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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
Toyota Official: 'We Need To Come Clean'
April 8, 2010 4:09 am | by Ken Thomas and Larry Margasak, Associated Press Writers | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — Five days before Toyota announced a massive recall, a U.S. public relations executive at the automaker warned colleagues in an internal e-mail: "We need to come clean" about accelerator problems, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. "We are not protecting our customers by keeping this quiet," wrote Irv Miller, group vice president for environment and public affairs.
The Color Of Spinach
April 7, 2010 11:08 am | Articles | CommentsTony Bordieri of State Garden, Inc., a MA-based processor of fresh produce, details how his company was able to preserve customer confidence and limit profit loss during the recent spinach recall. This video is an excerpt of a webcast that discussed maintaining profitability in the event of a recall, and can be downloaded for free at www.
From Segways To Robotic Arms
April 7, 2010 11:07 am | Articles | CommentsDean Kamen, well-known for inventing the Segway, visits Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report to show off the LUKE arm (yes, its named after Luke Skywalker and his unfortunate incident with Darth Vader). The robotic appendage was commissioned by the Department of Defense and DARPA, with the goal of accomplishing a simple mission: to provide amputees with the accuracy and touch sensitivity to pick up something as small as a raisin, or as fragile as a grape.
The iPad — Will It Blend?
April 7, 2010 11:06 am | Articles | CommentsA tragedy? For many, absolutely. Amusing? At IMPO , we like to see product destruction in all its forms, whether or not it involves a highly-coveted new gadget. The people at Blendtec certainly seem to share that passion. If you're having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
A Meat-Flavored Cocktail
April 7, 2010 10:48 am | Articles | CommentsAt the end of a long day at work, sometimes the one thing that hits the spot is a nice drink. Whether it’s a bottle of Bud Light or some expensive scotch, we all have our favorites. Well, have you thought about meat-infused whiskey? One “mixologist” has. If you're having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
GM Loses $4.3 Billion In Latter Half Of 2009
April 7, 2010 5:32 am | News | CommentsDETROIT (AP) — General Motors Co. says it lost $4.3 billion in the last half of 2009 as it struggled to emerge from bankruptcy protection, repay government loans and cope with a severe downturn in U.S. sales. However, the automaker says it still sees a chance of achieving profitability in 2010.
Show Off Your Data
April 7, 2010 5:20 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe DXAdvanced R4 data acquisition and display station from Yokogawa (Newnan, GA) now features standard high capacity memory and a new option for pharmaceutical applications. The Advanced Security option delivers full compliance with FDA regulation 21 CFR Part 11, and is completmented with a multi-batch option.
Geithner To Visit China Over Currency Control Debate
April 7, 2010 4:56 am | by Aijaz Ansari, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsMUMBAI, India (AP) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will visit Beijing for talks with a Chinese vice premier for economic affairs on Thursday, Geithner's spokesman said, in a sign the two sides are moving toward settling a dispute over China's currency controls. Geithner will meet with Vice Premier Wang Qishan, spokesman Andrew Williams said Wednesday, as the Treasury secretary ended a two-day visit to India.
China Threatens Shutdowns For Cadmium-Laced Products
April 7, 2010 4:42 am | News | CommentsBEIJING (AP) — Product safety officials in China are investigating jewelry makers and warning them against using cadmium after high levels of the cancer-causing metal were found in Chinese-made children's trinkets sold in the United States. Product safety watchdogs in several Chinese cities have told jewelry manufacturers they will be shut down if their products are found to contain cadmium, though none reached Wednesday would say whether they had found any cadmium products or closed any factories.
Eliminating Moisture In Electrical Cabinets
April 7, 2010 4:35 am | by David J.Connaughton, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Filtration and Separation Division | Articles | CommentsMoisture in electrical cabinets, control panels and motor compartments can affect plant efficiency and product quality, leading to significant downtime and expensive repairs. This is especially critical in food processing industries, since moisture can lead to mold and/or bacterial growth and create regulatory concerns.
Firefighters Save Iowa Manufacturing Plant
April 7, 2010 4:28 am | News | CommentsFORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say quick action by firefighters prevented a disaster at a Fort Madison company. Crews managed to contain the fire to the room where it started early Tuesday at the Gregory Design and Manufacturing plant. The company designs and produces flat and automotive glass racks.
Toyota Warned EU Regulators Of Defects Before U.S.
April 7, 2010 4:27 am | by Ken Thomas and Larry Margasak, Associated Press Writers | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — Long before Toyota told U.S. regulators about sticking accelerator pedals, the Japanese automaker warned its distributors throughout Europe about similar problems, documents obtained by The Associated Press show. Concerns about sticking gas pedals and complaints from Toyota owners in the U.
Mitsubishi Plans Arkansas Wind Turbine Plant
April 7, 2010 4:26 am | by Chuck Bartels, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsFORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) — Mitsubishi said Tuesday it is aiming to produce wind turbines in Arkansas by next year at a new $100 million plant, a facility that signals the company is seeking to regain its U.S. customers. Company executives gathered with state and local officials to mark Mitsubishi's decision to build the plant, which will employ at least 400 people and help stem the tide of manufacturing jobs that have left the Fort Smith area.
Officials: Upper Big Branch Mine Took Safety Second
April 7, 2010 4:18 am | by Tim Huber, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsJULIAN, W.Va. (AP) — The coal mine rocked by an explosion that killed at least 25 workers in the nation's deadliest mining disaster since 1984 had been cited for 600 violations in less than a year and a half, some of them for not properly ventilating methane — the highly combustible gas suspected in the blast.
V-Vehicle Plans Second Bid At $320 Million Loan
April 6, 2010 10:26 am | by Alan Sayre, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsNEW ORLEANS (AP) — V-Vehicle Co., a startup automaker planning to build its vehicle in northeastern Louisiana, will apply again for $321.1 million in government loans, but must come up with another $100 million in private investment and credit to satisfy federal concerns, the acting company head said Tuesday.
