Plant Tours
Each plant tour offers a unique opportunity to dialog with peers from across industries and functions about best practices, challenges and solutions to moving the manufacturing enterprise forward.
Events
See Manufacturing 4.0 in Action
At an MLC Plant Tour, you’ll get an up-close look at leading manufacturing operations while networking with like-minded peers and finding solutions to your own challenges.
Why Attend
What You'll Take Away
Every tour is built around candid discussion with the host team and your peers.
- Discover proven solutions to common challenges
- Expand your thinking with new processes and practices
- Benchmark your factory's performance against state-of-the-art operations
- Bring back new ideas you can implement faster
Featured Plant Tour
Analog Devices and Eli Lilly Tour
Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the future of manufacturing with the MLC’s multi-site tour of two of Ireland’s most advanced innovation powerhouses: the Analog Devices Catalyst Innovation Hub Europe and Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking $2B greenfield biologics campus in Limerick, Ireland.
Upcoming Plant Tours
Eli Lilly and Analog Devices Plant Tour
Emerson Plant Tour
Siemens Plant Tour
Tour Summaries
MLC Plant Tour: An Up-Close Look at Kohler’s OT/IT Integration
MLC members toured Kohler’s new 1-million-square-foot Arizona smart factory, learning how OT/IT integration, wireless networking and automation support bathtub production and warehouse operations.
Exploring Digital and Physical Convergence at Eclipse Automation
MLC members toured Eclipse Automation’s iPort to see digital twins, AR/VR demos, and shop-floor innovation in action. The event highlighted how digital transformation and automation are accelerating factory design and production.
Digital Manufacturing in Action at GM’s Cadillac Plant in Tennessee
GM’s Cadillac plant in Tennessee uses robotics, AI and automation to improve safety, quality and efficiency, including battery inspections and a robot installing seats on a moving line.
MLC Plant Tour: United Scrap Metal and Its Vision for a Coast-to-Coast Recycling Network
United Scrap Metal grew from a $200 startup to a $725 million recycling network across nine states. MLC members toured its Cicero headquarters to learn about its technology, safety, culture and expansion plans.
In Mexico, Schneider Electric Showcases “Lighthouse” Accomplishments
Schneider Electric showcased its Monterrey, Mexico Lighthouse plant, highlighting EcoStruxure-driven digital manufacturing gains, including 25% less downtime, 29% lower energy use, and zero waste to landfill.
EnerSys Tour Offers Immersive Lean Manufacturing Insights
MLC members explore lean ecosystems, advanced battery production, and agile fulfillment strategies at EnerSys' Richmond facility.
EnerSys’ Richmond, Kentucky, site showcased how embedded lean principles, employee-led improvements and digital tools support agile battery manufacturing, fast “book-and-ship” fulfillment and scalable innovation across legacy and modern operations.
Exploring Automation and Culture at Amazon
From garage to global giant: how innovation, data and machine learning drive Amazon’s BFI4 Fulfillment Center
Amazon’s BFI4 fulfillment center uses robotics, computer vision and machine learning to sort, pack and ship millions of items weekly. The article also highlights Amazon’s innovation culture, built on fast, data-driven decisions.
A Pioneer in Automation Becomes a Champion for Digital Transformation
Rockwell Automation is using MES, IoT, digital twins and real-time analytics to drive digital transformation at its Twinburg plant, boost efficiency and reduce silos. The company is now exploring AI and generative AI to deepen data-driven operations.
Leading through Values at the Vermeer Corporation
Vermeer Corporation’s growth stays rooted in putting people first, building quality products, and giving back. The company pairs Lean, Kaizen, and automation with workforce training and smart technology to improve safety, quality, and ROI.
Dotson Iron Castings’ Story of Survival and Advancement
Dotson Iron Castings has survived repeated setbacks by focusing on people, innovation and sustainability, becoming a Manufacturing 4.0 leader with advanced automation, energy reuse and a strong worker-centered culture.
