The internet is an invaluable source of information for manufacturers. It's importance can't really be measured, but that doesn't mean you can't get lost. For news, resources, and other information, you've got the essentials like Industrial Info or the Houston Chronicle. But blogs pick up the slack by finding some great stories that often fall through the cracks. For example...

VMA member Emerson Process Control has their very own blog called Emerson Process Experts.

For smaller businesses, try the aptly named Small Business Trends.

Fabrictor.com has their very own, what else?... Fabricator Blog.  

ThomasNet is maybe the best resource on the World Wide Web for manufacturing and industrial information. Their official blog, Industrial Market Trends, doesn’t disappoint.  

If you want to keep up to speed on lean manufacturing, check out the Operational Excellence Tools Blog and Lean Blog.

US News & World Report keeps tabs on what goes on inside the beltway at Capital Commerce.

NAM has a blog that’s recently undergone a renovation, Shopfloor.

Association Inc is a site that’s all about the world of, you guessed it, associations.

If it’s a search engine you’re looking for, a “Google” for manufacturers, try Global Spec.

The ARC Advisory Group does comprehensive research on sensor technology, automation, production, design, and business systems. They have tons of info on manufacturing, energy, and supply chains.

Control Global gives you the who, what, when, where, and how of everything in the world of process automation.

And when you go to VMA.org, you have to check out our Valve Product Finder and Valve & Actuator Industry Online Guide to Suppliers.