Chip shortage spreads beyond automakers, hurting sales at Apple, Samsung
The scarcity of chips could cloud some of the pandemic recovery if it continues to hamper manufacturing in the coming months.
Manufacturing
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Major companies sound alarm over commodity price hikes
Plastic, paper, sugar, grain and other commodities are all getting more expensive as demand outpaces supply. Companies are also paying more for shipping as fuel costs rise and ports experience longer delays because of congestion.
Allison Transmission raises sales forecast amid ongoing pandemic recovery
The Indianapolis-based manufacturer said it expects 2021 net sales to range from $2.33 billion to $2.48 billion. That’s an improvement from the guidance the company issued in February.
Orders for big-ticket manufactured goods rebound
Analysts said Monday’s durable goods report “reveals significant volatility” in certain industries due to the supply chain troubles, which have been particularly acute in the delivery of computer chips.
Policy forbidding cell phones at work not limited to FedEx
From safety concerns to productivity and data security, there are many reasons why companies may limit employee access to cell phones. Some FedEx employees said the company’s no-phone policy delayed contact with loved ones after the mass shooting on April 15.
Wisconsin’s new deal with Foxconn lowers tax breaks by billions
Foxconn originally proposed a 20 million-square-foot manufacturing campus that would have been the largest investment in U.S. history for a new location by a foreign-based company, but those plans have been downsized significantly.
Subaru recalls 875K vehicles to fix engine, suspension problems
The stalling recall covers Crosstrek SUVs from 2018 and 2019 and Impreza cars from 2017 through 2019. The suspension recall covers 2018 and 2019 Crosstreks and 2019 Foresters.
Chip shortage forces more production cuts by General Motors
The shutdowns likely will crimp dealer inventory of vehicles made at the plants, but GM says it has managed to keep factories humming that make hot-selling and very profitable full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.
Biofuels producers, farmers not sold on switch to electric
Biofuels producers and some of their supporters in Congress say now is the time to increase sales of ethanol and biodiesel, not abandon them.
U.S. manufacturing surges most since 1983, underscoring rebound
All but one of 18 manufacturing industries reported growth in March, led by textiles, electrical equipment and appliances, machinery and computers and electronic products.
Biden’s $2.25T infrastructure, climate plan emerges as congressional wrangling begins
The ambitious plan, to be unveiled Wednesday, is expected to devote hundreds of billions of dollars to infrastructure, home care for the elderly and the disabled, efforts to revive manufacturing, and bolstering the nation’s electric grid, broadband access and water systems.
VW plans brand-name change to ‘Voltswagen’ in United States
Volkswagen plans to change its brand name in the United States as its shifts its production increasingly toward electric vehicles and tries to distance itself from an emissions cheating scandal.
Chip shortages force more cuts at North American auto plants
Consultant AlixPartners has said the global chip shortage could cost automakers $61 billion in lost sales this year. The recent setbacks could further delay an expected second-quarter recovery in output.
Orders for manufactured goods tumbled 1.1% in February
The size of the drop surprised economists, although it is likely that there was significant disruption from severe winter storms that hit much of the country last month, on top of ongoing supply-chain problems.
Chip shortage causing production issues at Ford, Honda, GM, others
Automakers have said they don’t expect the chip shortage to get any better before the third quarter of the year, potentially costing them billions of dollars in revenue.
Conexus Indiana’s top executive to depart in June
Mark Howell, 56, who joined Conexus in 2018, plans to focus on volunteer and philanthropic activities after leaving the Indianapolis-based not-for-profit, the organization said Wednesday.
Indianapolis-based Bastian Solutions on 400-employee hiring spree
Bastian Solutions, which makes conveyor systems, robotics and other automated materials-handling items often used by the retail industry, has seen growth accelerate because of the pandemic.
Alliance Recreational Vehicles to add 650 jobs in Elkhart
The company said it will invest $33 million to expand its bustling Elkhart campus, which opened in 2009. It is slated to receive up to $11 million in tax credits.
Insider alleges Lilly blocked her efforts to sound alarms about U.S. drug factory
Eli Lilly and Co. told Reuters news agency that it is working closely with the FDA to address concerns about the factory in Branchburg, New Jersey, which makes Trulicity.
Hurco bounces back with profit, big sales increase in first quarter
Indianapolis-based Hurco Cos. Inc. shares jumped more than 13% Friday morning after the manufacturer reported a rebound to profitability and increased sales and orders in its fiscal first quarter.