News
FREE Email Newsletter
Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
7 Workers Arrested At Nike Subcontractor
June 3, 2013 1:52 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsCambodian police on Monday clashed with workers and arrested seven at a factory that makes clothing for the U.S. sportswear company Nike in the latest violence linked to a strike over salaries there, a union organizer said. Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia organizer Son Vanny said its members exchanged barrages of sticks and stones with members of a rival union opposing the strike.
3-D Printing Goes From Sci-Fi Fantasy To Reality
June 3, 2013 1:49 pm | by Martha Mendoza, AP National Writer | CommentsOnce a science-fiction fantasy, three-dimensional printers are popping up everywhere from the desks of home hobbyists to Air Force drone research centers. Users are able to make just about anything they like: iPad stands, guitars, jewelry, even guns. But experts warn this cool innovation could soon turn controversial — because of safety concerns but also the potential for the technology to alter economies that rely on manufacturing.
U.S. Manufacturing Gauge Sinks To June 2009 Level
June 3, 2013 1:48 pm | by Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | CommentsA measure of U.S. manufacturing fell in May to its lowest level since June 2009 as slumping overseas economies and weak business spending reduced new orders and production. The Institute for Supply Management said Monday that its index of manufacturing activity fell to 49 last month from 50.7 in April.
Kodak Offers $49M Trust For Environmental Issues
June 3, 2013 1:46 pm | by Steve Orr, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | CommentsAs it inches closer to emergence from bankruptcy, Eastman Kodak is still wrestling with the financial repercussions of past environmental problems. Federal and New York state officials have filed a dozen claims for past environmental damage and expenses, including demands for up to $10.1 million to address toxic silver contamination of sediments in the Genesee River.
Siemens Acquires UK-Based Preactor
June 3, 2013 1:41 pm | by Siemens | CommentsBy acquiring the Preactor Group headquartered in Chippenham in the UK, Siemens further expand its international lead in the industry software market. Preactor’s APS software solutions will add significant new components to the Siemens Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) portfolio.
Fire Kills 119 At China Poultry Plant
June 3, 2013 10:01 am | by Christopher Bodeen, Associated Press | CommentsFire raged through a poultry plant in northeastern China on Monday, trapping workers inside a cluttered slaughterhouse and killing at least 119 people, reports and officials said. Several dozen people also were hurt in the blaze in Jilin province's Mishazi township, which appeared to have been sparked by three early morning explosions, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
MO Couple Appeals Claim Against Gun Manufacturer
June 3, 2013 9:59 am | by Matt Volz, Associated Press | CommentsA Montana couple is appealing a judge's dismissal of their lawsuit against gun manufacturer Remington claiming a 1989 shooting that left a man paralyzed was caused by a defect in a rifle. U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull ruled on April 29 that time had run out on the claim by Brad and Dianna Humphrey of Fairfield.
Ford Recalling 465,000 Vehicles For Fuel Leaks
June 3, 2013 9:56 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsFord is recalling about 465,000 cars and SUVs because the fuel tanks can leak and cause fires. The global recall affects the Ford brand's Fusion, Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Police Utility and Police Interceptor. Also covered are the Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ. All the vehicles are from the 2013 model year.
Survey: China Manufacturing Shrank In May
June 3, 2013 9:53 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsChina's manufacturing shrank slightly last month, a report said Monday, adding to signs of an uncertain recovery in the world's second-biggest economy. HSBC's monthly purchasing managers' index fell to 49.2 in May. That's down from 50.4 in April. Readings below 50 indicate a contraction.
Air Permits Approved For CF Industries Expansion
June 3, 2013 9:51 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsState regulators have given initial approval for a major expansion at a western Iowa fertilizer manufacturer. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued draft air quality permits for the $1.7 billion expansion planned by CF Industries south of Sergeant Bluff.
Boeing Announces Changes For Jet Design Centers
June 3, 2013 9:50 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsBoeing Co. said Friday it will create new aircraft-design centers in Washington state, South Carolina and California. The company portrayed the new centers as a way to increase its engineering and propulsion capacity as demand rises for new aircraft and services. Boeing predicts that the world's airlines will need 34,000 new planes over the next 20 years, a potential $4.5 trillion market.
BP Rig Supervisors Challenge Manslaughter Counts
May 31, 2013 2:43 pm | by Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press | CommentsTwo BP rig supervisors charged in the deaths of 11 workers in the Deepwater Horizon disaster claim the manslaughter counts in their indictment must be dismissed because they don't apply to conduct on a foreign-owned vessel operating outside U.S. territory.
South Bend Settles Environmental Claims
May 31, 2013 2:41 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsA more than decade-long legal battle over environmental claims involving South Bend's former Studebaker Corp. auto plant and another shuttered manufacturer has been settled under an agreement calling for an insurer to pay the city several million dollars.
Nokia To Lay Off 50 Of 300 Workers At ND Plant
May 31, 2013 2:40 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsOfficials with the Nokia technology company plan to lay off 50 of their 300 employees at its Fargo plant. The plant is the base for a division that creates maps and detailed three-dimensional renderings used on smartphones and vehicle navigation devices.
NH Auto Dealers Bill Headed To Governor
May 31, 2013 2:38 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsLegislation was headed to Gov. Maggie Hassan on Thursday that gives New Hampshire auto dealers protections in their dealings with their manufacturers. Without discussion, the Senate voted to accept changes the House made to the bill. Both chambers passed the bill by overwhelming margins.
