Manufacturing ends 2017 with another strong performance

PMI jumps to 59.7% in December and finishes the year up more than 15%.

Maintaining our focus on improvement

As 2017 winds to a close, we take a look back at one of the most tumultuous years in recent history.

Hurricanes create an ill wind, but PMI remains strong

Manufacturing index falls to 58.7% but stays in growth mode despite price increases.

The singular measurement of safety

Despite changing politics, OSHA violations have largely remained the same. However, when measured using the Liberty Mutual Worker Safety Index, cost of injuries is down $2B from 2016. Whichever way you measure it, safety remains one of the biggest challenges in today's workplace.

Manufacturing is booming: PMI hits 13-year high

September’s 60.8 reading is 20% above growth level as prices continue to climb.

Plant Engineering editor to moderate Smart Factory World Symposium Oct. 26

FORCAM-sponsored event to highlight importance of IIoT for American manufacturing

The individuality of manufacturing

Each engineering recruit has a unique skill set and background. By approaching the hiring and training process with an individualized approach, you can help foster and mold future industry leaders.

Mobility a driver in digital transformation: study

IFS report finds devices deliver useful information to the field, even if a majority aren’t yet using it.

Hannover Messe USA to debut in 2018

Co-located with IMTS, newly-branded show will build on German trade event.

“Manufacturing is ‘steady and strong’”

The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM's) purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) hits six-year high in August, jumps to 58.8%.

Change is messy—and essential

Change is a lot of things. It is stressful and inconvenient, but most of all, it is necessary.

Hidden Figures no more; Infor names AI platform for NASA mathematics pioneer

Coleman platform announced at Inforum event in New York

Embrace the digital plant to build a bridge to the future

Siemens officials call digital manufacturing ‘do or die’ in pushing for faster adoption at their automation summit in Florida.

It’s time for IIoT; where do we begin?

IIoT can improve maintenance practices as well as managing energy costs, coordinating supply chains, and understanding how a plant operates.

Digital plant’s value in real numbers

Hannover Messe sessions, displays are focused on how to realize IIoT’s potential as the show celebrates its 70th year.

Michigan governor touts manufacturing professionals

At Manufacturing in America, Rick Snyder pushes innovation and a redefinition of skilled trades.

Help wanted: More training, equipment upgrades

Maintenance is crucial, but a lack of resources remains an issue according to respondents for the 2017 Maintenance Survey.

2016 Salary Survey

Plant Engineering's 2016 Salary Survey shows optimism amongst manufacturers remain strong going into 2017, but there are some concerns about the future and they don't know what the Industrial Internet of Things' (IIoT) role will be in the workplace.

PMI hits another high note in January

The Institute for Supply Management’s purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) rose to 56% in January, which is its highest level since November 2014.

IIoT Webcast poll: Cybersecurity a significant issue

Archive version of Webcast now available, which highlights cybersecurity as a major concern for many plant and IT managers.

IMTS ready to open doors, break records

Pre-show exhibition levels top past shows, and more than 100,000 are pre-registered.

Manufacturing index slides in August

The Purchasing Manufacturers' Index (PMI) fell 3.2 points to 49.4% due to a general slowdown in the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing convergence on display at 2016 GAMS

CFE Media Conference at IMTS 2016 to focus on IIoT, robotics.

Manufacturing index shows overall growth for fifth straight month

The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) purchasing manufacturers index (PMI) fell to 52.6 in July, but optimism remains strong among global manufacturers.

PMI rises for fourth straight month, hits 12-month high

The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) purchasing manufacturers index (PMI) increased 1.9 percentage points to 53.2%, which marks the fourth straight month of growth.

PMI shows growth for third straight month

Manufacturing index climbs 0.5 percentage points to 51.3% to continue positive streak.

EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook sees winds of change

The Annual Energy Outlook 2016 indicates that natural gas will lead U.S. production into 2040; clean electrical generation is expected to increase, however.

U.S. team celebrates a big victory at Hannover Messe

Attendance up and spirits high as Select USA marks a successful week in Germany.

Hannover notes, Day 2: Poland to be 2017 Partner Country, U.S. generating buzz

Poland selected as partner country for 2017 Hannover Messe; U.S. pavilion continues to generate buzz through global engagement

Selling Ohio on the ground in Germany

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor leads her state’s contingent as part of the USA pavilion at Hannover Messe.

Strange days, indeed, as Hannover Messe gets started

Hannover Messe 2016 has had some unexpected challenges with weather, transit, and security as the world's largest manufacturing show gets underway.

Obama praises ‘spirit of innovation’ as USA Pavilion opens at Hannover Messe

President tours state economic development booth as part of two-day visit to global trade event.

U.S. ‘open for business’ as Obama opens Hannover Messe

President pushes Transatlantic trade deal as America begins to showcase manufacturing at week-long global trade fair.

Obama sees trade deals ready to move forward

President Obama discussed globalization and free trade at a joint press conference prior to the start of the opening ceremonies at Hannover Fair as well as the potential challenges and drawbacks for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Microsoft wants to lift maintenance function

Microsoft's partnership with Otis Elevator, announced at Hannover Messe in Germany, is designed to digitally monitor operations and improve maintenance and safety.

Manufacturing index rebounds in March

The Purchasing Manufacturers' Index (PMI) reverses six-month slump with its third straight increase to 51.8% as production, new orders increase.

Manufacturing index rises, but remains in contraction overall

The Purchasing Manufacturers' Index (PMI) rose for the second straight month to 49.5% as the overall economic outlook remains more positive than it had been in previous months.

Economist: Manufacturing gray skies are gonna clear up

Economist Alan Beaulieu said that the manufacturing industry will continue to grow throughout 2016 at the MFG Conference in Palm Desert, Calif.

Cognitive computing delivers answers, asks new questions

In a data-driven age, taking advantage of collective knowledge can be done with very little jeopardy. Just ask Watson.

‘Industry in transition’ transformed by open systems

ARC’s Andy Chatha sees machines getting smarter, and plant management needs to follow suit to match this trend.

Obama to open Hannover Messe in April

President will join German Chancellor Angela Merkel to participate in opening ceremonies, show tour on April 24-25.

Industry Ho-Ho-Ho

Siemens re-imagines Santa’s workshop if it were optimized with modern automation.

Manufacturing index plunges into contraction

PMI drops to 48.6% as new orders, production drag index below 50% for the first time in three years.

Going beyond Big Data to relevant data

Bentley Systems panel touts value to extending design information to operations at Year In Infrastructure event in London.

PMI barely keeps its head above water in October

Index slips to 50.1%, its lowest level in 2 ½ years

Wago to host Hannover Messe information event Sept. 17

CFE Media to present at preview of USA Partner Nation.

PMI stumbles to 51.1% in August over global concerns

Despite some optimism, index drops to lowest level since May 2013 amid concerns with global economy.

PMI skids to 52.7% in July despite positive outlook

Growth slips as oil prices and global economic uncertainty continue to linger, though the overall outlook among manufacturers is trending positive.

PMI’s increase in June indicates manufacturing stability

The ISM's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbs to 53.5% as industry leaders see solid growth across the board.

PMI rebounds to 52.8% in May

Stronger economy, better West Coast product movement hailed as reasons for continuing growth.

‘The age of the control engineer is just dawning’

Dr. Peter Martin of Schneider Electric talked about opportunities to apply control engineering skills beyond efficiency at the Schneider Electric Global Automation Conference.

Schneider Electric announces process safety, security controller

The Tricon CX system is a controller designed to combine traditional process controls and safety with improved cyber security in a smaller footprint.

Global manufacturing, future trade agreements are major topics at Hannover Messe

Hannover notes: U.S. paces manufacturing growth in a partly sunny outlook; is TTIF the European NAFTA; human/robot relationships evolving

Microsoft, Gov. Walker making presence felt at Hannover Messe

Hannover Notes: Microsoft expanding the concept of HMI; Gov. Scott Walker makes a visit to fair; Hannover Messe after hours

Future innovations and expectations setting tone at Hannover Messe

Hannover Notes: What will the U.S. do in 2016? The drivers for Industry 4.0. The cool stuff that doesn’t (yet) have much to do with manufacturing. See a short video of Festo's robot butterflies.

India looks to accelerate manufacturing growth

At Hannover Messe 2015 opening, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi touts a more open economy. Modi, whose nation is the 2015 Partner Country, made an impassioned speech about the role a "new India" will play in global manufacturing. German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed Modi in the same way she will welcome President Barack Obama when the United States will be the Partner Country at Hannover Fair in 2016.

Outside forces cause fifth straight drop in PMI index

Pressures from oil prices, a weaker dollar and the West Coast dock strike weigh down index; PMI falls to 51.5% in March. The PMI remained above the 50% growth threshold for the index to extend the streak to almost six years; the 51.5% PMI for March still translates to a 2.6% growth in gross domestic product for the year.

Hannover Messe partnership part of broader U.S. manufacturing initiative

With foreign direct investment on the rise, SelectUSA Summit aims to help economic development teams increase promotion and recruitment of new manufacturing sites.

Dock slowdown has impact on sliding PMI

Despite settlement, the monthly PMI index drops to 12-month low at 52.9%.

Construction data an asset for maintenance—but only if it’s shared

ARC Forum: Better quantity and quality of asset data an opportunity to reduce costs and improve uptime.

PMI index slips again due to supply slowdown

Despite overall growth, the dock workers' slowdown in California are impacting inventories.

PMI wraps up 2014 with another strong month

While manufacturing index slips to 55.5% in December, the yearly average indicates solid growth will continue.

Hope creates room for possibilities

We cannot control everything, but we have hope.

2014 Top Plant winners announced

Victaulic and Mother Parkers are honored with Plant Engineering's top manufacturing honor.

New orders, employment bolster November PMI

Index at 58.7%, marking 18 straight months of growth for manufacturing.

The pace of change depends on where you sit

If you are simply observing change, it must seem as if everything is moving past you rapidly. Getting up to speed requires you to stop observing and get into the race.

Innovation as a formal management process

Want light bulbs to go off? Create a way to encourage, act on new ideas.

Four tiers of growth in Lean journey

Manufacturer builds daily management into continuous improvement process.

PMI Index rebounds to 59.0% in October

All segments show strength as manufacturing continues 2014 growth spurt

IT and OT convergence will drive Internet of Things adoption

Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric executives see transformational impact of Internet of Things (IoT) as devices become smarter and more integrated to expand manufacturing efficiency.

PMI growth rate slips, but stays strong

September index slips to 56.6%, but stays on solid path overall.

Service only one part of Schneider Electric strategy

With Invensys integration done, company now looks at automation skills gap issues.

Schneider Electric to acquire InStep Software

Predictive analytics firm to become part of expanding global software offering.

Top 10 OSHA violations drop 28%

Annual report from OSHA shows lockout/tagout on the rise and fall protection again the top issue.

PMI Index hits three-year high

“Awesome” results from manufacturing as benchmark climbs to 59.0%

The heart of engagement

Sur-Seal rebuilt its culture, one Lego block at a time

PMI jumps to 12-month high as optimism abounds

Concerns over global unrest don’t show up in July, as index hits 57.1%

Pennsylvania schools benefit from STEM donations

Bosch, Siemens contribute to help advance software use, get more women in manufacturing

PMI a mixed bag for June, as index slips to 55.3%

One-tenth point drop continues steady growth, but consumer spending a concern

Manufacturers expect strong growth and strong hiring in 2014

McGladrey Monitor report suggests concerns over taxes and regulations won’t hinder sales and profit increases

Stock shock: Dow Jones tumbles, then rebounds after May PMI Index is corrected

Software error blamed for report of decline; monthly indexes all increased as index hits 55.4%.

Schneider Electric accelerates its transformation

Oil and gas, data center markets are core growth areas, says new North American CEO Laurent Vernerey

Students’ innovation the right prescription for success

Pill dispenser earns Walker Career Center a trip to Hannover Messe and solves a common problem by using automation

Festo gets Hannover Messe hopping

Festo brought a kangaroo to Hannover Messe. That’s one of those sentences they told us we’d never have to write when I went to journalism school.

Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement touted at Hannover Messe opening

The U.S. and E.U. must embrace trade deal, Merkel asserts at conference kickoff event

Manufacturing centers to focus on digital design, metal alloys

Obama to announce Feb. 25 that Chicago and Detroit won the bidding to host the public-private partnerships for manufacturing innovation

Global manufacturing enters ‘a decisive year’

2014 Hannover Messe preview touts merits of integrated manufacturing plants

Weather or not, PMI Index hits the skids in January

PMI Index drops to 51.3%, lowest mark in seven months, mostly due to poor weather

Manufacturing consortium to focus on high-tech power electronics

Obama announces $140 million project at NC State; universities, companies to partner on research and development

PMI jumps again to new high for the year

Index hits 57.3% as strength in orders, hiring continues manufacturing’s surge

4 levels of asset reliability at steelmaker ArcelorMittal

Effective planning leads to effective maintenance, which ArcelorMittal learned during the economic downturn

4 keys to a successful supply chain

A successful supply chain is vital in a world that is becoming faster and more demanding

Safety: It’s no game

When protecting workers, zero is the only acceptable score

The uncompromising result of an unsafe workplace

Safety must be paramount and a major and permanent priority in the workplace and in life

Training will get the most of your talent

Manufacturing is a stable career with great growth potential, and its future growth lies in our ability to attract and retain the best people we can

Intel, AeroScout partner on RFID technology in devices

Webcast Sept. 17 to discuss RFID technology in manufacturing environment

Koch Industries buys Molex for $7.2 billion

Deal called 'an exciting acquisiton' and a 'new platform for growth'

Despite hot issues, plant managers keep their cool

Companies all over the world are thriving and growing amidst the challenging economy, but certainty about the future remains murky

Indiana tops in manufacturing impact on state’s economy

Study by Website finds Midwest economies depend on plant output

The ISM Index’s big July surge

Manufacturing, housing, export data all pointing in the right direction

CertainTeed joins Ford, GM in Missouri’s manufacturing surge

Company’s $100 million plant latest in line of new projects for Show-Me State

DCS market may be crucial in Invensys bidding

Schneider Electric acquisition would boost company’s position in global markets, according to IHS Inc. comments

Schneider Electric in talks to acquire Invensys

Proposed $5 billion deal could position company against rivals in industrial, building, and data center markets

ISM data jumps back above growth threshold

PMI at 50.9% is 1.9 points higher than May, signaling improving conditions overall

Better Plants program aims at cutting manufacturing energy consumption

GM latest to join DOE effort to reduce energy intensity by 25%

Swap sale purchase earns loyal Klein customer $5,000

Finding 109-year-old pair of side cutting pliers in working order wins company contest

Integrated pump services market poised to grow

Frost and Sullivan study finds new technology and staff restrictions will expand use of services

U.S. tops the world in foreign investment confidence

Kearney study: Boost in manufacturing productivity overcomes global economic uncertainty

VW considering new product line at Tennessee plant

Addition of SUV production could double plant’s current size, AP reports

Eight states earn As from national Manufacturing and Logistics Report

Ball State University study looks at array for factors to determine health of sector

Spiesshofer named new CEO at ABB

Will succeed Hogan; success in Baldor integration cited as key to appointment

SME rebrands to focus on advancement of manufacturing

Society will highlight its wide range of expertise in new branding

Lenovo locates new PC manufacturing plant in North Carolina

Chinese company moves production back to get closer to U.S. market

Siemens cracks open its new S.C. facility

Simogear plant puts company 'Closer to our machine builder customer'

GM to create a flexible manufacturing cell at Lansing plant

Automaker’s $44.5 million investment is third at facility in the last three years

GE Aviation expands in Delaware to build engine components

$27 million ‘Lean Lab’ will prove out manufacturing techniques

U.S. manufacturers can benefit from global machine tool market growth

EMO officials tout American importance at September trade event in Germany

PMI Index: Steady, but slower manufacturing growth

Index declines for third straight month, but stays above growth threshold

PMI Index jumps to nine-month high

Manufacturing growth shows an across-the-board increase in January

Data tracking is on the move at ProMat

Suppliers are watching when, where, and how material moves through the plant.

Carbon tax floated as manufacturers ponder post-election future

FABTECH panelists: A 'modest tax' might provide a Congressional bridge for the fiscal cliff

Comment: Veterans can deliver their skills to manufacturing

The Get Skills to Work" program is a major step forward in addressing the Skills Gap by getting military veterans to use their applicable talents and skills in manufacturing.

The endless journey of innovation

As innovative ideas continue to multiply at an ever-increasing pace, it’s good to reflect on how we innovate, and how we use our innovative tools to further innovate.

U.S. manufacturing ‘renaissance’ earns global praise

Energy, data management, and effective maintenance were three overarching themes from the 2012 Hannover Messe in Germany April 23-27.

HANNOVER MESSE: Chinese premier promises ‘openness’ in manufacturing market

Wen cites challenges, concedes China has ‘a long way to go’ on manufacturing quality

HANNOVER MESSE: Phoenix Contact receives 2012 Hermes Award

Presentation at Hannover Messe honors lightning-detection technology.

Grainger CEO: Productivity improvement a critical issue

More than 5,000 customers, 2,200 suppliers attend 2012 Grainger Show

SPS Show: Beckhoff drives its way into motor business

Fertig Motors GmbH to develop servomotors for Beckhoff drive technology

SPS Show: Molex makes new PROFIBUS connections

Device protocol kit, remote module allow for expanded use of controllers