The Leading Source for Manufacturing News & Insight
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.
hybris Named Leader In Magic Quadrant Report By Leading Industry Analyst
May 16, 2013 2:09 pm | News | Commentshybris, the world's fastest-growing commerce platform provider, today announced that for the second year running it has been included as a Leader in Gartner's latest 'Magic Quadrant for E-Commerce'. Following substantial growth in 2011, hybris has further consolidated its position as the market's dominant independent e-commerce and omni-channel vendor which it believes has helped to achieve its leadership placement in the Gartner report.
U.S. Consumer Prices Fall On Cheaper Gas
May 16, 2013 1:43 pm | by Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | News | CommentsA plunge in the cost of gas drove down a measure of U.S. consumer prices last month by the most since December 2008. Excluding the drop in fuel costs, prices were largely unchanged. The consumer price index fell 0.4 percent in April from March, the Labor Department said Thursday.
CPSC Recalls About 55,000 Popcorn Makers
May 16, 2013 1:41 pm | News | CommentsThe Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday issued a voluntary recall for about 55,000 microwave popcorn makers sold by Avon, because of the potential for fire and burns. The popcorn makers were made in Taiwan and have the item number 474-105. They consist of a clear tub and a yellow vented lid, the CPSC said.
Attracting Talent: A Lesson In Battling Perception
May 16, 2013 1:09 pm | by Maria Ferrante, Vice President, Education & Workforce Development, PMMI | Articles | CommentsDespite the common preconceived notion that increasingly automated operations are eliminating opportunities in the manufacturing sector, the widespread adoption of advanced production technologies is actually creating opportunities — and demand — for more skilled professionals. But where do we find them?
APEM, Inc. Announces Merger With CH Products
May 16, 2013 12:33 pm | News | CommentsAPEM, Inc., has announced that APEM Components, Inc., and CH Products have merged, effective April 1, 2013. The company says that with the merger in place, the companies will be able to combine APEM’s well-known switches and LED indicators with the respected industrial joysticks and Hall effect control devices made by CH Products.
Robots To Help Brazil Provide World Cup Security
May 16, 2013 12:33 pm | by Tales Azzoni, AP Sports Writer | News | CommentsThe Brazilian government has bought 30 security robots to improve public safety during the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics. The government paid nearly $3.5 million for the small unmanned ground vehicles which can provide surveillance, bomb removal and other law-enforcement missions.
Protesters Picket Barbie-Themed House In Berlin
May 16, 2013 12:30 pm | News | CommentsFeminist protesters burned a doll on a cross and left-wing demonstrators shouted "pink stinks" at the Berlin opening of a life-sized Barbie house Thursday. They far outnumbered Barbie fans who came to see the Mattel Inc. toy's fictional Malibu home.
How Virtualization Could Save You Big
May 16, 2013 11:54 am | Videos | CommentsWhile the benefits of server virtualization at the corporate data center are receiving a great deal of attention, its ability to address lifecycle management issues may make virtualization even more compelling at the manufacturing plant, since implementing virtualization in manufacturing environments moves the technology into the business- and mission-critical realm. But do manufacturers fully grasp the risk versus reward?
Only 2 Of 13 Small SUVs Do Well In Crash Tests
May 16, 2013 10:17 am | by Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer | News | CommentsSubaru's 2014 Forester was the only vehicle to get a "good" rating. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received an "acceptable" rating. But top-selling models such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal" or "poor" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Global Luxury Goods Sales Slowing In 2013
May 16, 2013 10:10 am | by Colleen Barry, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsA study says global sales of luxury goods are off to a slow start in 2013 and aren't expected to match the double-digit growth of the last three years. Consultancy Bain & Co. said Thursday in a report that sales of luxury apparel, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics and art are expected to grow just 4 percent to 5 percent in 2013.
Jobless Claims Jump To Highest Level In 6 Weeks
May 16, 2013 8:38 am | by Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | News | CommentsThe number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose 32,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 360,000, the most since late March. The jump comes after applications fell to a five-year low. The Labor Department says the less volatile four-week average rose just 1,250 to 339,250, a level consistent with modest hiring.
