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The Today in Manufacturing Podcast is brought to you by the editors of Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).
This week's episode is sponsored by BigCommerce, which provides modern ecommerce technology that works with existing systems. ERP, OMS, CRM — no problem. Whatever existing business tools and technologies you use today, BigCommerce can integrate using pre-built, one-click integrations or customize your automation with its APIs. Make the move to BigCommerce today.
Every week, we cover the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week:
Threatened By Shortages, EV Makers Race for Lithium Supplies - @3:20
The race is on for "white gold." Automakers are in a dead heat to lock in supplies of once-obscure lithium.
Lordstown Files for Bankruptcy, Sues Foxconn - @14:25
It feels like a long time coming, but the commercial electric vehicle startup has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Baby Shark Toy Recalled After Fin Impales Kids - @24:43
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of 7.5 million Robo Alive Baby Shark toys due to a risk of impalement, laceration and puncture injuries in children.
Titan Submersible Disaster Underscores Dangers of Deep-Sea Exploration - @35:15
In a recent interview, Purdue University mechanical engineer Nina Mahmoudian explained why we need to send down subs, but keep people on the surface when it comes to underwater research.
Ford Cutting Hundreds of Engineers to Reduce Cost Amid Transition to EVs - @49:40
Ford is amidst another round of layoffs. On Tuesday, the company confirmed that it was starting to notify several hundred engineers and other salaried employees that their jobs are being eliminated.
In Case You Missed It
Labor Dept. Puts Up $7.5M to Retrain Former Paper Mill Employees - @59:20
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded more than $2.5 million to support employment and training services for people in North Carolina affected by the closure of Pactiv Evergreen's Canton paper mill as well as the company’s reduction in operations at its Waynesville facility. The award is the first increment of a National Dislocated Worker Grant worth some $7.5 million.
Drone Designed to Fly Into Fires - @1:04:30
Researchers are developing a specialty drone that can analyze fires at close range and relay the information to firefighters.
Google Donates $20M for Cybersecurity Initiative - @1:09:56
The funds intend to introduce students to potential careers in cybersecurity, while also helping defend small governments and nonprofits from hacking.
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