The Leading Source for Manufacturing News & Insight
Unemployment Falls In 40 U.S. States
May 17, 2013 11:22 am | by Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | News | CommentsSolid hiring helped push down unemployment rates in 40 U.S. states last month, the most since November. The declines show job markets are improving in most areas of the country. The Labor Department says unemployment rates only rose in Louisiana, Tennessee and North Dakota. Rates were unchanged in seven states.
Gauge Of U.S. Economy's Future Health Up In April
May 17, 2013 11:14 am | by Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer | News | CommentsA measure of the U.S. economy's future health rose solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build homes and a better job market. The Conference Board said Friday that its index of leading indicators increased 0.6 percent last month to a reading of 95. That followed a 0.2 percent decline in March.
The Power And Profitability Of eNewsletters
May 17, 2013 9:29 am | by Curtis M. Alexander | Articles | CommentsPound for pound — it’s tough to beat what a good, consistent electronic newsletter (i.e., enewsletter) can do for your business. This isn’t just my experience, either. Recent industry surveys have shown a 20 percent increase in leads that convert to sales and an increased average purchase price by 47 percent.
Best Buy Aims To Spark Interest In '4K' TVs
May 17, 2013 8:19 am | by Mae Anderson, Associated Press | News | CommentsSony Corp. and other manufacturers, debuted pricey 4K TVs at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas in January, but those had 84-inch screens and cost $25,000, out of range for most people. The latest round of 4K Ultra High definition TVs are somewhat more affordable, though still pricey. They retail for $4,999 for a 55-inch screen.
Don’t Give In To Bird Activity At Your Facility
May 17, 2013 8:08 am | by Patrick T. Copps, MS, B.C.E., Technical Services Manager, Orkin, LLC | Articles | CommentsAlthough some birds are beautiful creatures to watch, others are considered pests that can wreak havoc on your property and products. There are three types of birds in particular that you should discuss with your pest management provider: pigeons, sparrows and starlings.
The Ten Commandments Of Industrial Ethernet
May 17, 2013 8:02 am | by Mike Fahrion, Director of Product Management, B&B Electronics | Articles | CommentsA Wi-Fi-enabled computer can connect to multiple networks at the same time. Your employees can give a hacker a pathway into your internal network simply by powering up a laptop. Imagine the mess an eco-terrorist could make if he didn’t like the look of your smokestack.
Flying Car Prototypes Grounded After Crash Near School
May 17, 2013 7:53 am | News | CommentsThe Transportation Safety Board says the U.S. manufacturer of flying cars has grounded all five of its prototypes until it can determine a cause for a recent crash in B.C. One of the Maverick flying cars crashed near a Vernon elementary school last week, leaving a pilot and a passenger with minor injuries.
Authorities: Crime Not Ruled Out In Texas Blast
May 17, 2013 7:49 am | by Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press | News | CommentsInvestigators working in the remnants of an exploded Texas fertilizer plant sifted by hand through untold kernels of corn, moved tons of debris and conducted more than 400 interviews, while searching for the missing piece to solve what many officials compared to an extraordinary puzzle.
Labor Group: Apple Making Progress At Foxconn
May 17, 2013 7:44 am | News | CommentsThe Fair Labor Association said Thursday that Apple's largest supplier, Foxconn, has made all recommended improvements to working conditions that were due by the end of December. The group says there have been "notable increases" in workers' participation in union committees.
Dell's Dismal 1Q Illuminates PC Maker's Challenges
May 17, 2013 7:40 am | by Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer | News | CommentsThe dismal performance announced Thursday provided the latest evidence of a technological shift that is making it difficult to sell laptop and desktop machines. Until recently, consumers had regularly replaced machines with faster ones every few years.
China: Cadillac Recalling SUVs To Fix Wheel Nuts
May 17, 2013 7:38 am | News | CommentsChina's product safety agency says General Motors Co.'s main Chinese joint venture is recalling Cadillac SUVs to correct a problem with nuts that hold their wheels in place. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said Friday that Shanghai GM will recall 2,653 imported Cadillac SRXs.
European Car Sales Up For First Time Since 2011
May 17, 2013 7:36 am | by Colleen Barry, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsNew car registrations in April were up 1.7 percent on the same time last year, the ACEA's latest figures show. Although the April rise has more to do with the two extra work days last month due to an early Easter, sales figures for the year so far gave some cause for hope.
Dow To Appeal $1.2B In Damages
May 17, 2013 7:32 am | News | CommentsA federal judge has ordered Dow Chemical Co. to pay $1.21 billion in damages after it lost a class-action lawsuit that accused it of conspiring to fix prices. Dow says it will appeal. The Feb. 20 jury verdict in federal court in Kansas City, Kan., was for Dow to pay $400 million in damages.
Second Court Invalidates Obama Recess Appointment
May 17, 2013 7:29 am | by Sam Hananel, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe 2-1 decision mirrors that of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. The Obama administration has appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court, arguing that such an interpretation would invalidate hundreds of recess appointments made by presidents over more than 100 years.
Obama Focusing On Job Creation In Baltimore Visit
May 17, 2013 4:08 am | by Nedra Pickler, Associated Press | News | CommentsObama is to fly by helicopter Friday about 40 miles north to Baltimore, which has had its share of tough times in the move from an industrial to service economy. But Maryland has experienced steady job growth so far this year as part of a nationwide economic recovery.
Manufacturing Revival Radio: Operational Excellence Through Lean Principles
May 16, 2013 4:02 pm | by Manfuacturing Revival Radio | Podcasts | CommentsA common theme on Manufacturing Revival has always been Lean concepts and their implementation. Today we bring you a guest who has unique perspective on how to better utilize the concepts that continue to drive the Lean movement. We welcome to the show Kevin Duggan, Founder of the Institute for Operational Excellence and President of Duggan Associates.
Sage Automotive Interiors Acquires Apo-Tessile Seating Assets
May 16, 2013 3:51 pm | News | CommentsThe Greenville, S.C.-based Sage Automotive Interiors has announced its acquisition of the automotive fabric manufacturing assets of Poland-based Apo-Tessile. Sage says it hopes to better provide new automotive interior products to the European market, and the current facility in Zary, Poland, is positioned to supply cut and sew facilities in central and eastern Europe. The operations will be called Sage Automotive Interiors Poland.
Alcoa Cuts 500 Jobs In Canada
May 16, 2013 2:33 pm | News | CommentsAluminum smelter and parts-maker says it will close down two production lines at a plant in Canada and cut about 500 jobs there because of lower aluminum prices. A planned upgrade for the facility in Quebec is being pushed back by three years, to 2019, the company said.
The Hidden Cost Of Summer Heat
May 16, 2013 2:29 pm | by Megan Browning, Big Ass Fans | Articles | CommentsUncomfortable working conditions lead to heat-related illnesses and decreased productivity, which negatively affect the bottom line of the business. When working conditions become distracting and debilitating to workers, personal comfort must be addressed to regain lost productivity.
Bill Would Limit Lawsuits Over Lead Contamination
May 16, 2013 2:17 pm | by Jordan Shapiro, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe measure passed late Wednesday night would exempt the Doe Run Resources Corp. from punitive damages if the court determines the company is making a "good faith" effort to clean up the contaminated sites. Otherwise, punitive damages would be capped at $2.5 million per lawsuit.
