The domestic manufacturing sector is poised for a fascinating year. Shifting macroeconomic currents and policy changes are set to reshape the landscape, and for independent recruiters, this means one thing: opportunity.

Are you ready to place talent in a sector that is primed for a rebound? As we step into the new year, several key trends will dictate where the hiring demand lies. Will the burgeoning AI sector squeeze the talent pool? Will the quiet boom in factory construction translate into actual job orders? We have analyzed the landscape to help you prepare your recruitment strategy.

Here are five manufacturing trends you need to watch in 2026 to stay ahead of the curve. Read the rest of this entry »