Major U.S. manufacturing projects and workforce gaps

The pace of change in global supply chains isn’t slowing down — and on this week’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker are back to break down the headlines, trends, and real-world implications leaders need to watch.

From winter storms in metro Atlanta to rising cost pressures and workforce challenges, this episode cuts through the noise to explore what’s shaping supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!

Scott and Marty welcome featured guest, Heidi Benko, VP Product Management and Strategy for Infor Nexus, to join in diving into the biggest stories impacting supply chains today — and what they mean for operators, planners, and executives alike.

Together, they discuss:

1. Why analysts are forecasting a challenging year ahead for the automotive industry and what slow post-pandemic recovery means for manufacturers
2. How the American Logistics Aid Network continues to meet urgent needs — and the growing impact of the “Never Normal” leadership series
3. How Walmart is using AI-driven tools to boost performance during extreme weather events
4. New survey data revealing how tariffs are driving up costs, fueling layoffs, and raising recession concerns across the industry
5. The growing skills gap in manufacturing and why upskilling in data and analytics is becoming mission-critical
6. How AI and digital tools are reshaping retail operations, according to new insights from Infor
7. Bill Gates’ prediction of a future two-day workweek — and why Scott and Marty aren’t fully convinced

The episode also spotlights Infor’s recognition as a leader in global trade management and offers a look ahead at the innovations shaping what’s next.

Tune in for timely insights, thoughtful analysis, and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead in an increasingly unpredictable supply chain landscape.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EPG: https://epg.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-25-JAN-2026
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Our Never Normal Series: https://streamyard.com/watch/yrx5yigeuzvF
5. The Best Logistics Trade Shows and Conferences in 2026: https://bit.ly/4sYCGV9
6. U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/scn-usbank-wts
7. Walmart taps ‘AI-driven systems’ to reroute supply ahead of winter storm: https://bit.ly/Walmart-AI-Storm
8. Trump’s tariffs trigger rising rate of job layoffs inside supply chain: ASCM/CNBC survey: https://cnb.cx/3M7qMHR
9. Major factory construction projects to watch in 2026: https://bit.ly/Major-Mfg-Projects
10. Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/Mfg-Workforce-Webinar
11. EPG Develops AI-Driven Logistics Solutions Powered by NVIDIA Metropolis: https://bit.ly/EPG-News-2026
12. NRF 2026: The technology shaping the next era of apparel, footwear & retail leadership: https://bit.ly/49IWFiY
13. Forget the four-day workweek: https://yhoo.it/4rguNIV
14. Infor team recognized as a leader in the IDC MarketScape for Global Trade Management for Retailers & Importers for 2025 2026: https://bit.ly/Infor-Named-IDC-MarketScape
15. Infor: www.infor.com
16. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidibenko/
17. Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
18. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
19. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
20. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
21. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-two-day-workweek-debate-1539