Preparing for 5 Years of Growth…Are You Ready?

The year 2024 has presented a flat landscape for many in the heat-treating industry. Since the first quarter of 2023, ITR Economics, the forecasting partner of the Metal Treating Institute (MTI), has predicted a downturn for the year. While this is not welcome news, the advantage is that the industry had time to prepare and implement strategies to weather the downturn.

However, there is good news on the horizon. ITR is forecasting a steady recovery for 2025 and 2026. MTI Members will want to closely follow the next two MTI forecasting reports, coming in November and February. The November report will be the first after the U.S. elections, while February’s report will provide an early look at projections for 2027. If 2027 also promises growth, it raises a crucial question: How will your business maximize its potential in a climate of increasing demand, especially as the labor shortage looms for the remainder of the decade?

To support growth and resilience, MTI’s Board of Trustees, volunteers, and management team have been actively enhancing resources to help Members improve their people, productivity, and profitability. As you prepare for 2025, here are five key MTI resources that over 70% of MTI Member companies already rely on:

1. Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Monthly Trends & Quarterly Forecasting Reports

A best practice among MTI Members is setting up monthly strategy meetings with key leadership to review MTI’s trend and forecast reports. The trends analysis highlights heat treat sales across the U.S. and Canada, segmented into nine regions. By understanding where business is rising or falling, your team can strategize accordingly. Meanwhile, the Quarterly Forecast Reports offer a three-year outlook for heat treat sales and the eight key industry segments that drive them. These reports empower you to make data-driven decisions—whether to invest, divest, or hold steady in specific markets.

CLICK HERE to view the latest Trend Report

CLICK HERE to view the latest Forecast Report

2. Knowledge Transfer: Preparing Younger Managers with Technical Training

One of the greatest concerns voiced by MTI Members is the potential loss of institutional knowledge when experienced managers retire. To mitigate this, MTI’s Online Academy offers seven certificate programs designed to accelerate the development of younger employees in technical roles. With programs tailored for everyone from furnace operators to plant managers, the academy automates your training process, freeing up HR and management teams to focus on customer experience and operational improvements. A common best practice is for teams to take the courses together and then engage in discussions around three key questions:

• What did we learn?
• What is relevant to our operations?
• How can we improve throughput and productivity based on this knowledge?

CLICK HERE to view details of the MTI Online Academy.

3. Improving Worker Retention: Leadership Development with MTI’s Keys to Supervisory Management

Studies show that employees don’t leave companies—they leave managers. In today’s fast-paced environment, many people are thrust into leadership roles without the proper skills to manage people effectively. To combat this, MTI encourages all companies to have managers overseeing two or more employees take the "Keys to Supervisory Management" course. This 12-module course, completed in 30 days, helps managers develop the people skills needed to lead, not just manage. Once completed, teams should sit together and discuss:

• What did we learn?
• How can we improve as leaders?
• What changes can we make to foster a better work culture and increase employee engagement?

CLICK HERE to view MTI’s Key to Supervisory Management Course.

4. Access to Better Insurance: MTI’s Exclusive Insurance Program

A major pain point for Members has been the rising cost and limited availability of insurance. Over the past two years, many companies have faced high renewal rates, cancellations, or difficulties in obtaining quotes. MTI’s partnership with Dochterman Insurance has proven invaluable, with Members saving 20-40%, and some even cutting over $100,000 from their annual premiums. With over 15 years of experience insuring heat treating companies, Dochterman Insurance knows how to position your business for the best coverage and pricing.

CLICK HERE to see details on MTI’s Insurance Program.

5. The Power of Networking: You’re Never Alone

Many heat treating business leaders feel siloed, relying solely on internal knowledge to solve challenges. But as an MTI Member, you’re never alone. MTI provides a robust networking structure, from two national meetings each year to the MTI Connect Open Forum, where you can get real-time feedback from over 1,500 industry peers. Additionally, MTI’s weekly business check-ins, live webcasts, newsletters, and reports keep you updated on industry trends, including automation, AI, and leadership. With access to such a wealth of information, your team can make informed decisions that drive success over the next five years.

CLICK HERE to view MTI’s Calendar of Events.

Preparing for the Future

The heat-treating industry is evolving faster than ever, and MTI is committed to helping you navigate these changes. 

CLICK HERE to learn more details on any of the 5 benefits mentioned above.

For more information on how MTI’s resources can support your business, visit www.heattreat.net or contact Kristen Speer, MTI’s Director of Member Experience, at kristen@heattreat.net.

Now is the time to prepare your team and your business for the growth ahead.