The manufacturing sector has been pulled in a lot of different directions lately, some of which are reflected in our lineup this week. President Donald Trump’s quest to shrink the federal government results in a high-profile resignation, and although narrowly averted (for now), tariffs on Mexico and Canada could spell trouble for plastics recycling. Meanwhile on the plant floor, data becomes king as the new centerpiece driving jobs, efficiency, and insights.

   — Jennifer Ramsay