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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
Combustible Dust At Imperial Sugar
October 7, 2009 5:54 am | Articles | CommentsThe CSB has investigated the Imperial Sugar refinery explosion of 2008, and has concluded that combustible dust was to blame for the deaths of 14 workers and injuries of many more. The company did not properly clean up after combustible dust, particularly that which accumulated on hard-to-reach places like light fixtures and beam, and did not provide adequate ventilation systems for dust in the air.
Thermo Fisher Closing Iowa Plant
October 7, 2009 4:36 am | News | CommentsDUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has announced plans to close its plant in Dubuque next year, eliminating 350 jobs. The company that makes equipment for industrial and laboratory use says in a news release on Tuesday that it plans to begin layoffs in January. The layoffs will continue in phases until the plant closes at the end of September 2010.
Delphi Emerges From 4-Year Bankruptcy Protection
October 7, 2009 4:24 am | by Bree Fowler, AP Auto Writer | News | CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — Auto parts supplier Delphi finally exited bankruptcy protection on Tuesday nearly four years to the day it filed for Chapter 11. Delphi emerged as a new company after completing a deal with its lenders and receiving a promise for billions in loans from GM, which once owned Delphi and buys critical parts from them.
15,000 Romanian Strikers Chant 'Down with government!'
October 7, 2009 4:11 am | by Alison Mutler, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsBUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Some 15,000 Romanian workers from all over the country protested low wages in the capital on Wednesday, rallying outside government headquarters to demand leaders do something to increase their pay. Workers blew whistles, sounded ambulance sirens, yelled "unity, unity!" and "Down with the government!" The minority government is to face a confidence vote in Parliament on Tuesday after its coalition partner the Social Democratic Party quit last week.
Chinese Medical Manufacturer To Build Baton Rouge Plant
October 7, 2009 4:07 am | News | CommentsBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A Chinese company plans to build a plant in Baton Rouge to manufacturer a radiation treatment device. Huiheng Medical Inc. would employ up to 300 people at salaries of up to $75,000 if the Food and Drug Administration approves the device, the company's chief executive, Xiaobing Hui said Tuesday through an interpreter.
Caterpillar Cuts 100 More Indiana Workers
October 7, 2009 4:00 am | News | CommentsLAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Caterpillar Inc. plans to lay off about 100 workers from an Indiana engine plant where it has already cut hundreds of jobs. Company spokesman Jim Dugan says about 106 production employees will be included in the layoffs that will start in November at the Large Engine Center in Lafayette.
GM Production In Thailand Shut Down Amid Strike
October 7, 2009 3:56 am | News | CommentsBANGKOK (AP) — General Motors Co.'s plant in Thailand has halted production after hundreds of workers went on strike to demand higher pay and better conditions, an official said Wednesday. It marked the third day the assembly line's operations were suspended since several hundred of its 1,700 workers began striking Monday.
Study: Neb. Meatpackers Face Brutal Conditions
October 7, 2009 3:52 am | News | CommentsLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ten years after the state approved a bill of rights to protect Nebraska meatpacking workers from unsafe conditions, a new report says the job remains dangerous. A report from the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest says Nebraska plant workers face hazardous conditions, including unrelenting line speed and humiliating treatment and verbal abuse.
Forget The Cling Wrap
October 6, 2009 9:04 am | by ScienCentral | Articles | CommentsScientists have created a new type of food wrapping that will someday leave the traditional plastic wrap unused in the back of some kitchen drawer. The new material is anti-microbial, which means things like fresh fruit stay fresh considerably longer. In addition, it's completly edible and environmentally-friendly.
The Cloaking Cop Car
October 6, 2009 8:57 am | by HARD Lifestyle | Articles | CommentsThese guys have developed a paint that changes colors when applying heat, and they thought it would be perfect for a cop car that goes from jet black to fully-marked in seconds. They strip the interior of an Escalade to attach massive heaters to the doors and, well, you can see the rest for yourself.
Respect The Nerd: Part 3
October 6, 2009 8:21 am | Articles | CommentsWatch the exciting conclusion of Gerard's long struggle with keeping his processes quick and error-free. With a robotic arm from FARO, Gerard manages to not only capture the attention and respect of his boss, but also a special someone... Do you have any comments or questions about our Thursday video editions of IMPO Insider ? Or do you have a video you'd like to see featured in a future deployment? Email me at Joel.
Respect The Nerd: Part 2
October 6, 2009 8:18 am | Articles | CommentsGerard still can't seem to stay on top of his work. After that many complaints, it's no wonder he gets sent to his supervisor. At the end of his rope, it seems like Gerard won't ever catch a break... Stay tuned for Part 3 . Do you have any comments or questions about our Thursday video editions of IMPO Insider ? Or do you have a video you'd like to see featured in a future deployment? Email me at Joel.
Respect The Nerd: Part 1
October 6, 2009 8:14 am | Articles | CommentsPoor Gerard. The nerdy quality control inspector is mocked incessently by his co-workers for being slow and keeping things off schedule. In Part One of the series, see how Gerard finds a glimmer of hope in his effort to revolutionize his quality control process.
Boeing Tallies Up $1 Billion Charge
October 6, 2009 5:09 am | News | CommentsCHICAGO (AP) — Boeing said Tuesday it expects to record a charge of $1 billion in the third quarter due to higher costs in its 747-8 program and difficult market conditions. Last year, the company said it was delaying deliveries of the 747-8 freighter and passenger jets due to design changes, limited engineering resources and a strike that shut down the company's commercial jet factories for eight weeks.
Chrysler Gives Visteon $31 Million Pick-Me-Up
October 6, 2009 5:02 am | by Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Auto Writer | News | CommentsDETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler Group LLC will pay auto supplier Visteon Corp. at least $31 million and shift business to other suppliers as part of a plan to help Visteon emerge from bankruptcy protection, a Visteon spokesman said Monday. Under the deal, which must be approved by U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, Visteon would help Chrysler find new suppliers and sell Chrysler parts-making tools in exchange for the payments.
