Capacity Utilization Among U.S. Machinery Manufacturers Reaches Highest Level Since 2018

U.S. industrial production increased in September 2026 to its highest level since December 2018, while capacity utilization among machinery manufacturers reached its highest level since November 2018, according to AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Although production among machinery manufacturers continues to increase, output has not surpassed recent highs. The rise in capacity utilization indicates that manufacturers are using a greater share of their available production capacity as industrial activity expands.

Christopher Chidzik, principal economist at AMT, linked the increased utilization of manufacturing capacity to recent growth in manufacturing technology orders. Orders through August 2026 reached unprecedented levels, according to the association.

Chidzik said rising capacity utilization could drive additional demand for machinery as manufacturers work to meet production requirements without extending lead times.

For manufacturing technology builders, balancing demand with production capacity and managing order backlogs could become increasingly important in the coming months. As manufacturers seek to maintain output levels, equipment investment may play a role in supporting production needs.

The latest industrial production and capacity utilization figures highlight changing conditions across the U.S. manufacturing sector. Continued increases in utilization could influence machinery demand, production schedules and delivery timelines as equipment builders respond to market requirements.