell, packs a complete manufacturing facility into two expandable 20-foot containers designed for rapid global deployment.

• These mobile factories can produce mission-critical components and entire unmanned aerial systems, with a stated capacity of up to 50 units per month.

• Built for self-sufficiency, the entire system can run on generators or battery backups, making it ideal for disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and forward operating bases.

Bottom line: This collaboration marks a shift from static supply chains to a dynamic, in-situ production model. It solves major logistical hurdles by enabling organizations to create essential equipment precisely where and when it's needed most.

U.S. Puts Brakes on EV Credits

MFG NOW: The Recap: The U.S. Senate has passed a bill to end the $7,500 new and $4,000 used EV tax credits, prompting warnings from advocacy groups that the move threatens American manufacturing and could hand EV leadership to China.

Unpacked:

• The move puts $100 billion in investments and 80,000 manufacturing jobs created since 2022 at risk, according to industry nonprofit Calstart.

• The bill does include a revised battery production tax credit that protects domestic projects, like Ford’s $3 billion Michigan plant, and prohibits Chinese companies from eligibility.

• It also eliminates penalties for automakers that miss corporate fuel economy targets, which could reduce the incentive to shift production from gas-powered vehicles to EVs.

Bottom line: This legislation supports domestic battery manufacturing but risks slowing overall EV adoption and weakening U.S. competitiveness. The focus now shifts to the House of Representatives, whose decision will be pivotal for the future of American EV manufacturing.

India's Manufacturing Renaissance

MFG NOW:The Recap: U.S. firm Jacobs Engineering is spearheading India's $18 billion plan to build 12 greenfield smart cities, a foundational project in the country's strategy to become a global manufacturing hub.

Unpacked:

• The initiative aims to create 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect roles by developing advanced manufacturing and logistics ecosystems from scratch.

• Each city will feature "plug-and-play" facilities with integrated power and smart logistics, designed to attract global companies seeking alternatives to China.

• This project supports the national PM GatiShakti Master Plan, which intends to cut logistics costs by 10-15% through better infrastructure connectivity.

Bottom line: This project represents a major step in establishing India as a serious contender in global manufacturing by using modern infrastructure to attract investment. The development offers a real-world example of how new, efficient supply chain hubs are being built to reshape international trade flows.

The Shortlist

Chattanooga highlights how its Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) is exploring AI for quality control, logistics, and workforce planning through a new educational series.

Moog completed a new electromechanical actuation facility to boost manufacturing of precision steering and control systems for key space and defense programs like NASA's Space Launch System.

Aon appointed David Carlson as its new global industrial and manufacturing leader, signaling a focus on using advanced strategies to tackle complex client challenges like supply chain volatility.