2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour: A Spotlight on Dallas, Texas
Overview of the Tour
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently continued its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour in Dallas, Texas, highlighting the urgent need for a highly skilled workforce to drive innovation and economic growth in the manufacturing sector. Under the theme “Building the Workforce of the Future,” the event brought together industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing workforce.
Prominent Guests and Locations
Tour stops included the Dallas College Garland Center and the North American headquarters of NTT DATA, a global leader in AI and technology services. Notable attendees included NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, Manufacturing Institute President Carolyn Lee, and Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO Blake Moret. Their discussions illuminated the pivotal role that skilled labor plays in sustaining innovation and economic progress in America.
Manufacturing in Texas: A Powerhouse
Texas boasts nearly 1 million manufacturing workers who contribute substantially to the state’s economy. This sector accounts for between 11% and 13% of Texas’s economic output, making it one of the largest manufacturing workforces in the nation. The importance of this workforce cannot be overstated, as its productivity directly impacts not just local economies but the national landscape as well.
State of the Manufacturing Workforce Address
During her remarks, Lee delivered the Manufacturing Institute’s annual State of the Manufacturing Workforce address at NTT DATA’s headquarters. “For years, manufacturers have said the same thing: if you want a strong economy, you need a strong manufacturing workforce,” she noted. Lee emphasized that workforce development should not be viewed as secondary but as a core strategy for future growth. “We don’t just need people; we need talent,” she emphasized, asserting the necessity for workers to possess the skills required to thrive in modern manufacturing environments.
Panel Discussion on AI and Workforce Integration
A significant highlight of the day was a panel discussion convened by Timmons, featuring Lee, NTT DATA’s Prasoon Saxena, and Celanese’s Sameer Purao. The conversation centered on how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can be integrated into the workforce. Timmons pointed out that the reliance on technology creates a necessity for workers with new skills. “Transformative technology demands a new generation of skills,” he stated, calling on Washington leaders to adopt policies that support workforce development.
FAME Program: A Model for Workforce Development
Following the discussions, the group toured a chapter of the Manufacturing Institute’s FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) program, which focuses on driving workforce development initiatives in Texas. Lee commended Texas’s leadership in expanding FAME and highlighted Dallas College as an exemplary educational partner. This collaboration between education and industry is vital for creating pathways into high-skill, high-wage manufacturing jobs.
Dr. Veronique Tran of Dallas College expressed pride in their role in the FAME program, noting the importance of combining classroom instruction with practical, paid experiences. This integrated approach prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the workforce from day one.
Next Stops on the Tour
Following the successful events in Dallas, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour will continue on to Houston, Texas, and conclude in Phoenix, Arizona, by February 27. Prior stops included major manufacturing states such as New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Each leg of the tour aims to engage with policymakers, manufacturers, students, and business leaders, advocating for the future of American manufacturing.
To learn more about the tour and its objectives, interested parties can visit the NAM’s dedicated webpage for the State of Manufacturing. Additional resources about the manufacturing workforce can also be found on the Manufacturing Institute’s site, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure a skilled workforce for the future.
The 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour is not just an event but a vital campaign that emphasizes the need for a forward-thinking approach to workforce development, ensuring that America remains a hub for manufacturing excellence.
