Hexagon drives national conversation on smart manufacturing transformation with new “Race to Innovate” event series

Hexagon drives national conversation on smart manufacturing transformation with new “Race to Innovate” event series

(IN BRIEF) Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched the “Race to Innovate” Tour, a four-city U.S. event series focused on tackling key challenges in manufacturing, including workforce shortages, outdated technology, and efficiency gaps. Scheduled stops in Charlotte, Novi, Tempe, and Fullerton will feature live demos, networking, and insights from Hexagon experts. The initiative follows Hexagon’s Americas State of Manufacturing Report, which highlights the need for greater investment in workforce reskilling and digital transformation. The tour underscores Hexagon’s mission to equip manufacturers with technology and expertise for a more innovative and sustainable future.

(PRESS RELEASE) NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, 8-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced the launch of its “Race to Innovate” Tour, a four-city series designed to confront the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. manufacturing industry. The tour will combine live technology demonstrations, expert-led discussions, and hands-on networking experiences to help manufacturers modernize operations, strengthen workforce capabilities, and enhance long-term competitiveness.

The “Race to Innovate” Tour will visit four key manufacturing hubs across the United States:

• Charlotte, NC – Hosted at the Hendrick Motorsports campus, including a behind-the-scenes tour of its quality control lab and race shops.
• Novi, MI – Held at Hexagon’s largest demo and service center in the country.
• Tempe, AZ – Featuring an industry networking event at the Embassy Suites.
• Fullerton, CA – Taking place at Fullerton College, with a guided tour of the Manufacturing Technology Center.

Attendees will gain insight into Hexagon’s latest smart manufacturing technologies, which aim to address challenges such as workforce reskilling, modernizing legacy systems, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Steve Ilmrud, Vice President of Operations, North America at Hexagon, emphasized the tour’s mission:

“Manufacturers today face unprecedented pressures — from talent shortages to outdated equipment. The ‘Race to Innovate’ Tour is about providing the knowledge, technology, and partnerships manufacturers need to overcome these barriers and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”

The initiative follows Hexagon’s recent Americas State of Manufacturing Report, which underscores the urgency for transformation:

• The U.S. manufacturing industry will require 3.8 million additional workers by 2033, yet 1.9 million positions could remain vacant without strategic workforce investment.
• 72% of manufacturers say outdated technology prevents them from attracting or retaining skilled workers.
• Only 8% of organizations believe they are adequately reskilling their workforce.

At each event, Hexagon will demonstrate how its integrated software, metrology, and automation solutions enable real-time process optimization, reduced defect rates, and data-driven productivity gains — helping businesses transition to smarter, more sustainable operations.

The “Race to Innovate” Tour marks a significant milestone in Hexagon’s commitment to supporting the modernization of American manufacturing. By empowering companies with the right tools and training, Hexagon aims to strengthen industry resilience, close the skills gap, and promote sustainable growth for years to come.

For more information or to register for an upcoming event, visit Hexagon’s Race to Innovate Tour page.

About Hexagon:

Hexagon is the global leader in measurement technologies. We provide the confidence that vital industries rely on to build, navigate, and innovate. From microns to Mars, our solutions ensure productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability in everything from manufacturing and construction to mining and autonomous systems.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com.

Media Enquiries
Phillip Lewis
PR and Marketing Manager
Manufacturing Intelligence Americas
pramericas.mi@hexagon.com
Tweets by HexagonMI
+1.248.826.4948

SOURCE: Hexagon AB