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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
Last Jeep Liberty Rolls Off Ohio Line
August 17, 2012 1:54 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsThe last Jeep Liberty model has rolled off an Ohio assembly line. WTOL-TV reports that the Toledo Chrysler assembly plant finished building the 11-year-old small SUV on Thursday. That part of the plant will be retooled to build another Jeep product.
Unemployment Rates Rose In 44 States In July
August 17, 2012 1:53 pm | by Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | CommentsUnemployment rates rose in 44 U.S. states in July, the most states to show a monthly increase in more than three years and a reflection of weak hiring nationwide. The Labor Department says unemployment rates fell in only two states and were unchanged in four.
Hostess Workers To Vote On Final Contract Offer
August 17, 2012 1:51 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsA union representing workers at Hostess Brands Inc. is advising members that rejecting the company's final contract offer could result in the loss of their jobs. Hostess has been negotiating with workers about a new contract as it seeks to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company's "Last, Best and Final Offer" was presented over the weekend.
Volvo Trucks Opens MD Assembly Line
August 17, 2012 1:50 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsSwedish truck maker AB Volvo is adding 50 jobs in Hagerstown, Md. with the opening of a new, $8 million assembly line. Company officials held a ceremony Thursday afternoon to begin North American production of automated manual transmissions for heavy-duty trucks and buses.
People Affected By Refinery Fire Sue Chevron
August 17, 2012 1:47 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsNine people have sued Chevron Corp. over a California refinery fire that sent thousands to hospitals with respiratory issues and contributed to higher gasoline prices on the West Coast. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Contra Costa County Superior Court claims Chevron was grossly negligent in its handling of refinery maintenance as well as emergency response to the blaze in Richmond.
Caterpillar To Idle Peoria Plant For A Week
August 17, 2012 10:19 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsThe (Peoria) Journal Star reports that Caterpillar plans to idle a large portion of its work force in East Peoria for a week. The company announced the plan Thursday. Officials say they're idling the complex that produces track-type tractors to "align production with demand." The move comes despite the fact that Caterpillar announced record results for the second quarter of 2012.
Ford Europe Sales Fall As Economy Struggles
August 17, 2012 10:17 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsFord Motor Co.'s problems in Europe are worsening thanks to the region's faltering economy. The Dearborn, Michigan-based company said Thursday that auto industry sales in the region through July were the lowest in 17 years as automakers battled for sales in a declining market. Ford sold 83,100 vehicles last month in 19 European countries, down 12.3 percent from a year earlier.
Maruti Suzuki To Restart Riot Hit Car Plant
August 17, 2012 10:16 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsTop Indian carmaker Maruti Suzuki said Thursday it would reopen a factory with tightened security including a force of 100 police after a riot by workers last month killed one person and injured dozens of others. The company would restart production at the Manesar plant outside New Delhi from Aug. 21 in phases, after beefing up security, Maruti chairman R. C. Bhargava said.
EPA Signs Rule To Cut Haze In Big Sky Country
August 17, 2012 10:14 am | by Matt Volz, Matthew Brown, Associated Press | CommentsFederal regulators have approved a new measure meant to help turn Montana's Big Sky Country into Clear Sky Country by forcing industrial plants to cut pollutants that make hazy skies over national parks and wilderness areas. The official target date is 2064, but EPA officials acknowledge it would take several centuries for some parks and wildernesses under the new rule.
Clearon Suspends Production At WV Plant
August 17, 2012 10:12 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsClearon Corp. is suspending production at its South Charleston plant and laying off 45 to 50 workers. Plant manager Scott Johnson tells media outlets that production will be temporarily shut down in mid-September and last two to two-and-half months. The South Charleston plant produces bleach that's used in industrial, laundry and sanitizer products and to clean water in swimming pools.
Jobs Coming To Clintonville, WI Factory
August 17, 2012 10:09 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsA spokesman for Hoffmaster Group tells WLUK-TV the company is expanding its Creative Converting plant in Clintonville. The company expects to add 40 full-time hourly workers and 10 salaried workers. About 460 people currently work at the plant. The company is consolidating operations by closing an InnoWare facility in Menomonee Falls and laying off 100 people there. Creative Converting bought InnoWare last year.
Union: Tentative Caterpillar Deal An Improvement
August 16, 2012 1:58 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsCaterpillar reached a tentative six-year deal with the union representing almost 800 striking workers at an Illinois plant that makes components for trucks, tractors, and other machines, the company and union said.
Chrysler Recalls Dodge Durangos To Fix Air Bags
August 16, 2012 1:56 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsChrysler is recalling nearly 1,700 Dodge Durango SUVs because the rear side air bags may not work in a crash.
Opel In Talks To Reduce Hours At German Plants
August 16, 2012 1:55 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsGeneral Motors' Opel subsidiary says it's in talks with unions to reduce work hours at two major plants in Germany as it struggles with a drop in demand for its vehicles.
Judge Approves Sale Of RG Steel Assets
August 16, 2012 1:54 pm | by Randall Chase, AP Business Writer | CommentsA federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware has approved the sale of assets of steelmaker RG Steel in Ohio and Maryland.
