U.S. factory production rises at healthy pace
U.S. factory output increased in August at a solid clip, reversing a sharp drop in July, as production of metals, machinery and chemicals all rose.
Manufacturing
Articles
Hoosier manufacturers feel trade war sting
As the U.S./China trade war drags on, advanced manufacturers in central Indiana are scrambling to determine their best course of action—and there are no easy answers.
Allison Transmission acquires two companies for $103M
Allison, which makes automatic transmissions, acquired one of its long-time suppliers, plus a company that makes tools for that supplier.
Powerful business group validates the Cummins way
Score one for J. Irwin Miller, who during his quarter century atop Cummins Inc. championed corporate social responsibility—a stance that put him at odds with economist Milton Friedman, the 20th century’s most prominent advocate of free markets.
Indy manufacturer with 137 local workers closing after 86 years in business
Mitchel & Scott Machine Co. told the state this week that it will be closing operations and terminating all employees on Oct. 25.
U.S. orders for long-lasting goods show 2.1% July increase
Orders for transportation equipment powered the overall gain, rising 7%, the category’s strongest month in almost a year.
U.S. Steel expects 150 layoffs by idling Indiana plant
The Pittsburgh-based company says the East Chicago plant was underutilized because low-priced imports have captured roughly half of the U.S. tin products market.
Weak world demand, trade take their toll on U.S. factories
Bigger cracks are forming across America’s manufacturing foundation after lackluster global demand and persistent trade tensions led to the first contraction in U.S. factory activity since September 2009.
Cummins president to retire after 40-year career with company
The retirement of President and Chief Operating Officer Rich Freeland will spark several executive-level promotions at the Indiana-based manufacturer.
Global gas manufacturer seeks $2M tax break on $38.3M project
An affiliate of Germany-based Messer Group wants to build a new facility on the south side of Indianapolis for making atmospheric gases for health care providers, food processors, and glass and metal fabricators.
Hoosier manufacturers say they’ve been prepping for recession
Companies banged up during the Great Recession a decade ago have been preparing for the next slowdown by keeping workforces lean, adding technology and avoiding excessive debt.
Audio-products maker Klipsch rocking as parent struggles
The manufacturer has reinvigorated its product line, brokered new partnerships, and greatly expanded its sales footprint, but the tune from parent New York-based Voxx International Corp. is far less melodic.
Martinsville sock-maker FBF Originals ready to run
The Morgan County town’s best-kept entrepreneurial secret might not be a secret much longer, thanks to private equity ownership, an expanded management team, and ambitious plans to double revenue.
Allison Transmission beats 2Q forecasts with record sales
Allison attributed the increase in sales to higher demand in the North America On-Highway and Outside North America Off-Highway end markets.
Cummins falls short of quarterly sales, profit forecasts
Shares of the Columbus-based engine maker dropped in early trading after second quarter results missed analyst expectations, even though sales and profit were up over a year ago.
Zionsville manufacturer plans to hire 39 as part of $7.5M expansion
GCI Slingers said it will add 10,000 square feet to its existing 20,000-square-foot facility at 5005 W. 106th St.
VW, Ford team up to make autonomous, electric vehicles
Volkswagen will invest $2.6 billion into a Pittsburgh autonomous vehicle company that's mostly owned by Ford as the automakers deepen their partnership to develop driverless and electric vehicles in an ultra-competitive landscape.
New owner to push Indiana Limestone into global markets
The newly merged company has big plans for broad rollout of the natural stone, which is considered superior to other types of limestone quarried throughout the world.
In midst of a manufacturing skills shortage, one company is filling jobs differently
Morales Group is trying to combat the manufacturing skills gap by training workers and then making its associates feel valued and part of a team, thus making such careers more desirable and attainable.
Cummins to acquire Canadian hydrogen fuel-cell maker for $290M
The move comes as Cummins, long known as a diesel engine powerhouse, expands its efforts in alternative powertrain technologies.