Automotive Manufacturing North America 2026 Agenda

15:00

Registration open

16:00

Intro and welcome to Automotive Manufacturing North America

AMS Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig opens the conference and shares why manufacturers in North America need to ensure their cost control aligns with goals to make automotive production more flexible, resilient and local. As the industry transforms, OEMs and suppliers must exploit opportunities in manufacturing technologies across AI, automation, vision systems and more.

16:10

[Presentation] Ges-Fusion: Gestamp’s Shopfloor Digitalisation Journey

A case study on how Gestamp is using Ges-Fusion to support shopfloor digitalisation, connecting tools, data, processes and teams to make manufacturing operations more connected, efficient and adaptable.

Mohan Swaminathan Mohan Swaminathan Operations Director - US Region
Gestamp North America
16:30

Smart factory execution: Adapting to constant change

Automotive Manufacturing North America opens with an exploration of how production teams can best manage and master volatility, including maximising flexibility. Learn about the tools, data, processes and skills needed to make factories not only connected, automated and efficient, but even more adaptable.

Mohan Swaminathan Mohan Swaminathan Operations Director - US Region
Gestamp North America
Carlo Emanuele Carlo Emanuele Engineering Group Manager — Software Defined Automation Intelligence
General Motors
17:00

Making every dollar count: Managing cost and capex for more competitive, reliable North American manufacturing

This session will focus on maximising investments and controlling capital expenditure at automotive plants through more efficient brownfield upgrades, retooling equipment and enhanced maintenance strategies. 

Arun Prakash Mantena Arun Prakash Mantena Global Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering-Stamping
Lucid Motors
Adam Polcha Adam Polcha Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Development Center
Daimler Trucks North America
17:45

Meet the Speakers & Networking Reception

A relaxed opportunity to engage with industry leaders and fellow attendees. You will also hear from some of the leaders and experts speaking at the conference, to learn more about what is changing in North American automotive manufacturing, insight into their careers and a sneak peek at the exciting discussions to come on Thursday.

Drinks reception ends at 20:00

Arun Prakash Mantena Arun Prakash Mantena Global Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering-Stamping
Lucid Motors
Carlo Emanuele Carlo Emanuele Engineering Group Manager — Software Defined Automation Intelligence
General Motors
Mohan Swaminathan Mohan Swaminathan Operations Director - US Region
Gestamp North America
Adam Polcha Adam Polcha Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Development Center
Daimler Trucks North America

Key topics

Cost & capital efficiency
Design for manufacturing
Flexible production
Practical automation
AI at scale
Workforce evolution