Automotive Manufacturing North America 2026 Agenda

15:00

Registration open

15:45

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.

Christopher Ludwig Christopher Ludwig Moderator
Chief Content Officer
Automotive Manufacturing Solutions & Ultima Media
16:00

[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
16:20

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
Eric Whitley Eric Whitley Director of Smart Manufacturing
L2L
17:00

[Panel] 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
Marla Stern Marla Stern Manager, Manufacturing Excellence
Tenneco
17:45

Networking Reception & Manufacturing Townhall

A relaxed opportunity to engage with automotive manufacturing leaders, our speakers and fellow attendees over networking, drinks and nibbles. Get the chance to meet and interact with many of our leaders and experts speaking at the conference. Come to relax to learn more about what is changing in North American automotive manufacturing and feel the vibes across the audience. 

Meet and interact with speakers including:

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
Marla Stern Marla Stern Manager, Manufacturing Excellence
Tenneco
Eric Whitley Eric Whitley Director of Smart Manufacturing
L2L

Key topics

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