Virginia's Manufacturing Growth: Bipartisan Initiatives and Job Creation

NEW APPOINTMENT: Fulcrum Group has announced the appointment of Chris Wood as its new Head of Work Winning, marking another step in the company’s continued expansion and strengthening of its leadership team across the Fulcrum Group, Dunamis, and Maintech Power brands. With more than 40 years of experience in the engineering and infrastructure services sector, Chris brings a wealth of expertise and a strong reputation for building long-term client relationships and driving major project growth. His appointment reflects Fulcrum’s ambition to further enhance its market position in energy infrastructure, utilities, and power connections. In his new role, Chris will focus on identifying and securing new opportunities, fostering customer partnerships, and supporting the Group’s mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality energy solutions across the UK. His deep understanding of the industry and commercial acumen will be key as Fulcrum continues to strengthen its reputation for innovation and delivery excellence. Chris Wood’s appointment is the latest in a series of strategic moves that underline Fulcrum’s commitment to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and customer collaboration. Read more here https://themepsource.com/

Governor Kathy Hochul announces a major boost for North Country manufacturing! Alcoa is investing nearly $60M to modernize its Massena plant 🏭, with $6.2M in performance-based ESD support ⚡. The project secures 500 jobs 💼, supports local families, and reinforces Alcoa’s legacy of innovation and economic leadership in the region. Learn more: https://on.ny.gov/4hlJabj

Get transportation and infrastructure insights from Hill Vice President, Senior Program Manager Mohammad Saleem, P.E. in the October 13 issue of Engineering News-Record (ENR)! In the issue’s “Hear From the Experts” section, Mohammad discusses how an “integrated” consultancy approach is reshaping project delivery and offers solutions for promoting community buy-in on transit megaprojects. Read more here: https://ow.ly/rOBO50Xblzo.

Infrastructure investment continues to dominate public agendas, as highlighted in Engineering News-Record. But while funding decisions capture headlines, the real differentiator lies in execution. That’s where strategic sourcing becomes indispensable. Leaders who treat sourcing as a tactical afterthought risk cost overrun, supply chain disruptions, and missed opportunities. Those who elevate it to a strategic discipline unlock far greater value: - Efficiency at scale: Every dollar is stretched further when procurement is aligned with long-term goals. - Resilience under pressure: Diversified supplier networks protect projects from volatility in materials and labor. - Innovation through partnership: Early supplier engagement accelerates adoption of sustainable and advanced solutions. - Public trust: Transparent sourcing practices demonstrate accountability and stewardship of taxpayer funds. Infrastructure investment is only as strong as the sourcing strategies behind it. For organizations and agencies alike, strategic sourcing is not just procurement, its an investment in future leaders and on-time projects. https://lnkd.in/eEsA-KKy #HeavyCivil #Infrastructure #Leadership #Procurement #SupplyChain #PublicInvestment #ConstructionManagement #ExecutiveSearch

It’s exciting to see how strategic infrastructure investment continues to strengthen the backbone of Texas industries. 🚛 Energy production is gaining more efficient transport of crude, natural gas, and renewable energy supplies to Gulf Coast refineries and export hubs. 🌾 Agriculture and food products are moving more reliably across the state and into national markets. 🏭 Manufacturing and logistics are leveraging more direct access to reach growing consumer and industrial bases. Strategic investment in infrastructure doesn’t just move goods — it fuels opportunity, competitiveness, and long-term growth for Texas industries. Kudos to the City of Midland, Texas and the Midland Development Corporation for supporting this critical expansion and keeping our area at the forefront of growth and energy in Texas.

Listening to Juergen Maier CBE FRS FREng speak in Hull today at the future of manufacturing conference was a reminder that the UK’s path to prosperity is rooted not in nostalgia for industry past, but in reimagining what modern manufacturing and clean energy can achieve together. He spoke passionately about #MadeSmarter — a programme he helped create eight years ago to drive productivity and digital adoption across manufacturing. Its endurance through multiple governments is no accident: it works because it blends technology with something harder to measure — leadership, confidence, and a belief that people are as important as machines in transforming industry. Juergen’s message was clear: manufacturing remains the country’s productivity engine, and clean energy is its future. The Humber is already proving what happens when those two forces combine — from offshore wind and carbon capture to the growing potential of Great British Energy. These aren’t abstract policy ideas; they’re real, job-creating industries that can redefine regional economies. Perhaps the most powerful thought was his call to seize ownership of the clean energy revolution. Floating offshore wind, hydrogen, and flexible energy systems are coming fast — and this time, the UK has the chance to design, engineer, and manufacture them here. “Energy engineered in the UK” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a strategy for long-term competitiveness. Hull and the Humber have the assets — the ports, the skills, the ambition — to lead that charge. The global opportunity is immense. The question Juergen left us with was simple but profound: what share of it do we want to own? #Manufacturing #EnergyEngineeredInTheUK #RSMUK

Download the course brochure for comprehensive details - https://lnkd.in/gQgBWADd This program equips professionals to navigate complex cross-border logistics, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of resources. Effective transportation management is crucial for operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in energy projects. By mastering these skills, you contribute to the global energy industry's resilience and innovation.

Download the course brochure for comprehensive details - https://lnkd.in/gQgBWADd This program equips professionals to navigate complex cross-border logistics, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of resources. Effective transportation management is crucial for operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in energy projects. By mastering these skills, you contribute to the global energy industry's resilience and innovation.

Woodward, Inc. is investing nearly $200 million to open a new manufacturing facility in Spartanburg County, SC—creating about 275 new jobs! #EconomicGrowth #JobCreation #SouthCarolina #Spartanburg #AerospaceIndustry https://lnkd.in/gQh7Rcqv

Operational excellence in the Middle East is being driven by a focus on optimisation across complex energy infrastructure, supported by advanced technologies and evolving best practice. With 50+ years of global experience, a strong local workforce and solutions tailored to assets, Wood is bringing its world-class operations and maintenance capabilities to the Middle East. Ellis Renforth, President of Operations, shares more ⬇️