NAM Moves into Manufacturing Operations and Technology Space with Acquisition

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons today announced plans to continue the NAM’s ambitious organizational growth with the acquisition of the Manufacturing Leadership Council (MLC). The MLC is a leader in providing best practices, data and insights to manufacturing companies of all sizes on Manufacturing 4.0, the next wave of technological breakthroughs driving innovation in the industry. In keeping with the NAM’s 2020 Vision, the long-term growth plan developed under Timmons’ leadership, this acquisition will expand the association’s reach, operational expertise and diverse array of services available to NAM members.

“We are continuing to implement a vision we laid out more than three years ago when we made a commitment to provide programming that exceeds our members’ expectations and demonstrates what the modern business association should be,” said Timmons. “This acquisition is a milestone for the NAM and enhances the value proposition for our members at a time when trade associations are being asked to deliver an ever-growing array of services in addition to exceptional government relations leadership. The MLC will give the NAM access to unparalleled expertise and knowledge, while expanding our reach in the industry and diversifying our revenue streams—all in service to our mission of building a more successful and competitive manufacturing industry in the United States.”

The MLC provides its membership access to real-world insights from other manufacturing professionals on topics such as artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, additive manufacturing, current workforce digital readiness and cybersecurity. MLC co-founder David R. Brousell will continue to lead the MLC’s day-to-day operations as vice president and executive director, reporting to NAM Chief Operating Officer Todd Boppell, who successfully negotiated and executed the deal on behalf of the NAM.

“The NAM is a natural home for the MLC. It’s a win–win for our current members, and we look forward to sharing our resources and programming with a growing number of manufacturing leaders,” said Brousell. “Thanks in part to the NAM’s leadership, manufacturing in America is seeing incredibly strong growth, and the MLC is committed to providing the cutting-edge insights on the advanced technology, organization and leadership requirements of Manufacturing 4.0, a pivotal trend that is redefining industry competitiveness in the global market.”

As part of the acquisition, the MLC’s staff will join the NAM team. More information on the MLC can be found here.