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03 April 2025
Battery Newsfactory
Apr 03, 2025Battery News
Chinese manufacturer HiNa Battery has introduced a new sodium-ion battery solution for use in commercial vehicles. According to the company, the battery cells have an energy density of more than 165 watt-hours per kilogram and can be fully charged in 20 to 25 minutes. HiNa is positioning the new solution as an economical alternative to existing lithium-based systems, particularly in terms of charging time and cost.
The product portfolio includes four battery types, with the K150 and K210 models intended for short-haul transportation and the K280 and K350 models for logistics applications. HiNa also touts stable discharge performance over a temperature range of -40°C to 45°C, and a service life of more than 8,000 charge cycles with continuous fast charging. The battery systems are said to have a temperature rise of less than 10°C during fast charging.
The company has been working with sodium-ion technology since it was founded in 2017. According to the manufacturer, the first applications in two-wheelers, cars, and stationary storage systems have already been realized. Previous collaborations, such as with automaker JAC and its Sehol brand, have resulted in prototypes and compact vehicles equipped with sodium-ion batteries.
Source:https://cnevpost.com/2025/03/28/hina-sodium-ion-battery-solution-commercial-cars/
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Angola Inaugurates $500 Million Cabinda Oil RefineryAngola marks the inauguration of its Cabinda oil refinery today. The Cabinda Oil Refinery will put the country on track to nearly double its capacity and cut expensive imports. This information was reported by Angolan news agency Angop.
After several delays, the Cabinda Oil Refinery finished construction works of the first phase of the industrial unit. Furthermore, the production and sale of fuels is set to commence in around three months.
Location: Malembo Plain, Cabinda Province
Developers: A joint venture between Gemcorp Holdings which holes a 90% stake and Sonangol which holds 10% stake.
Project phases and capacity
Phase 1:
Phase 2:
The initial capacity of 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel and jet fuel represents approximately 10 percent of Angola’s current requirement.
Also, as for the second phase, it will see the import of diesel to ensure alignment with full production capacity, eventually reaching 60,000 bpd. Additionally, this will nearly double the current capacity of 65,000 bpd from the Luanda refinery.
Furthermore, Cabinda refinery is a public-private partnership between UK-based Gemcorp and Sonango, Angola’s state-owned oil company. The two companies share governance under the supervision of Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas.
Construction of the Cabinda Oil Refinery began in 2019 with tree-clearing, earth-moving and demining. Also, the project was a critical step in a country still riddled with landmines from decades of conflict.
Gemcorp completed that work the following year but the Covid-19 pandemic, along with the confounding complexities typical of such projects, led to frequent delays.
Construction of this project created over 3,300 jobs. Most of these jobs most went to Angolans. Furthermore, worker training aims to prepare 5,000 Angolans for refinery-related jobs in mechanics, electrical work, welding and IT.
Phase one of the Cabinda Oil Refinery was backed by multiple African financial institutions. Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) managed to mobilize $335 million and a another $138 million raised through equity sponsors.
The oil refinery project was originally estimated at US$473 million. However, due to Covid-related delays and inflation pushed the cost to more than $500 million as of last October, when inauguration was set for April 2025.
Additionally, funding for the second phase, expected to come online 18 months to two years after phase one, had not been finalised at that time. Also, Gemcorp founder and CEO Atanas Bostandjiev revealed to Reuters that he expected a final decision on that after the plant opened.
Furthermore, the executive stressed the need for local refining, as Angola “imports almost 100 percent of its refined products from Europe.” Those imports amount to over US$2 billion annually. Therefore, this underscores the need for a more efficient, financially sustainable alternative. These alternatives include development of new refineries such as the Lobito refinery.
Construction Review
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01 September 20253 min readAngola Inaugurates $500 Million Cabinda Oil Refinery
Construction Review
01 September 2025
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Inside Nippon Steel’S $11 Billion Investment Into Us Steel ProductionFollowing a politically charged, 18-month saga, Japan’s Nippon Steel has officially closed its landmark $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel and is now wasting no time in outlining its ambitious future. The company has unveiled a massive $11 billion investment plan designed to revitalize the iconic American steelmaker. This strategic injection of capital and expertise aims to not only modernize U.S. Steel’s operations but also significantly boost its profitability and production capacity, heralding a new era for the historic industrial giant.
The core objective of this multi-billion-dollar investment is clear: to dramatically increase U.S. Steel’s financial performance. Nippon Steel aims to achieve this by transferring its world-renowned operational techniques and advanced technologies to its new American subsidiary. Consequently, the company projects U.S. Steel’s annual profit contribution to soar from an expected 80 billion yen this year to a staggering 250 billion yen ($1.70 billion) as early as 2028. To get there, the investment will focus on expanding capacity and shifting production towards more high-grade, value-added steel products for demanding sectors like the automotive industry.
This revitalization is not just a plan on paper; it involves significant, tangible upgrades to key facilities. Among the major projects is the construction of a brand-new hot-rolling mill at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works in Pennsylvania and a complete refurbishment of the No. 14 blast furnace at Gary Works in Indiana. Furthermore, Nippon Steel is exploring building entirely new mills from the ground up, including massive 3-million-ton electric arc furnaces similar to its state-of-the-art Big River 2 plant. As a result of these efforts, U.S. Steel’s domestic crude steel capacity is expected to climb from 17 million to 20 million tons.
The journey to finalize this acquisition was one of the most contentious corporate deals in recent memory. The transaction faced intense political opposition in the United States from both President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, who raised concerns over national security and the potential impact on American jobs. The powerful United Steelworkers union also fiercely opposed the deal, making it a major talking point in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. U.S. Steel, founded in 1901 by industrial titans like J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie, was once the largest corporation in the world and a powerful symbol of American industrial might, which made its sale to a foreign entity a deeply sensitive issue. Furthermore, all around the world, steel production has been receiving major investments. Kenya and Uganda are working together to launch the largest steel factory in East Africa and Nigeria has also poured billions of dollars into the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
Acquisition Cost: $14.9 billion.
New Investment: $11 billion planned to revitalize U.S. Steel’s operations.
Profit Goal: To increase U.S. Steel’s annual profit to $1.7 billion by 2028.
Key Method: Transferring advanced Japanese technology and operational techniques.
Capacity Boost: Aims to increase U.S. Steel’s domestic capacity to 20 million tons.
Key Upgrades: Includes a new mill in Pennsylvania and a furnace refurbishment in Indiana.
New Tech: Plans involve building new, efficient electric arc furnaces.
Global Reach: The deal brings Nippon Steel’s global capacity to 86 million tons.
Major Hurdle: The acquisition faced strong political opposition in the United States.
Historical Note: U.S. Steel was founded in 1901 and was once a powerful symbol of American industry.
Construction Review
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29 August 20253 min readInside Nippon Steel’S $11 Billion Investment Into Us Steel Production
Construction Review
29 August 2025
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Johnson & Johnson Commits $2 Billion To Fujifilm’S North Carolina Biopharma HubSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news.
A new $2 billion agreement between Johnson & Johnson and Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is reinforcing the U.S. government’s push to rebuild domestic drug manufacturing capacity. The ten‑year deal will secure large‑scale production capacity at Fujifilm’s new biopharmaceutical site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, positioning the state as a cornerstone of the country’s onshoring efforts.
The site, still under construction, will provide contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) services for biologics once operational in 2025. Johnson & Johnson, through its Janssen Supply Group, has entered into the agreement to ensure long‑term capacity for monoclonal antibodies and other biologics that are central to the company’s drug pipeline.
The announcement is part of a broader shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing strategy. After decades of offshoring production to Asia and Europe, major drugmakers are being driven to reinvest in U.S. soil. Factors include lessons learned during the COVID‑19 pandemic, increased political pressure for domestic resilience, and rising geopolitical tensions that threaten global supply chains.
In this context, J&J’s $2 billion agreement fits into a wave of onshoring investments that have already surpassed $55 billion over the past few years. Companies such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Amgen are all expanding U.S. operations, while the Biden administration has continued to incentivize reshoring efforts via legislation and direct subsidies.
The Fujifilm facility in Holly Springs is expected to be one of the largest end‑to‑end cell culture biopharmaceutical manufacturing sites in North America. J&J’s agreement secures exclusive use of part of the facility and ensures dedicated capacity for its therapies over a ten‑year span. For Fujifilm, the deal is another signal of confidence from major pharma customers after it previously landed a $1.6 billion agreement with Regeneron in 2023.
Fujifilm’s new facility will bring approximately 725 skilled jobs to the region and spans more than 160,000 square feet. Construction began in 2021 and the plant is expected to be operational in 2025. It will support all phases of drug development from clinical trials to commercial manufacturing, providing J&J with flexibility across multiple pipeline stages.
The Holly Springs site is one of several recent biomanufacturing hubs forming across North Carolina, further establishing the state as a central player in U.S. biopharma logistics and innovation. Fujifilm’s decision to expand in this location was supported by more than $2 billion in investment, aided by state and local government incentives.
In addition to Holly Springs, J&J is also expanding its own operations elsewhere in the state. The company’s Wilson facility has undergone a major scale‑up and other regional sites have been identified for future capacity development. These moves align with J&J’s stated goals to shorten supply chains, reduce transportation risks and respond more quickly to emerging healthcare demands.
Joaquin Duato, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, emphasized the role of the deal in reinforcing the resilience of the healthcare system. The partnership with Fujifilm will provide security of supply and scalable capacity to bring new therapies to market faster, he said in a press release issued shortly after the announcement.
The demand for biologics, particularly monoclonal antibodies, is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. These treatments require highly specialised and expensive manufacturing capabilities that many pharmaceutical companies are increasingly choosing to outsource to experienced CDMOs like Fujifilm.
For J&J, the move signals a long‑term commitment not just to individual product lines, but to a broader manufacturing strategy built around stability, scalability and proximity to key markets.
Sources
Pharmaceutical Technology
Manufacturing Today
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28 August 20253 min readJohnson & Johnson Commits $2 Billion To Fujifilm’S North Carolina Biopharma Hub
Manufacturing Today
28 August 2025
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Hyundai Doubles Down On Us With $26 Billion Expansion PlanSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news.
Hyundai Motor Group is scaling up its commitment to American manufacturing, announcing a major expansion of its planned US investment to $26 billion over the next three years. The funding increase, up from a previously disclosed $21 billion, will support a broad range of initiatives across electric vehicle production, steel supply chains, and advanced robotics.
The move is part of a strategic effort to strengthen Hyundai’s presence in the United States and deepen its role in the domestic automotive and tech industries. According to the company, the initiative will create an estimated 25,000 jobs and further integrate Hyundai’s operations into the US industrial landscape.
Hyundai’s increased capital deployment will support several high priority ventures. At the center of this plan is the construction of a new steel mill in Louisiana, aimed at localizing key components of the supply chain and reducing reliance on international steel markets. The facility will enable Hyundai to better support its US-based auto production and meet long-term sustainability targets.
Additionally, the company will expand its auto manufacturing capabilities, especially in the electric vehicle space. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are all expected to benefit from the scale-up, with new production lines aimed at accommodating a broader portfolio of EVs.
On the technology front, the group is building a robotics innovation center that will produce up to 30,000 units annually. These robotics will not only serve internal manufacturing needs but may also be developed for external commercial applications, particularly in logistics and automation.
At the core of Hyundai’s U.S. manufacturing vision is the Georgia Metaplant, a state-of-the-art facility that combines human labor and robotics to reimagine auto production. Equipped with 750 robots and an initial workforce of 1,450 employees, the plant is structured to keep operations flexible and responsive to consumer demand.
Inside the Metaplant, robots handle tasks such as welding and painting while autonomous guided vehicles transport parts across the factory floor. Human workers are focused on intricate assembly tasks, software calibration, and quality assurance, all of which require adaptability and decision-making.
The use of automation has prompted wider industry interest in how companies balance efficiency with employment. Hyundai has stated that automation is intended to enhance productivity rather than displace human workers. In fact, the company estimates that employment at the facility could grow to 8,500 jobs once full production is underway.
Hyundai’s expanded investment forms part of a broader wave of South Korean capital flowing into the United States. In May, South Korean firms pledged nearly $150 billion toward projects in sectors including automotive, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, and clean energy.
This latest injection of funding coincides with a broader push by the U.S. government to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce dependencies on foreign supply chains. Federal and state-level incentives have contributed to a favorable climate for automakers and technology firms seeking to scale operations in the country.
Hyundai’s strategy aligns closely with this policy direction. It offers an example of how private enterprise and national industrial goals can converge. Its integrated approach, encompassing raw materials, finished products, and automation, positions the company as a major player in reshaping the future of American manufacturing.
As automation technology advances, questions about job displacement have become increasingly common. Hyundai has taken a tempered view and emphasized that human labor remains essential for functions requiring decision-making, flexibility, and oversight.
At the Georgia plant, the blend of robotics and manual labor is being closely watched by policymakers, labor advocates, and competitors. It serves as a case study in how companies can modernize manufacturing without sidelining human workers.
The broader outlook suggests that Hyundai’s approach could set a precedent. If successful, it may encourage similar strategies from other global manufacturers, especially those navigating the transition to electric vehicles and AI-driven production systems.
Sources:
CBT News
Manufacturing Today
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28 August 20254 min readHyundai Doubles Down On Us With $26 Billion Expansion Plan
Manufacturing Today
28 August 2025
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Boviet Solar Marks Progress On 3.0 Gw Pv Cell Factory With Exterior Work Finished In Greenville, North CarolinaBoviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd., a leading solar energy technology company specializing in monocrystalline PV cells and its premium Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules, has announced the successful completion of exterior construction on its new 3.0-GW PV cell manufacturing facility in Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina. The milestone, which includes the completion of exterior walls and roofing, marks significant progress in Boviet Solar’s U.S. manufacturing expansion and commitment to strengthening domestic solar production.
Construction of the Greenville facility began in January 2025, and the exterior build-out has now been completed on schedule. This factory represents Phase II of Boviet Solar’s North American manufacturing strategy and is designed to produce high-efficiency N-Type PV cells. Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 3.0-GW, an increase from the previously announced 2.0-GW capacity. It will complement the adjacent 2.0-GW PV module factory, which started mass production in Q1 2025.
Marco Marquez, General Manager of Boviet Solar’s Greenville factory, stated, “Completing the exterior walls and roof of our PV Cell factory is an important milestone that keeps us firmly on track toward our operational goals. With Phase I already producing U.S.-made PV modules and Phase II moving forward as planned, we are building not just factories, but long-term opportunities for the local community, our employees, and the clean energy future of the United States.”
Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA, mentioned, “The Greenville manufacturing hub is central to Boviet Solar’s U.S. growth strategy. By investing in both PV cell and module production in North Carolina, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, delivering reliable Made-in-USA solar products, and creating lasting economic impact for the region. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners, and we are excited about the progress ahead.”
The Greenville PV module factory, part of Phase I, began production in April 2025 and manufactures Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules. With the addition of the new cell plant, Boviet Solar will create a fully integrated U.S. manufacturing hub, capable of producing both PV cells and modules domestically. This development is expected to strengthen the U.S. solar supply chain while delivering high-performance, Made-in-USA products to customers.
The PV cell facility is scheduled for completion and mass production in the second half of 2026. It will create more than 900 skilled local jobs and provide a reliable supply of advanced PV cells for both U.S. and international markets. With this milestone, Boviet Solar reinforces its position as a trusted long-term partner in the global solar industry, supporting domestic manufacturing growth and contributing to the clean energy transition.
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28 August 20253 min readBoviet Solar Marks Progress On 3.0 Gw Pv Cell Factory With Exterior Work Finished In Greenville, North Carolina
Solar Quarter
28 August 2025
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Boviet Solar Completes Exterior Construction Of 3.0-Gw Pv Cell Factory In North CarolinaConstruction of the facility began in January 2025, and the exterior build-out has now been finished on schedule. The new factory represents Phase II of Boviet Solar’s North American manufacturing strategy and will focus on producing high-efficiency N-Type PV cells to support the growing demand for locally manufactured solar products.
Once fully operational, the Greenville PV cell facility will deliver an annual production capacity of 3.0-GW of solar cells—more than the 2.0-GW capacity announced earlier this year—complementing Boviet Solar’s adjacent 2.0-GW PV module factory, which successfully commenced mass production in Q1 2025.
The Greenville PV module factory (Phase I) produces top-performing Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules and began factory production in April 2025. Together, these two facilities will create a fully integrated U.S. manufacturing hub, capable of producing both PV cells and modules domestically, strengthening America’s solar supply chain while providing customers with top-performing, Made-in-USA solar products.
“Completing the exterior walls and roof of our PV Cell factory is an important milestone that keeps us firmly on track toward our operational goals,” said Marco Marguez, General Manager of Boviet Solar’s Greenville factory.
“With Phase I already producing U.S.-made PV modules and Phase II moving forward as planned, we are building not just factories, but long-term opportunities for the local community, our employees, and the clean energy future of the United States.”
“The Greenville manufacturing hub is central to Boviet Solar’s U.S. growth strategy,” added Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA. “By investing in both PV cell and module production in North Carolina, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, delivering reliable Made-in-USA solar products, and creating lasting economic impact for the region. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners, and we are excited about the progress ahead.”
The PV cell facility is expected to be completed and begin mass production in the second half of 2026, creating more than 900 skilled local jobs and providing a reliable supply of high-performance PV cells for both U.S. and global markets.
With this milestone, Boviet Solar reaffirms its role as a reliable, trusted, and long-term partner in the global solar industry, dedicated to delivering top-performing products, supporting domestic manufacturing, and driving the clean energy transition.
Renewable Energy Magazine
powerplant
28 August 20252 min readBoviet Solar Completes Exterior Construction Of 3.0-Gw Pv Cell Factory In North Carolina
Renewable Energy Magazine
28 August 2025
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Nigeria’S Dangote Group And Ethiopia To Construct $2.5 Billion Gode Fertiliser Plant, One Of The World’S LargestEthiopia has signed an agreement with Nigeria’s Dangote Group to construct $2.5 billion Gode Fertiliser Plant. This information was revealed by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday in a post on social media platform X.
Furthermore, this mega investment is part of Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s efforts which seeks to end Africa’s fertiliser imports. Also, this project will be part of Dangote’s expansion into Africa and economic empowerment in the region. One of the major investments owned by Dangote in the continent include the largest oil refinery in Africa.
Location: Gode, Ethiopia
Cost: Approximately $2.5 billion
Capacity: The facility is designed to have an annual production capacity of up to 3 million metric tons of urea. This would make it one of the largest single-site urea production complexes in the world.
Product: The plant will primarily produce urea fertilizer, with potential for future expansion into other ammonia-based fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate.
Timeline: Construction is targeted for completion within 40 months from the start of the project.
Partnership: A joint venture between Dangote Group (60% ownership) and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) (40% ownership).
Objective: To reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on imported fertilizer, enhance agricultural productivity, and position the country as a regional hub for fertilizer production and export.
Importance:
Additionally, this mega fertiliser plant will be located in Gode town in Ethiopia’s Southeastern side. The plant will produce 3 million metric tons of fertiliser a year, Abiy further revealed.
The agreement that will foresee the construction of the fertiliser plant was signed by state-owned Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) and Dangote Group.
Ethiopia will hold a 40% stake in the venture. On the other hand, Dangote Group will own 60%. EIH Chief Executive Brook Taye revealed this information at the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.
Also, an EIH statement on X quoted billionaire Dangote as saying that the investment represented a “shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent”.
African countries are making steps in developing local fertilizer hubs and plants in order to cut dependence on imports. Likewise, Ghana has received $5 billion investment that will foresee the establishment of a fertilizer hub at Atuabo. The development of these fertilizer projects showcase the steps African countries are making to cut foreign dependence and make fertilizer easily accessible to farmers by local production.
Construction Review
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28 August 20252 min readNigeria’S Dangote Group And Ethiopia To Construct $2.5 Billion Gode Fertiliser Plant, One Of The World’S Largest
Construction Review
28 August 2025
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Ghana To Construct $5 Billion Atuabo Fertiliser HubGhana will become a hub for fertiliser production following a $5 billion investment agreement with Qatari agricultural investors, Aljadad Group. This massive investment will enable the construction of the Atuabo Fertiliser Hub.
Additionally, a geo-technical team is expected to commence feasibility studies in October. The feasibility studies will be conducted on land secured at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation.
Location: Atuabo Petroleum Hub, Western Region, Ghana
Cost: $5 billion
Products: The plant will produce urea and ammonia, which are essential components of modern fertilizers.
Economic impact: The project is expected to create over 2,000 direct jobs, primarily for the youth, and stimulate the growth of other related industries in Ghana’s agro-industrial sector. Also, by producing fertilizer locally, the project would reduce pressure on foreign exchange. It will make fertilizer more accessible and affordable for Ghanaian farmers.
Partnership: the project will be developed via a joint venture between Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Qatari investment firm Al Jedad Holdings. The partnership will also involve local Ghanaian agro-industrial group Granum Limited.
The project will be anchored by a gas processing plant at Atuabo, which will provide feedstock and strengthen Ghana’s industrial base.
As revealed by the investors, the initiative will generate over 2,000 direct local jobs and enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in fertiliser production.
Reverend Foster Mawuli Benson who is a local partner of Aljadad Holdings, described the project a turning point in Ghana’s agro-industrial drive.
“This project is about to commence. For the first time, Ghana will be producing fertilisers locally especially urea and ammonia at the Petroleum Hub in Atuabo. This will generate over 2,000 direct jobs, especially for the youth,” he said during a visit to the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, urged the investors to fast-track construction. He highlighted the project’s role in advancing the government’s food security agenda.
“We have very many young people venturing into agriculture. With the shift toward irrigation farming for year-round production, timely delivery of this project will be crucial. It must kick off immediately,” he emphasised.
In another project that seeks to cut Africa’s dependence on foreign fertilizer imports, Dangote Group has signed an agreement with Ethiopia to develop a $2.5 billion fertilizer hub in Gode town. This mega project will make Ethiopia a major fertilizer hub in the region. Also, Ethiopia will be able to locally produce its fertilizer, thereby cutting the pressure on imports. Similarly, the development of this fertilizer hub in Ghana will cut the country’s dependence on fertilizer imports. It will also make the country a new fertilizer hub in West Africa.
Construction Review
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28 August 20253 min readGhana To Construct $5 Billion Atuabo Fertiliser Hub
Construction Review
28 August 2025
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Radiance To Build $370 Million Secure Microchip Factory In LouisianaRUSTON, La. —  Radiance Technologies, an employee-owned defense contractor, this week announced a $370.65 million investment to expand its footprint in Louisiana. The company plans to build a state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility in Lincoln Parish, a move it hopes will bolster national security, fuel innovation, and drive local economic growth.
The Huntsville, Alabama-based company is expected to create 150 direct new jobs with an average salary of $85,000, 180% of the parish average, while expanding on its 14 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the state's business development agency, estimates that the project will result in an additional 146 indirect new jobs.
The new 40,000-square-foot facility will house R&D, design and fabrication operations for microchips. Radiance has existing locations in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.
A longtime partner of Louisiana Tech, Radiance is a tenant company in the university's Enterprise Campus research park, where it leverages faculty expertise and the talent pipeline to develop solutions for defense, intelligence, and civilian customers.
LED is providing $20 million in matching dollars through a performance-based grant to the Louisiana Tech University Foundation for the purchase of equipment at the new manufacturing facility, with funding tied to project milestones. In addition, LED is awarding $17 million to Louisiana Tech to upgrade research equipment and create specialized training programs in secure chip manufacturing.
The Louisiana Tech University Foundation led the effort to expand the Radiance footprint on the campus, working closely with the City of Ruston to secure land for the manufacturing facility.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 with an anticipated completion in summer 2027.
Manufacturing Net
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27 August 20252 min readRadiance To Build $370 Million Secure Microchip Factory In Louisiana
Manufacturing Net
27 August 2025
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Genentech Begins Construction On $700 Million Holly Springs Manufacturing FacilityIn a landmark move for the American biotechnology landscape, Genentech has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This $700 million investment represents the company’s very first production site on the U.S. East Coast, a strategic expansion designed to pioneer the next generation of medicines. Consequently, this new hub will be at the forefront of tackling some of today’s most pressing health challenges, specifically developing cutting-edge treatments for obesity and complex metabolic disorders. The project is a cornerstone of a much larger vision, forming a key part of a massive $50 billion U.S. investment strategy by Genentech’s parent company, Roche, underscoring a deep commitment to fostering innovation and driving the future of biomanufacturing.
For decades, Genentech has been synonymous with the West Coast’s biotech boom, with its headquarters famously located in South San Francisco. Therefore, the decision to build in North Carolina marks a significant geographical and strategic pivot. By establishing a major presence on the East Coast, the company is not only expanding its manufacturing footprint but also tapping into the rich talent pool and thriving life sciences ecosystem of the Research Triangle region. This move is about more than just adding capacity; it’s a calculated step to enhance the company’s agility and resilience.
Ultimately, this East Coast anchor will play a crucial role in ensuring that Genentech’s breakthrough therapies can be developed, produced, and delivered to patients more efficiently than ever before. Yet another facility similar to this that was recently approved for construction is the BioMADE Biomanufacturing Facility in Maple Grove. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Further, it will serve as a national model for scaling biotechnology innovations.
The primary mission of the Holly Springs facility is both clear and critical: to produce novel therapies aimed at a global health epidemic. With rates of obesity and related metabolic conditions like diabetes continuing to rise, the need for more effective treatments has never been greater. This new site will be instrumental in manufacturing complex biologic medicines that represent a significant leap forward from traditional pharmaceuticals. By focusing on these next-generation treatments, Genentech is not just building a factory; it is creating a dedicated arsenal in the fight against chronic disease. As a result, the work done within these walls will have a direct and profound impact on the lives of millions, offering new hope and improved health outcomes.
Beyond the headline numbers, the Holly Springs project has a few fascinating details. For instance, the site, specifically chosen from over 90 potential locations, highlights the town’s appeal and readiness for such a large-scale investment. Built on a 100-acre plot in the Oakview Innovation Park will create approximately 500 to 600 permanent, high-paying jobs. This will be a major economic boost for the local community.  Furthermore, one of the key drug candidates expected to be produced here is CT-388, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that has shown remarkable results in clinical trials. This includes significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes. This positions the facility at the absolute cutting edge of metabolic medicine.
Project Overview
Investment: $700 million project, Genentech’s first East Coast manufacturing site
Scale: A 700,000-square-foot facility on a 100-acre lot
Focus: Produces next-generation metabolic and obesity treatments
Jobs during Construction: Over 1,500 construction jobs during development
Jobs during Manufacturing: More than 400 high-wage manufacturing roles once operational
Groundbreaking Date: Officially broke ground on August 25, 2025
Strategic Tier: Located in Holly Springs, growing biotech hub near Raleigh-Durham
Incentives: NC granted a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and local incentives
Operational Target: Full operations expected by 2029–2030
Construction Review
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27 August 20254 min readGenentech Begins Construction On $700 Million Holly Springs Manufacturing Facility
Construction Review
27 August 2025
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Hyundai Boosts Us Investments To $26B Through 2028With increased production capacity, Hyundai and its sister company Kia can better meet the evolving needs of American consumers “with greater speed and efficiency”, according to the release.Â
Hyundai and Kia currently operate three U.S. production facilities: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, which was established in 2005; the new Metaplant America electric vehicle factory in Georgia, which began production in late 2024; and the Kia Georgia plant, which began producing vehicles in 2009.Â
Hyundai’s Alabama plant is capable of assembling up to 399,500 vehicles a year, while the Kia Georgia plant currently produces 350,000 vehicles annually. Hyundai's newly opened Georgia EV factory has an initial capacity of 300,000 EVs a year, but the automaker aims to increase that to 500,000 vehicles as the U.S. EV market grows.Â
As part of its additional $5 billion investment, Hyundai plans to establish a state-of-the-art robotics facility dubbed the “Robotics Innovation Hub” with an annual capacity of 30,000 units. The facility includes design, manufacturing, testing and deployment of advanced robotics.
The investment also aims to accelerate commercialization of robotics via U.S.-based robotics company Boston Dynamics, of which Hyundai owns an 80% stake. Hyundai also plans to expand collaboration with U.S. companies in areas such as AI and autonomous driving via its Motional joint venture with Aptiv.
Hyundai's steel plant in Louisiana will supply the steel required to expand the company’s U.S. automotive manufacturing footprint. But the plant will also help the automaker avoid higher tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which were increased to 50% by the Trump administration in June. The plant is expected to produce 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually for Hyundai’s U.S. vehicle assembly plants and is slated to begin operations in 2029.
The U.S. market remains one of Hyundai's largest globally. In July, the automaker reported Q2 revenue of $35.2 billion, its highest-ever quarterly revenue in company history. It followed revenue of $32.1 billion in Q1, its previous record-high. Hyundai attributed the sales gains on strong demand for its vehicles in North America.
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27 August 20252 min readHyundai Boosts Us Investments To $26B Through 2028
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27 August 2025
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Rtx’S Pratt & Whitney Awarded $2.8 Billion F135 Engine Production ContractEAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has been awarded a $2.8 billion undefinitized contract action (UCA) for production of Lot 18 of F135 engines, which power all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II 5th generation fighter aircraft.
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The contract funds production of conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), carrier variant (CV), and short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F135 engines for the U.S. and international customers, and includes spare engines, spare modules, program management, tooling, engineering and production support.
Christopher K. Johnson, Pratt & Whitney’s vice president for the F135 program, said, “The combat-proven F135 engine delivers the power, safety, reliability, and low-observability to ensure operators can accomplish their most critical missions. The F135 is ultimately an investment in mission assurance, providing the warfighters of today and tomorrow the technological edge to fight and win. This contract will enable our team to continue providing this critical capability to help the U.S. and its allies maintain air superiority for decades to come.”
The F135 program sustains more than 67,000 domestic jobs, 240 U.S. suppliers and contributed more than $9.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024.
To date, Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,300 F135 production engines to a global enterprise that includes 20 allied nations.
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26 August 20252 min readRtx’S Pratt & Whitney Awarded $2.8 Billion F135 Engine Production Contract
Manufacturing Net
26 August 2025
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