Industry Trends
Signs point toward recovery for process automation market in 2011
The J.P. Morgan global manufacturing PMI edged up to 57.8 from 57.1 in January, marking the second-fastest reading ever in the global gauge. » more
Manufacturers struggling to find qualified plant workers
Even with unemployment near 9%, manufacturers are struggling to find enough skilled workers to meet modest job growth. » more
ISM number slip, but growth continues
PMI is down slightly from peak, but stays above 60 for fourth straight month » more
Reshoring becomes a data-driven discussion
Initiative’s TCO calculation determines the true cost of manufacturing » more
National manufacturing survey finds two-thirds intend to raise prices over next six months
Number planning price increases nearly doubles from six months ago as raw material and energy prices cause worry » more
AME reshoring initiatives help companies avoid global supply chain risk
Supply chain issues lead cause for promotion of reshoring part of a ‘rebirth of manufacturing jobs’ » more
Beckhoff Automation increases turnover by 46% to $500 million in 2010
Growth fuels office and production expansion for Beckhoff in Verl, Germany » more
Manufacturing technology consumption up 138.1% year-over-year
U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $329.43 million, down 10.9% from January 2011, up 99.3% from February 2010. » more
Energy, safety themes fuel manufacturing market optimism
Energy and safety have been the central themes of automation suppliers at the 2011 Hannover Messe, with many companies introducing products to specifically address current issues. » more
Industrial Lasers up 37 percent from 2009
Shipments of complete industrial laser systems up $47 million, 37 percent despite following a decline of 50 percent in 2009 » more
Focusing on internal process efficiency pays off for Grundfos Pumps
Grundfos Pumps describes 2010 as best year ever after posting record revenue due to changes in internal process efficiency, global sustainability; profit will allow for even greater investment in... » more
Earthquake batters manufacturing industries
Japan’s earthquake and tsunami also wreaked havoc on a broad swath of manufacturing facilities in the Tohoku region, one of Japan’s industrial hubs. » more
SME Education Foundation joins Automation Federation
The Automation Federation welcomes the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation as its newest member. » more
Japan crisis could squeeze world auto production
Thousands of cars washed away; fears raised about supply chain » more
Idling Japanese auto plants could affect North America production
Japanese automakers idled more plants for at least the next few days as businesses voluntarily limited electricity consumption and supply chains were disrupted in the wake of Friday's earthquake and... » more
Tsunami may slow production at Chattanooga Komatsu plant
It will take ‘a miracle’ for unfolding events not to create problems for Komatsu, according to local plant chief » more
Ford Blue Oval Scholarships support STEM education for San Antonio students
Ford Blue Oval Scholarships are being made available to high school students in Bexar County, Texas to support workforce development through STEM education and the pursuit of degrees in engineering... » more
Reports determine New Jersey lost fewer manufacturing jobs
Manufacturers’ News, Inc. reports New Jersey lost 14,511 manufacturing jobs from December 2009 to December 2010, compared to 23,798 jobs lost over the 2008-2009 survey period » more
Manufacturing facility is closer to DOE loan aid approval
Ascent Solar Technologies is reportedly moving closer to getting approval for loan aid from the U.S. Department of Energy for its proposed 150-MW manufacturing facility in Colorado. » more
Rising labor costs in China may cause manufacturers to return to U.S.
Reinvestment during the next five years could usher in a ‘manufacturing renaissance’ as the U.S. becomes a low-cost country among developed nations. » more
Reinvestment during the next five years could usher in a ‘manufacturing renaissance’ as the U.S. becomes a low-cost country among developed nations. » more
Signs point toward recovery for process automation market in 2011The J.P. Morgan global manufacturing PMI edged up to 57.8 from 57.1 in January, marking the second-fastest reading ever in the global gauge. » more
Manufacturing technology consumption sees huge boost in March
Technology consumption was up 57.6% from February and almost twice as high as March 2010. » more
Technology consumption was up 57.6% from February and almost twice as high as March 2010. » more
Manufacturers struggling to find qualified plant workersEven with unemployment near 9%, manufacturers are struggling to find enough skilled workers to meet modest job growth. » more
ISM number slip, but growth continuesPMI is down slightly from peak, but stays above 60 for fourth straight month » more
Reshoring becomes a data-driven discussionInitiative’s TCO calculation determines the true cost of manufacturing » more
National manufacturing survey finds two-thirds intend to raise prices over next six monthsNumber planning price increases nearly doubles from six months ago as raw material and energy prices cause worry » more
AME reshoring initiatives help companies avoid global supply chain riskSupply chain issues lead cause for promotion of reshoring part of a ‘rebirth of manufacturing jobs’ » more
Beckhoff Automation increases turnover by 46% to $500 million in 2010Growth fuels office and production expansion for Beckhoff in Verl, Germany » more
Manufacturing technology consumption up 138.1% year-over-yearU.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $329.43 million, down 10.9% from January 2011, up 99.3% from February 2010. » more
Energy, safety themes fuel manufacturing market optimismEnergy and safety have been the central themes of automation suppliers at the 2011 Hannover Messe, with many companies introducing products to specifically address current issues. » more
Industrial Lasers up 37 percent from 2009Shipments of complete industrial laser systems up $47 million, 37 percent despite following a decline of 50 percent in 2009 » more
Focusing on internal process efficiency pays off for Grundfos PumpsGrundfos Pumps describes 2010 as best year ever after posting record revenue due to changes in internal process efficiency, global sustainability; profit will allow for even greater investment in... » more
Earthquake batters manufacturing industriesJapan’s earthquake and tsunami also wreaked havoc on a broad swath of manufacturing facilities in the Tohoku region, one of Japan’s industrial hubs. » more
SME Education Foundation joins Automation FederationThe Automation Federation welcomes the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation as its newest member. » more
Japan crisis could squeeze world auto productionThousands of cars washed away; fears raised about supply chain » more
Idling Japanese auto plants could affect North America productionJapanese automakers idled more plants for at least the next few days as businesses voluntarily limited electricity consumption and supply chains were disrupted in the wake of Friday's earthquake and... » more
Tsunami may slow production at Chattanooga Komatsu plantIt will take ‘a miracle’ for unfolding events not to create problems for Komatsu, according to local plant chief » more
Ford Blue Oval Scholarships support STEM education for San Antonio studentsFord Blue Oval Scholarships are being made available to high school students in Bexar County, Texas to support workforce development through STEM education and the pursuit of degrees in engineering... » more
Reports determine New Jersey lost fewer manufacturing jobsManufacturers’ News, Inc. reports New Jersey lost 14,511 manufacturing jobs from December 2009 to December 2010, compared to 23,798 jobs lost over the 2008-2009 survey period » more
Manufacturing company to expand Buffalo plant, a $64 million investment
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia will be expanding its Buffalo plant, adding an additional $64 million investment in the facility bringing with it 40 new jobs » more
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia will be expanding its Buffalo plant, adding an additional $64 million investment in the facility bringing with it 40 new jobs » more
Manufacturing facility is closer to DOE loan aid approvalAscent Solar Technologies is reportedly moving closer to getting approval for loan aid from the U.S. Department of Energy for its proposed 150-MW manufacturing facility in Colorado. » more
Union members accept labor contract in Kansas City
Union members at the Harley-Davidson Inc. plant in Kansas City have accepted a labor contract that keeps the work at their factory but will result in the loss of many jobs. » more
Union members at the Harley-Davidson Inc. plant in Kansas City have accepted a labor contract that keeps the work at their factory but will result in the loss of many jobs. » more
Decrease in sales results in company’s acquisition of pharmaceutical facility
Fujifilm is reportedly buying a facility in Morrisville that makes ingredients used in biotechnology drugs, expanding the Japanese photography company's foothold in the Triangle's pharmaceutical... » more
Fujifilm is reportedly buying a facility in Morrisville that makes ingredients used in biotechnology drugs, expanding the Japanese photography company's foothold in the Triangle's pharmaceutical... » more
Automaker to invest $100 million in plant
BMW plans to invest another $100 million in its Spartanburg County plant with intent to focus on export operations and the X3 SKD program. » more
BMW plans to invest another $100 million in its Spartanburg County plant with intent to focus on export operations and the X3 SKD program. » more
501 of 614