Machinist Weekly Brief: May 6–12, 2025
The week of May 6th to 12th, 2025, presented a dynamic landscape for the machining and manufacturing sectors in the United States. A notable labor action at a major aerospace engine manufacturer captured attention, highlighting ongoing discussions around fair compensation and job security within the industry. Simultaneously, significant capital investments and expansion announcements across various manufacturing segments, particularly in the burgeoning biopharmaceutical sector, signaled potential growth and evolving opportunities for skilled tradespeople. This blend of labor challenges and industry expansion paints a complex picture for machinists navigating the current economic environment.
The week began with a significant labor dispute as approximately 3,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) initiated a strike on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Pratt & Whitney facilities located in East Hartford and Middletown, Connecticut. This work stoppage, which continued throughout the covered week, stemmed from a breakdown in negotiations between the union and the jet engine manufacturer regarding crucial aspects of their contract, including wages, retirement benefits, and job security. This marked the first strike for the IAM at Pratt & Whitney since 2001, demonstrating the seriousness of the impasse.
Published: May 5, 2025
Thousands of machinists union members go on strike at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney | Connecticut Public
Merck Animal Health Announces Massive Expansion of Kansas FacilityIn a significant development for the manufacturing sector, Merck Animal Health revealed plans for an $895 million capital expansion project at its existing manufacturing facility located in De Soto, Kansas. This substantial investment, recognized as the second-largest private investment in the history of Kansas, underscores the growing importance of the animal health industry. The majority of the funds, $860 million, will be allocated to expand the current manufacturing capabilities, specifically increasing the capacity for filling and freeze-drying large molecule vaccines and biologic products. An additional $35 million will be dedicated to enhancing research and development efforts.
Published: May 8, 2025
Merck Animal Health Investing $895M in De Soto Plant Expansion
Genentech Plans $700M+ Manufacturing Facility in North CarolinaAdding to the wave of significant investments in U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturing, Genentech, a prominent member of the Roche Group, announced its intention to invest more than $700 million in establishing a new, state-of-the-art drug manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This development marks Genentech’s first manufacturing presence on the East Coast of the United States. The expansive 700,000-square-foot facility is strategically planned to support the company’s pipeline of next-generation therapies, particularly in the area of obesity treatments.
Published: May 12, 2025
Genentech Plans North Carolina Manufacturing Facility, Expanding Roche’s US Footprint
Piramal Pharma Investing $90M in Kentucky and Michigan SitesContinuing the trend of pharmaceutical companies bolstering their U.S. manufacturing capabilities, Piramal Pharma announced an investment of $90 million across two of its existing facilities. A significant portion of this investment, $80 million, will be directed towards the Lexington, Kentucky, site to expand its manufacturing space by 24,000 square feet and to install new, advanced equipment. This includes the addition of a new filling line, two commercial-sized lyophilizers, a capping machine, and an external vial washer. These upgrades are anticipated to be completed and operational by late 2027.
Published: May 12, 2025
Piramal Pharma to Invest $90 Million at Kentucky & Michigan Sites
Tools & Tips
- New Speed Drills and Inserts for Enhanced Machining: For machinists looking to improve their drilling efficiency and tool life, Monaghan Tooling Group has introduced the MK Tools’ R4 Speed Drill series. These solid carbide drills are designed for high-speed precision hole making in a variety of materials, featuring an optimized geometry for superior chip evacuation. Additionally, Allied Machine and Engineering now offers a new M geometry insert for their GEN3SYS XT Pro high penetration drill, which is engineered to provide better tool life, particularly in stainless steel applications. Staying updated on the latest advancements in cutting tools can significantly impact machining productivity.
2025 Buyer’s Guide: Tooling & Workholding Product Releases | Fabricating & Metalworking
- Optimize Your CNC Machining with hyperMILL® 2025: For those working with CNC machines, OPEN MIND Technologies has recently showcased the latest innovations and enhancements in their hyperMILL® 2025 CAD/CAM software suite. Key features include an improved 5-axis automatic tool orientation mode, which streamlines programming for complex components, and a new, efficient 5-axis hole deburring strategy. Leveraging advanced CAM software can lead to more efficient and accurate machining processes, ultimately saving time and reducing errors.
OPEN MIND Technologies to Debut New Innovations, Enhancements in… | OPEN MIND
Fun Fact
Did you know that the initial push for the development of modern CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining technology came from the demands of the aerospace industry during the 1950s jet aircraft boom? The intricate and high-precision parts required for these advanced aircraft exceeded the capabilities of traditional manual machining techniques. This necessity drove the innovation of computer-controlled machines, revolutionizing manufacturing and laying the foundation for the advanced machining we see today.
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Have you participated in any machining events or utilized new machining tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.