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Nathan Silvernail is no stranger to launching a bold idea. After seven years at SpaceX helping build the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon, he took that first-principles mindset and applied it to an entirely different challenge: reinventing how to make one of the world’s most fundamental materials.

As co-founder and CEO of , Nathan is a new kind of “wood”—one that doesn’t come from trees but instead from fast-growing, sustainable biomass. This new material is designed to be carbon negative and a durable alternative to traditional wood products used in construction.

Outside of work, he’s an avid pilot, even flying aerobatics—an extension of his longtime passion for aerospace and engineering.

In this latest installment of the 51�Թ���’s “Forge Your Path” series, Nathan shares lessons from scaling teams at SpaceX, his approach to leadership and why rethinking manufacturing from the ground up can unlock entirely new possibilities.

Q: What is one lesson or insight you’ve gained in leadership that you haven’t widely shared before but that has been a key part of your or your company’s success?

Nathan: “I’d say it’s really about the energy you bring as a leader. Early on—whether you’re an engineering lead or a supervisor—you don’t always realize how much your team depends on your energy and direction.

I learned that quickly at SpaceX. I went from being an individual contributor to managing a team of about 20 people. Each person needs time—one-on-ones, reviewing work, team meetings—and you have to figure out how to manage that effectively.

When you’re already stretched thin, like when you’re running a company, it becomes even more important. I don’t think I’ve mastered it, but being intentional about where I spend my time, who needs more attention and how I communicate that has been critical.”

Q: Can you share a quote or mantra that defines your approach to leadership?

Nathan: “I tend to say, ‘No noise, all signal.’ That’s really my ethos—in leadership, engineering, business and even my personal life.

Time is limited, and when you have a lot to accomplish, you need to make sure the people in the room are adding value. A lot of conversations can get bogged down with unnecessary detail or noise. I try to push toward clarity—getting to the point and focusing on what actually matters.”

Q: What accomplishments at your organization are you the proudest of and why?

Nathan: “We’ve effectively redefined engineered lumber manufacturing. Instead of trying to optimize what already exists, we broke the system down to first principles—what are the right decisions and why?

Our focus has always been on carbon sequestration, efficiency and sustainability—not just financial outcomes. From there, we rebuilt the process.

Traditional systems can involve massive, centralized facilities with huge capital requirements. We’ve broken that down into smaller, more flexible systems that can scale over time with much lower upfront investment. That allows us to generate revenue faster and expand more efficiently.

That mindset—simplify, reduce parts and vertically integrate—comes directly from my time at SpaceX and the emphasis on first-principles thinking.”

Q: Where do you see your company in the next 5–10 years, and what are you hoping to achieve?

Nathan: “Long term, the goal is to transform the entire lumber industry. We’ve developed a system that can produce multiple types of engineered lumber using different biomass sources, ideally close to where materials are sourced or used. That creates efficiencies across the board.

In the next five years, I want us to reach the production capacity of a mid-sized mill—around 15 million oriented strand board panels per year—with multiple machines deployed across the country. From there, we can expand to other products, other builders and potentially other markets.

Ultimately, we want to remove the need for trees in a large portion of homebuilding. About 43% of a single-family home is lumber, and there’s a real opportunity to rethink that—from cost to sustainability to supply chain.”

Q: Is there a book that you have read or a podcast that you have listened to that you would recommend to your peers and why?

Nathan: “I haven’t been reading as much lately, but I do watch the ‘Diary of a CEO’ podcast quite a bit, which features a wide range of leaders and experts and really digs into how they think—uncovering lessons and insights that can help people be more effective and successful. I find it valuable because it covers a wide range of perspectives.

More broadly, I tend to study leaders and companies that resonate with me. I’ve looked at how Nvidia operates and drawn some parallels. But honestly, I’ve probably learned the most from Elon Musk—both in how to think about problems and, in some cases, how not to.”

Washington, D.C. – The Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the 51�Թ���, today announced the appointment of Ron Castro, vice president and chief supply chain officer at IBM, as chairman of the MLC Board of Governors, and Will Bonifant, group vice president and chief supply chain officer at Hormel Foods, as vice chairman.

The MLC Board of Governors is a distinguished advisory body composed of senior manufacturing executives who provide strategic guidance to the council on its critical issues agenda, research initiatives and programs designed to help manufacturers advance on their Manufacturing 4.0 journeys.

“Ron and Will bring exceptional leadership experience, deep operational expertise and a strong commitment to advancing digital transformation in manufacturing,” said David R. Brousell, founder, executive director and vice president of the Manufacturing Leadership Council. “Their perspectives will be invaluable as the MLC continues to help manufacturing leaders navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment.”

As chairman, Castro will help guide the strategic direction of the MLC at a time when manufacturers are accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies across operations and supply chains. At IBM, Castro leads global supply chain operations and has been instrumental in driving the development of an end-to-end, AI-enabled supply chain that integrates advanced analytics, automation and cognitive technologies to improve performance, resilience and decision-making.

“It is an honor to serve as chairman of the Manufacturing Leadership Council Board of Governors,” said Castro. “The MLC plays a critical role in bringing manufacturing leaders together to share insights, challenge conventional thinking and accelerate progress toward Manufacturing 4.0. I look forward to working closely with the board and the MLC leadership team to further strengthen the council’s impact across the industry.”

Bonifant, as vice chairman, brings extensive global supply chain and operations leadership experience spanning food and consumer packaged goods manufacturing, engineering, strategy and organizational transformation. In his role at Hormel Foods, Bonifant oversees the company’s global supply chain, including procurement, manufacturing, planning, logistics, engineering and supply chain innovation. Prior to joining Hormel Foods, he held senior supply chain leadership roles at The Hershey Company and earlier served as a management consultant and U.S. Navy officer.

“I’m honored to take on the role of vice chairman of the MLC Board of Governors,” said Bonifant. “The council’s focus on the intersection of technology, leadership and operations is more important than ever, and I look forward to contributing to its mission of helping manufacturers build more agile, resilient and digitally enabled enterprises.”

The Manufacturing Leadership Council is the nation’s foremost executive leadership organization dedicated exclusively to digital transformation in manufacturing. Through research, events, peer networking and thought leadership, the MLC helps manufacturing executives understand and act on the technological, organizational and leadership dimensions of Manufacturing 4.0.

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The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

PHOENIX – Following the announcement of the United States��military operations in Iran, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons��released the following statement:

“Manufacturers in the United States have always stood ready when our nation calls. From serving as the Arsenal of Democracy to equipping those who defend freedom today, our industry has the capacity to support U.S.��objectives��across multiple theaters and sustained operations.��Today, manufacturers honor��the courage��and commitment��of the men and women in uniform who stand watch and carry out this mission.

“Since November 4, 1979, the United States has endured hostility and terrorism from a rogue government in Tehran.��Time and again, the Iranian regime has sponsored international terrorism, destabilized its region, violated the rights of its own��people��and disrupted legitimate commerce and maritime security.

“Through Operation Epic Fury, President Trump has��initiated��major combat operations with these stated��objectives:

• Eliminating��imminent threats posed by the regime,
• Preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons,
• Neutralizing military infrastructure that threatens regional and global security,
• Countering destabilizing regional aggression, and
• Supporting the Iranian people’s right to��determine��their own future.

“At moments of consequence, national unity matters. Congress��should��fully engage to ensure clarity of mission, alignment of authority and the sustained support of the American people.

“We also call upon allied governments and��partner��business��associations��around the globe��to stand together to protect regional stability, safeguard global��commerce��and reinforce the collective resolve that keeps peace through credible strength.

“When��security, commerce and liberty are threatened, the United States must lead with strength, resolve and the support of its people.”

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The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States,��representing��small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs��nearly��13��million men��and women, contributes��$2.95��trillion��to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit ��

Washington, D.C. – Ahead of the 2026 State of the Union address, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement during the 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour:

“The state of manufacturing is boundless if policymakers will help clear the skies. For America to lead, now and in the long run, manufacturers need a policy framework that makes the United States the best place in the world to make things—one that lowers the cost of doing business.

“Thanks to President Trump, leaders in his Cabinet and in Congress, the 2017 provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were not just made permanent—they were made even stronger. And in doing so, we saved 6 million jobs. The tax and investment incentives in H.R. 1 amount to the most significant economic transformation in the history of our industry and is rocket fuel for manufacturers.

“Yet no rocket can launch until the skies are clear, the outlook is stable and the conditions are certain. Manufacturers need certainty because uncertainty chokes investment—and volatility chokes growth. To deliver the stability that manufacturers need to launch, the White House and Congress need to secure the rest of the 51�Թ���’s comprehensive manufacturing strategy.

“That means embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy, delivering real permitting reform, driving the funding we need for modern infrastructure, modernizing regulations, investing in our workforce, fixing our immigration system, and instituting strategic trade policies.

“Every part and every policy must work together.

“If our nation’s leaders empower us through investments in smart and sustainable public policy, America’s manufacturers will reach new heights. What better way to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary than to empower us—the 13 million people who make things in America—to deliver the greatest manufacturing era in American history.”

Background: 51�Թ��� State of Manufacturing Tour

Spanning seven states—New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona—the tour brings together manufacturing leaders, workers, educators, students and elected officials to highlight the policies and conditions needed for the United States to compete and win in a global economy, focusing on innovation, tax policy, permitting reform, energy dominance, workforce and trade policy.

-51�Թ���-��

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Washington, D.C. – The 51�Թ��� today announced new leadership for its Council of Manufacturing Associations following the CMA 2026 Winter Leadership Conference. Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, will take over as chair, and Kelly Mariotti, president and CEO of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, will serve as vice chair.

“Manufacturers are doing what we’ve always done: pioneering innovation, powering the economy and responding to dynamic markets,” said Rosenbusch. “There’s no better time to be in manufacturing, and I’m thrilled—and honored—to lead the CMA as manufacturers navigate a new era in our industry. The mission of the CMA has never been more important. I hope that in this position I can illustrate the vital role manufacturing plays across every segment of the U.S. economy.”

The CMA is made up of over 200 industry-specific manufacturing associations representing 130,000 companies and works with the 51�Թ��� to build partnership and collaboration across the manufacturing industry and larger business community to align strategies to increase manufacturing jobs and encourage investment.

“Corey and Kelly are proven, respected leaders, and both of them have demonstrated a deep dedication to the CMA’s mission and growth,” said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. “I’m grateful they’ve agreed to step into these leadership roles during a pivotal time for our industry. With Corey and Kelly’s partnership, manufacturers will build on our momentum after our recent success in securing pro-growth tax reform—and we will advance a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that unlocks opportunities for every sector represented in the CMA and for every manufacturer across the United States.”

Before leading The Fertilizer Institute, Rosenbusch served as president and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance and as vice chair of the CMA under the previous chair, Alison Bodor.

The CMA also appointed new members to the 2026 board:

• Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO, National Marine Manufacturers Association
• Matt Seaholm, president and CEO, The Plastics Industry Association
• Megan Tanel, president and CEO, Association of Equipment Manufacturers

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��The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index inched up 0.5 points to 99.5 in December, remaining slightly above the 52-year average of 98. December’s increase was due primarily to the rise in those expecting better business conditions. Of the 10 components included in the index, two increased, three decreased and five stayed the same. Meanwhile, the Uncertainty Index dropped 7 points to 84, the lowest reading since June 2024 but still well above the 51-year average (68) and slightly above the average since 2016 (80).

Taxes were cited as the top concern for small business owners, with 20% reporting them as the most important problem, up 6 points from November. The share of business owners reporting labor quality as the top problem fell 2 points from November to 19%, with 33% struggling to fill open jobs and 53% reporting hiring or trying to hire in December. Meanwhile, inflation fell to third in the list of concerns, with 12% reporting it as a top problem, down 3 points from November, with a net 30% raising prices.

A net 31% of small business owners reported raising compensation, up 5 points in December after remaining unchanged in November. Meanwhile, 24% of business owners plan to raise compensation in the next three months, unchanged from November. Pressure on profitability weakened in December, with positive profit trends rising 3 points from November to a net negative 20%. Among owners reporting lower profits, 41% blamed weaker sales, 13% cited increased material costs, 12% mentioned usual seasonal changes, 9% reported price changes from their products or services and 7% noted labor costs. Meanwhile, 5% reported their last loan was harder to get than previous attempts, up 1 point from November, and a net negative 3% of owners cited paying a higher interest rate on their most recent loan, down 5 points from the prior month.

The outlook for general business conditions rose 9 points to 24%, the first increase since July. Despite the improvement in December, expectations for better business conditions have fallen 23 points since the start of 2025. At the same time, 13% reported that it is a good time to expand their business, unchanged for the second consecutive month and a rather weak reading compared to times of economic expansion. Overall, despite consumer sentiment remaining low, small business owners anticipate economic conditions to remain broadly favorable in 2026, with cost pressures moderating and other challenges easing.

Manufacturing activity in New York state increased in January, with the headline business conditions index climbing 11.4 points to 7.7. The new orders index turned positive, rising 7.6 points to 6.6, while the shipments index jumped 21.3 points to 16.3, its highest level in over a year. Unfilled orders improved from -14.9 to -8.2, while inventories slipped 6.1 points to -2.1, indicating business inventories have started to decline. Delivery times lengthened, and supply availability improved but remained negative, increasing 2.8 points to -4.1.

Employment fell in January, with the index for the number of employees plunging 16.5 points to -9.0. Meanwhile, the average employee workweek declined to -5.4 from 2.5, signaling a decrease in hours worked from December. The prices paid index stepped down 1.4 points to 42.8, while the prices received index dropped 11.0 points to 14.4, a reflection of a slower pace of increase in both prices received and prices paid.

In January, firms’ optimism regarding the future declined slightly but remained high. The future business activity index edged down 3.2 points to 30.3. In the next six months, new orders are expected to rise but at a slightly slower pace compared to the prior month at 33.3. The future employment index rose 7.1 points to 14.9, suggesting an anticipated faster pace of employment growth over the next six months. Meanwhile, input and selling price expectations are forecasted to increase at a slower pace, falling from 55.4 to 52.6 and from 41.6 to 36.5, respectively. Furthermore, capital spending plans strengthened from December, up from 6.9 to 10.3.

In January, Philadelphia’s regional manufacturing activity rose to its highest level since September, with the index for general business activity jumping from -8.8 to 12.6. This month, 23.1% of firms reported increases in activity, while just 10.5% of firms noted decreases. The indexes for new orders and shipments both moved up, rising from 5.7 to 14.4 and from 3.2 to 9.5, respectively. Meanwhile, the employment index declined to 9.7 points as the average employee workweek shrunk 3.4 points to 9.1.

The prices paid index decreased from 49.3 to 46.9, its second consecutive monthly decline, while the prices received index rose from 26.0 to 27.8. As has been the case for many months, the prices received index remained lower than the prices paid index, indicating that manufacturers have been absorbing a portion of higher costs paid.

Looking ahead, indicators showing expectations for future growth declined for the second consecutive month but remained positive. After decreasing 8.0 points in December, expectations for future business activity fell 12.6 points to 25.5 in January. The drop came from a loss in the proportion of firms expecting an increase in activity (34.9%). At the same time, the number of firms anticipating a decrease in activity (9.3%) was down from 12.6% in December. The future new orders index slipped from 39.1 to 32.9, but the future shipments index edged up from 39.9 to 40.8. At the same time, the capital expenditures index grew from 29.1 to 30.3. The future prices paid and prices received indexes increased from 64.6 to 66.6 and from 57.2 to 61.8, respectively. Additionally, the index for future employment rose from 24.7 to 28.8.

In January, firms were asked to estimate changes in various costs over the past year and anticipate changes coming in 2026. Of those responses, firms said their costs for wages, health benefits and non-health benefits rose 5.3% during 2025. Looking forward, firms expect the average costs for these to climb 6.5% in 2026. Meanwhile, firms anticipate the increase in the cost of energy, other raw materials and intermediate goods to slow over the next 12 months. When asked about factors influencing their pricing decisions for their products, maintaining steady profit margins (77%), wages and labor costs (75%) and strength of demand as well as nonlabor costs (both 74%) were cited as most important to firms.

The Producer Price Index for final demand (also known as wholesale prices) rose 0.2% over the month in November, after prices inched up 0.1% in October. Over the year, producer prices moved up 3.0% in November, up from 2.8% in October. Meanwhile, prices for final demand excluding foods, energy and trade services increased 0.2% over the month in November after rising 0.7% in October. Prices for these goods advanced 3.5% from November 2024, the largest 12-month increase since March.

Within final demand, prices for services stayed the same in November after rising 0.3% in October. Meanwhile, prices for goods jumped 0.9%, the largest increase since February 2024. Within the final demand services index, prices for bundled wired telecommunications access services moved up 4.6%, while margins for health, beauty and optical goods retailing fell 4.3%. Within the final demand goods index, prices for final demand energy climbed 4.6%, accounting for over 80% of the November increase. The price for gasoline was the primary contributor of that increase, surging 10.5%, while prices for residual fuels declined 8.6%.

Processed goods for intermediate demand stepped up 0.6% in November, the largest increase since July. Nearly three-fourths of the November advance can be attributed to a 12.4% jump in the prices for diesel fuel. The indexes for gasoline, primary nonferrous metals, commercial electric power, utility natural gas and jet fuel also rose. On the other hand, the prices for sugar and confectionary products decreased 1.3%. Over the year, the index for processed goods for intermediate demand rose 3.6%.

Meanwhile, prices for unprocessed goods for intermediate demand advanced 0.4% in November, the first increase since July. The growth was led by a 1.4% rise in unprocessed energy materials, with the 10.8% gain in the index for natural gas being a major factor. At the same time, prices for unprocessed foodstuffs and feedstuffs declined 0.9%. Over the year, prices for unprocessed goods for intermediate demand inched up 0.1%.

In December, consumer prices increased 0.3% from November and 2.7% over the year, unchanged from the 2.7% annual rise in November. Core CPI, which excludes more volatile energy and food prices, rose 0.2% from November and 2.6% over the year, also unchanged from the 2.6% 12-month increase in November.

Energy costs advanced 2.3% over the year in December, after rising 4.2% year-over-year in November. Within the energy index, gasoline prices declined 3.4% over the year, while fuel oil prices jumped 7.4%. Meanwhile, electricity prices increased 6.7% year-over-year, and natural gas prices surged 10.8%.

In December, food prices grew 3.1% over the year, after increasing 2.6% year-over-year in November, while prices for food at home advanced 2.4%. Meanwhile, prices for food away from home climbed 4.1% from December 2024, up from the 3.7% year-over-year increase in November. Of the different food groups, beef and veal and coffee continue to rise at the fastest pace, soaring 16.4% and 19.8% over the year, respectively.

The shelter index grew 0.4% from November and 3.2% over the year, the greatest factor in the all-items monthly increase and ticking up from the 3.0% annual gain in November. Meanwhile, prices for used cars and trucks decreased 1.1% over the month but rose 1.6% over the year, while new vehicle prices stayed the same over the month and ticked up 0.3% from December 2024. Relatedly, prices for motor vehicle maintenance and repair jumped 5.4% year-over-year.

Although the headline inflation rate did not accelerate from November, it is still elevated from earlier last year. Federal Reserve officials cut their interest rate target at their prior three meetings, but markets ��that the Federal Open Market Committee will not lower its interest rate target at this month’s meeting. While risks to the Federal Reserve’s employment mandate remain elevated, so do risks to inflation, and those two risks may be coming into balance again.