Manufacturing Technology Orders Expected to Grow in 2026, Forum Says

Demand for manufacturing technology is expected to continue growing in 2026 following a rebound in 2025, according to insights presented at the 2026 Winter Economic Forum hosted by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Data from the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) Report shows that the value of manufacturing technology orders increased 22.5% in 2025, marking a recovery after three consecutive years of declining orders. However, industry participants tracking performance by the number of machines sold have observed that unit growth has not always matched the rise in total order value.

Changing Relationship Between Units and Order Value

As manufacturing technology orders approached their post-COVID peak in late 2021, the traditional relationship between the number of machines ordered and the total dollar value of those orders began to diverge.

Industry analysts attribute this shift partly to increasing demand for automation systems and highly specialized equipment. Automation technologies often carry higher price points, which can drive order values upward even if the number of machines purchased grows more slowly.

Additionally, the mix of customer industries investing in manufacturing technology has evolved in recent years. Companies engaged in precision manufacturing and specialized production processes are increasingly investing in advanced equipment and automation solutions.

Recovery Since the Pandemic

Manufacturing technology demand rebounded quickly following the economic slowdown triggered by COVID-19 in 2020. During the pandemic, consumer spending shifted toward goods as service-sector activity declined, while supply chain disruptions encouraged companies to expand domestic manufacturing capacity.

By 2021, the value of machinery orders had surged 54.1% compared with the previous year, approaching post-recession peaks.

Outlook for 2026

At the forum, economists from Oxford Economics discussed expectations for the year ahead. Jeremy Leonard, managing director of global industry services at the firm, said the same industries that have driven manufacturing technology demand in recent years are expected to remain key contributors.

Oxford Economics forecasts U.S. industrial production to increase by approximately 1.2% in 2026. According to the firm’s projections, that level of industrial growth could translate into roughly 2% growth in the value of manufacturing technology orders.

Ongoing Industry Forecast Updates

AMT regularly provides updated forecasts and economic analysis through its industry events and research programs. The organization hosts economic briefings throughout the year featuring economists and industry experts who analyze manufacturing trends and demand across key customer sectors.

Upcoming events include additional economic updates and the annual MTForecast conference scheduled for October in Schaumburg, Illinois, where industry leaders review trends affecting manufacturing technology investment and capital equipment demand.

As manufacturers evaluate investment plans for the coming year, forecasts for modest growth in industrial production and continued automation adoption suggest steady demand for manufacturing technology through 2026.