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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
U.S. Factory Output Rises 0.1 Percent In May
June 14, 2013 5:23 pm | by Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer | CommentsU.S. factories barely increased their output in May after two months of declines, a sign that manufacturing is providing little support for the economy. The Federal Reserve said Friday that factory production rose just 0.1 percent in May from April. Output fell 0.4 percent in April and 0.3 percent in March.
U.S. Prosecutors Want Smartphone 'Kill Switch'
June 14, 2013 5:23 pm | by Meghan Barr, Associated Press | CommentsU.S. law enforcement officials are demanding the creation of a "kill switch" that would render smartphones inoperable after they are stolen, New York's top prosecutor said in a clear warning to the world's smartphone manufacturers. The New York Attorney General said the formation of a coalition of law enforcement agencies devoted to stamping out what he called an "epidemic" of robberies.
First Airbus A350 Flight Reopens Wide-Body Race
June 14, 2013 5:22 pm | by Lori Hinnant, Associated Press | CommentsThe Airbus A350's maiden flight ended with a safe landing on Friday, setting the stage for intensifying competition with U.S. rival Boeing in the long-haul wide-body aircraft market. The four-hour flight marks a key step on the path to full certification for the jet, which can carry between 250 and 400 passengers and is the European aircraft maker's best hope for catching up in a long-haul market dominated by Boeing's 787 and 777.
Blast At LA Plant Kills 1, More Than 70 Hurt
June 14, 2013 10:02 am | by Stacey Plaisance, Associated Press | CommentsThe blast sent workers on a mad scramble to escape the plant, said a worker, some of them by clambering over gates. Outside the plant, witnesses saw towering flames and felt the ground shudder. A body was found by hazardous materials crews moving through the site after the blast, state police Capt. Doug Cain said.
New Hostess Owner Prepares To Re-Start GA Plant
June 14, 2013 10:00 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsThe smell of snack cakes could soon return to the Dolly Madison plant in Columbus as Hostess Brands LLC prepares to relaunch production. Hostess Brands LLC spokesman Michael Cramer said workers will be resuming production by July. He said crews are now getting the facility ready to bake goods again, including testing equipment that's been idle since November.
Nissan Hopes To Grab Share Of Japan Minicar Market
June 14, 2013 9:58 am | by Azusa Uchikura, Associated Press | CommentsJapanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi are joining forces to grab a bigger share of the country's lucrative market for tiny cars, now dominated by their three rivals. The new model, sold as Dayz for Nissan Motor Co. and eK Wagon for Mitsubishi Motors Corp., marks the first time Nissan has been involved from start to finish in the development of a minicar, or "kei," which means "light" in Japanese.
Once-Promising IN Car Venture Ends In Bankruptcy
June 14, 2013 9:55 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsA company that had planned to build high-tech police cars in a vacant plant that once housed a rust belt city's largest employer has filed for bankruptcy, dashing the hopes of a community desperate for economic rejuvenation. Carbon Motors Corp. filed for Chapter 7 liquidation in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Indianapolis on Friday.
Honda Recalling 104,500 Cars To Fix Brakes
June 14, 2013 9:52 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsHonda is recalling 104,500 cars in 49 countries worldwide to fix problems with the brakes. In the U.S., the recall covers more than 18,000 Acura RSX compact cars from 2006 and the Honda S2000 sports car from the 2006 and 2007 model years.
IN City Sues Over Failed Pharmaceutical Facility
June 14, 2013 9:50 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsA suburban Indianapolis city has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company that failed to open after receiving $8.4 million in loans and other assistance from the city. Greenwood officials had tried for months to help with talks involving possible investors in hopes of saving Elona Biotechnologies before deciding to file the lawsuit, Mayor Mark Myers said.
At Least 30 Injured In LA Plant Explosion
June 13, 2013 2:20 pm | by Stacey Plaisance Associated Press | CommentsAmbulances and helicopters took at least 30 people from a burning chemical plant after an explosion Thursday in Louisiana, officials said. Early tests did not indicate dangerous levels of any chemicals around the plant in Geismar, southeast of Baton Rouge, but area residents were told to remain indoors with doors and windows closed, said Jean Kelly, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Voice-Operated Dashboard Technology Still Risky
June 13, 2013 2:18 pm | by Joan Lowy, Associated Press | CommentsDashboard technology that lets drivers text and email with voice commands — marketed as a safer alternative — actually is more distracting than simply talking on a cellphone, a new AAA study found. Automakers have been trying to excite new-car buyers, especially younger ones, with dashboard infotainment systems that let drivers use voice commands to do things like turning on windshield wipers, posting Facebook messages or ordering pizza.
FEMA Denies Aid For TX Fertilizer Plant Blast
June 13, 2013 2:13 pm | by Ramit Plushnick-Masti, Associated Press | CommentsThe Federal Emergency Management Agency is refusing to provide additional money to help rebuild the small Texas town where a deadly fertilizer plant explosion leveled numerous homes and a school, and killed 15 people. According to a letter obtained by The Associated Press, FEMA said it reviewed the state's appeal to help but decided that the explosion "is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration."
Cooper CEO Says Buyer Committed To U.S. Operations
June 13, 2013 2:09 pm | by John Seewer, Associated Press | CommentsA tire maker whose main market is in India is buying Ohio's Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. for $2.2 billion and making a commitment to maintain the company's three U.S. manufacturing plants and retain its management operation in Ohio, Cooper's chief executive said Wednesday.
Chrysler Recalling 6,900 Heavy-Duty 2012 Trucks
June 13, 2013 2:07 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsChrysler Group is recalling 6,900 heavy-duty Ram pickup trucks from the 2012 model year because part of the front axle could fracture and cause them to lose power. The automaker said Wednesday that the front prop shaft, which connects the engine to the axle, can bind or fracture.
GM's Opel Unit To Start Building Cars In Belarus
June 13, 2013 2:06 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsGeneral Motors Co.'s European Opel unit says it will start assembling cars for Russia and other eastern markets in Belarus next year. Germany-based Opel said GM signed an agreement Thursday to start building its Corsa model at facilities owned by partner Unison in Belarus. The cars will be sold in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
