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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
U.S. Trade Deficit Up 8.5 Percent To $40.3B
June 4, 2013 10:10 am | by Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer | CommentsThe U.S. trade deficit widened in April, as demand for foreign cars, cell phones and other imported goods outpaced growth in U.S. exports. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that the trade gap rose 8.5 percent in April from March to $40.3 billion. Exports increased 1.2 percent to $187.4 billion, the second-highest level on record.
Italian Gov't Prepares To Take Over Ilva Steel Mill
June 4, 2013 10:08 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsItaly's industry minister says the government is preparing an emergency decree to temporarily take over Europe's largest steel mill, which is beset by environmental and corruption scandals. Flavio Zanonato said Tuesday that it had become clear that the cleanup of the plant cannot be conducted by those responsible for the environmental emergency.
Silicon Valley At Front Line Of Global Cyber War
June 4, 2013 10:06 am | by Martha Mendoza, AP National Writer | CommentsChinese President Xi Jinping and American counterpart Barack Obama will talk cyber-security this week in California, but experts say the state's Silicon Valley and its signature high-tech firms should provide the front lines in the increasingly aggressive fight against overseas hackers.
Aircraft Part Maker To Bring 100 Jobs To SC
June 4, 2013 10:04 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsDavis Aircraft Products said Monday it expects to hire 100 people to work in the new $5.5 million plant when it opens next spring in Andrews, S.C. The company will make tubing for airplanes at the new plant. Davis Aircraft Products CEO Bruce Davis says he appreciated the support he got from state and local officials as he decided where to put his new manufacturing plant.
Coca-Cola Opens Myanmar Bottling Plant
June 4, 2013 10:03 am | by Yadana Htun, Associated Press | CommentsCoca-Cola began bottling its famous soft drink in Myanmar on Tuesday as part of a planned five-year, $200 million investment after having no local production for more than 60 years. The company announced in a press release the ceremonial inauguration of its bottling plant in Hmawbi Township, a suburb of Yangon, the country's biggest city, with local partner Pinya Manufacturing Co.
U.S. Auto Sales See Big Gains In May
June 3, 2013 1:53 pm | by Dee-Ann Durbin, Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writers | CommentsThe strong sales are another sign that auto sales will continue to boost the U.S. economy, as consumers replace aging vehicles and businesses invest in trucks as they gain confidence. Builders are buying pickup trucks at a rapid pace as home construction continues to rebound.
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.
