factory
Feb 12, 2025
Plant Service
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that Warmsworth Stone Limited failed to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). The company, which specializes in carved stone masonry products using limestone, sandstone, granite and marble, has been inspected several times since May 2023. The company was initially served with seven improvement notices, but when the HSE conducted a follow-up inspection in September 2023, five of the improvement notices had still not been addressed. According to the HSE, Warmsworth Stone exposed employees to stone dust, failed to control legionella bacteria at the facility, and had inadequate welfare facilities.
Warmsworth Stone Limited of 1-3 Sheffield Road, Warmsworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching section 21 of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by failing to comply with an Improvement Notice, breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 by failing to adequately control employee exposure to a substance hazardous to health namely RCS and breaching Regulation 9(2)(a) the same Regulations by failing to have local exhaust ventilation subject to a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months. They were fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,064.
In a recent quote, HSE inspector Charlotte Bligh said, “The company management responsible for health and safety were neither informed nor competent enough to carry out their role under the law. Over time, the basic measures to secure the health of all on site had not been taken, there had been no attempt to assess health risks and existing control measures had not been properly maintained. The company failed to take the initiative in health and safety matters and seek guidance, instruction and competent advice on implementation and communication of those measures necessary to control the risks at the site.”
Manufacturer fined £4K for repeatedly exposing workers to wood dust The company was inspected by the HSE three times over a 12-year period.
Workers injured after being struck by three stone slabs, manufacturer to pay £12KDuring its investigation, the HSE learned that Bespoke Stone Ltd was not safely handling and storing stone slabs.
Worker suffers leg amputation after being crushed by 800kg steel pallet, manufacturer fined £60KThe company had not implemented a system of work to ensure the pallet could be removed safely.
The Pros and Cons: Maintaining Safety Balance in Efforts to Disrupt OSHA in 2025While it’s not likely to happen, what would happen to workplace safety if OSHA is abolished?
Safety’s Challenge: Piecing Together the PuzzleProblem-solving, incident analyses and critical thinking are key components to improving workplace safety.
What Employers Must Know About the Dangers of Working in Confined SpacesNot all work risks are created equal. That’s why it’s important to have additional plans in place to protect those working in confined spaces.
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Battery News
Hina Presents Sodium-Ion Battery Solution For Commercial VehiclesChinese 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/factory
03 April 2025
assembly magazine
Isuzu To Build Assembly Plant In South CarolinaGREENVILLE, SC—Isuzu North America Corp. will invest $280 million to establish a new assembly plant here to produce electric commercial vehicles for the North American market. The company has purchased a 1,000,000 square foot facility in Greenville County that it is converting into a state-of-the-art assembly plant.
The new assembly plant will introduce a variable-model, variable-volume production system that produces both gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles. It will be the first facility in the Isuzu Group to use a production line without conveyors or pits, a highly advanced line that maximizes flexibility and scalability. In addition, the plant’s quality assurance system will automate inspections to eliminate production errors and ensure traceability of parts.
The size of the plant will enable Isuzu to consolidate all production-related operations under one roof, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. The campus also has sufficient acreage to store all completed trucks at a single site. The plant will give Isuzu direct control over all assembly and logistics operations.
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Returning for its third year, The ASSEMBLY Show South is the premier event for assembly technology, featuring expert-led sessions, product demos, and valuable networking opportunities—all in the heart of Nashville’s thriving manufacturing hub.
Drawing from his own experiences and deep understanding of the technology, Guerster discusses how continuous improvement and innovation can be achieved through AI and machine learning.
Sponsored by:factory
03 April 2025
PR Newswire
Lg'S Efficient Hvac Solutions Selected For Major Logistics Hub In SingaporeCompany Supplies State-of-the-art Multi V™ i System to Landmark Commercial Project, Strengthening HVAC Leadership in Southeast Asia
SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) has supplied its state-of-the-art Multi V™ i, a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) solution featuring an advanced AI engine, to a newly constructed 59,800-square-meters logistics center in the Singapore's Tuas area. This milestone project underscores LG's commitment to expanding its heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business in Southeast Asia.
To achieve the highest level of the Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark certification program – specifically the Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) rating – the logistic center required an exceptionally efficient and comprehensive HVAC solution. LG distinguished itself by presenting a tailored package that optimally meets the client's specific needs. To further enhance the already outstanding performance and energy efficiency of the Multi V i, LG integrated its proprietary inverter compressor and a larger heat exchanger.
LG Multi V i intelligently adapts to environmental conditions, optimizing operation while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. It incorporates LG's industry-leading HVAC innovations, including HiPOR™ (High Pressure Oil Return) technology, which ensures peak efficiency during part-load operation by improving operational stability, even in challenging conditions. The heat exchanger, enlarged by over 10 percent, accelerates cooling and heating response times, while dual inverter compressors promote increased durability, energy savings and overall efficiency. Moreover, LG's proprietary energy management tools, including real-time Coefficient of Performance monitoring, provide actionable insights to help building operators reduce HVAC energy consumption without sacrificing performance.
As Singapore strengthens its position as a key regional and global logistics hub – with transportation and storage accounting for over 10 percent of its GDP as of 2022 – the demand for energy-efficient solutions in large-scale logistics operations is steadily increasing. LG estimates that the HVAC market for logistics centers in Singapore is valued at approximately USD 25 million annually, with further growth expected in the coming years. By supplying its advanced Multi V i system, LG is well positioned to accelerate its HVAC expansion across Southeast Asia, where sustainability-focused building initiatives are gaining traction in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
"Precise Development Pte Ltd is thrilled to collaborate with LG to deliver this best-in-class facility," said Mr. Peh Chong Eng, Group CEO of Precise Development Pte Ltd. "LG's cutting-edge technology, combined with their attention to detail and responsiveness to our needs, sets them apart from other equipment suppliers. We highly recommend LG air solutions for any project."
"Fidecs is proud to achieve the BCA Green Mark 2021 Platinum Super Low Energy certification by integrating LG's high-efficiency VRF system," said Ervin Chng, Director of Business Development at Fidecs Engineering Pte Ltd. "This milestone demonstrates our commitment to sustainable building solutions and sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency in Singapore."
"LG Multi V i exemplifies our dedication to creating innovative, energy-efficient solutions that address the changing needs of our clients," said Jaeseung Kim, Regional CEO of LG Electronics Asia Pacific. "Aligned with Singapore's Green Mark certification and the growing sustainability initiatives in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, we are committed to pursuing HVAC opportunities tailored to the specific needs of the region."
About LG Electronics Eco Solution Company
The LG Eco Solution Company (ES) offers advanced air conditioning solutions, including chillers, for diverse sectors and climates. Committed to exceptional HVAC performance, the ES Company enhances comfort and health with innovative air care products. Leveraging deep industry expertise, it offers digitalized HVAC solutions designed to lower environmental impact. As a trusted partner, the company integrates cutting-edge technology into daily operations while offering ongoing support. Beyond HVAC, the ES Company also leads LG's electric vehicle charging business, driving B2B growth in the clean tech sector – one of LG's key future areas. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/global/business/hvac and www.LG.com/b2b.
SOURCE LG Electronicsfactory
03 April 2025
Hellenic shipping news
Us Factory Orders Rise Solidly In Februaryin World Economy News
03/04/2025
New orders for U.S.-manufactured goods increased solidly in February, likely as businesses front-loaded orders ahead of tariffs.
Factory orders rose 0.6% after an upwardly revised 1.8% rebound in January, the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau said on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast factory orders would climb 0.5% after a previously reported 1.7% advance in January. Factory orders gained 1.5% on a year-on-year basis in February.
Manufacturing, which accounts for 10.2% of the economy, could be crippled by President Donald Trump’s barrage of tariffs since returning to the White House in January.
Trump promised to announce global reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday, which he has dubbed “Liberation Day.” He sees tariffs as a tool to raise revenue to offset his promised tax cuts and to revive a long-declining U.S. industrial base. Economists disagree and view the import duties as harmful.
An Institute for Supply Management report on Tuesday showed its manufacturing PMI slipped back into contraction territory in March after two straight months of expansion, with businesses overwhelmingly expressing concerns about tariffs.
Domestic manufacturers rely heavily on imported raw materials. The import taxes are expected to increase production costs, which are passed on to buyers of the finished products. Companies could also lay off workers to protect profit margins.
Commercial aircraft orders slipped 5.0%. Orders for motor vehicles, parts and trailers increased 1.9%. Transportation equipment orders advanced 1.5%. Orders for computers and electronic products were unchanged, while those for electrical equipment, appliances and components rebounded 1.9%.
Machinery orders increased 0.6%. Excluding transportation equipment, factory orders rose 0.4%.
The government also reported that orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft, which are seen as a measure of business spending plans on equipment, fell 0.2% in February rather than 0.3%, as estimated last month.
Shipments of core capital goods jumped 0.8%, revised down from the previously reported 0.9%. Business spending on equipment is expected to rebound in the first quarter after contracting in the fourth quarter.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
03 April 2025
assembly magazine
Waaree Starts Solar Module Production At Us Assembly PlantBROOKSHIRE, TX—Waaree Solar Americas has begun production of photovoltaic modules at its new assembly plant here.
A subsidiary of Indian solar panel manufacturer Waaree Energies Ltd., Waaree Solar Americas has become the first Indian company to establish a photovoltaic module factory in the United States. Initially, the factory will have the capacity to produce enough solar panels each year to generate 1.6 gigawatts of electricity.
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Returning for its third year, The ASSEMBLY Show South is the premier event for assembly technology, featuring expert-led sessions, product demos, and valuable networking opportunities—all in the heart of Nashville’s thriving manufacturing hub.
For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.factory
02 April 2025
industry week
Business Sentiment Snapshot: Industry Worries Skyrocket Ahead Of Trump’S “Liberation Day” Tariff AnnouncementsDuring the first few months of his second term, President Donald Trump has pushed an extremely aggressive tariff policy, targeting U.S. allies and adversaries alike, a strategy that many in the business community have called erratic, as the president has continually delayed, reinstated, boosted and threatened various tariffs.
His most recent and bold proposition is sweeping reciprocal tariffs to be announced Wednesday, a day Trump has called “Liberation Day,” claiming on his Truth Social platform that other countries have been taking advantage of the U.S., and the tariff announcements will reshore manufacturing, making the country more independent.
Corporate concerns about tariffs have crept into many economic indicators in recent weeks. Business leaders have complained about a lack of certainty due to the rapid changes, saying the back-and-forth announcements have made long-term planning difficult.factory
02 April 2025
Battery News
Panasonic And Sumitomo To Launch Nickel Recycling ProjectPanasonic Energy and Sumitomo Metal Mining are planning a new process to recover nickel from lithium-ion battery production waste. The goal is to create a closed-loop economy in which recycled nickel is re-used in cathode materials for batteries. The process will initially be applied to production scrap from Panasonicʼs Osaka plant. Sumitomo Metal Mining will process the material at its facilities at the Niihama Nickel Refinery in Ehime Prefecture. The resulting nickel sulfate solution will be used as a raw material for new batteries.
The companies are focusing on so-called urban mining strategies, in which valuable materials are recovered from used products. According to Panasonic Energy, the process will help reduce carbon emissions and enable a 20-percent share of recycled cathode material in electric vehicle batteries by 2030. Expansion to other materials such as lithium and cobalt is planned after 2026.
Source:https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/en250331-3factory
02 April 2025
Property Week
Rula Snaps Up East Midlands Site For Business Park SchemePAID CONTENTfactory
02 April 2025
Property Week
Opdc Appoints Hemiko As Development Partner For North London Heat NetworkPAID CONTENTfactory
02 April 2025
Property Week
Maro Secures Consent For Merseyside Logistics WarehousePAID CONTENTfactory
02 April 2025industry week
Nano Dimension Completes Desktop Metal PurchaseFollowing nearly three years of offers and counter-offers, the hard-fought merger fights between additive manufacturing companies appears to be nearly over with Nano Dimension's $179 million purchase of Desktop Metal. At one point during the 2023 additive merger movement, Desktop Metal fetched a $1.8 billion takeover offer.
"Combined, Nano Dimension and Desktop Metal expect revenue for 2024 ended Dec. 31 of more than $200 million, based on unaudited full-year results, according to an April 2 release from Nano Dimension, whose U.S. headquarters is based in Waltham, Massachusetts," write Smart Industry Managing Editor Scott Achelphol and Endeavor Business Media Editor-at-Large Geert De Lombaerde.
Click here for the full article and some background on the additive merger saga.factory
02 April 2025industry week
Rebooting Operational Excellence At Barry-WehmillerMany manufacturers treat continuous improvement like free samples at Costco — tasting a little bit of this and a little bit of that to see what they like. That can lead to good results, but a risk is never buying the full portion and getting the benefits of those savings.
That was the case for century-old manufacturer Barry-Wehmiller. The St. Louis-based maker of highly engineered industrial equipment, such as box-making machines and tools for filling bottles with liquids, had lots of lean tools available to its divisions, but efforts revolved around sampling — trying a bit of this and a bit of that to solve individual problems, rather than focusing on the whole. The result: uneven gains across the 12,000-plus member strong organization.factory
02 April 2025industry week
Trump Unveils Sweeping Global TariffsU.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a raft of punishing tariffs targeting countries around the world including some of its closest trading partners, in a move that risks sparking a ruinous trade war.
Speaking in the White House Rose Garden against a backdrop of U.S. flags, Trump slapped the most stinging tariffs on China and the European Union on what he called "Liberation Day."
The dollar fell 1% against the euro and slipped against other major currencies as Trump was speaking.
Trump reserved some of the heaviest blows for what he called the "nations that treat us badly," including 34% on goods from superpower rival China, 20% on key ally the European Union and 24% on Japan.
But the 78-year-old Republican -- who held up a chart with a list of levies -- said that he was "very kind" and so was only imposing half the amount that those countries taxed U.S. exports.
For the rest, Trump said he would impose a "baseline" tariff of 10%, including Britain.
An audience of cabinet members, as well as workers in hard hats from industries including steel, oil and gas, whooped and cheered as Trump said the tariffs would "make America wealthy again."
"This is Liberation Day," Trump said, adding that it would "forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America's destiny was reclaimed."
Sweeping auto tariffs of 25% that Trump announced last week are also due to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
'Golden Age'
Trump has telegraphed the move for weeks, insisting tariffs will keep the United States from being "ripped off" by other countries and spur a new "Golden Age" of American industry.
But many experts warn the tariffs risk triggering a recession at home as costs are passed on to U.S. consumers and a damaging trade war abroad.
The world has been on edge ahead of Trump's announcement.
Markets have been volatile as investors hedged their bets, and the announcement came after Wall Street stocks closed.
The tariffs will also reinforce fears that Trump is backing even further away from U.S. allies towards a new order based on a vision of American supremacy.
U.S. trading partners have vowed swift retribution, while also trying to persuade Trump to reach deals to avoid tariffs in the first place.
Germany warned Wednesday that trade wars hurt "both sides."
The European Union will react to new Trump tariffs "before the end of April," said a French government spokeswoman.
The 27-nation bloc's initial salvo would counter U.S. actions on steel and aluminum, followed by sector-by-sector measures.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a "trade war is in nobody's interests."
"We have prepared for all eventualities -- and we will rule nothing out," he told parliament.
Recession Fears
Trump has had a long love affair with tariffs, insisting in the face of experts that they are a cure-all for America's trade imbalances and economic ills.
The billionaire insists the levies will bring a "rebirth" of America's hollowed-out manufacturing capacity, and says companies can avoid tariffs by moving to the United States.
But critics say U.S. businesses and consumers could bear the burden if importers pass on the cost, adding that the policy could increase risks of a recession.
"If this trade war continues through Labor Day (on Sept. 1), the U.S. economy will likely suffer a recession this year," Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, told AFP.
Negotiations are likely to continue though as countries seek to halt the tariffs.
Trump has previously been persuaded to halt tariffs on neighbors Canada and Mexico while trade talks continued.
He ordered levies on both on the grounds that they had failed to stop the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the U.S.
All rights reserved ©2025 Agence France-Presse
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a raft of punishing tariffs targeting countries around the world including some of its closest trading partners, in a move that risks sparking a ruinous trade war.
Speaking in the White House Rose Garden against a backdrop of U.S. flags, Trump slapped the most stinging tariffs on China and the European Union on what he called "Liberation Day."
The dollar fell 1% against the euro and slipped against other major currencies as Trump was speaking.
Trump reserved some of the heaviest blows for what he called the "nations that treat us badly," including 34% on goods from superpower rival China, 20% on key ally the European Union and 24% on Japan.
But the 78-year-old Republican -- who held up a chart with a list of levies -- said that he was "very kind" and so was only imposing half the amount that those countries taxed U.S. exports.
For the rest, Trump said he would impose a "baseline" tariff of 10%, including Britain.
An audience of cabinet members, as well as workers in hard hats from industries including steel, oil and gas, whooped and cheered as Trump said the tariffs would "make America wealthy again."
"This is Liberation Day," Trump said, adding that it would "forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America's destiny was reclaimed."
Sweeping auto tariffs of 25% that Trump announced last week are also due to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Trump has telegraphed the move for weeks, insisting tariffs will keep the United States from being "ripped off" by other countries and spur a new "Golden Age" of American industry.
But many experts warn the tariffs risk triggering a recession at home as costs are passed on to U.S. consumers and a damaging trade war abroad.
The world has been on edge ahead of Trump's announcement.
Markets have been volatile as investors hedged their bets, and the announcement came after Wall Street stocks closed.
The tariffs will also reinforce fears that Trump is backing even further away from U.S. allies towards a new order based on a vision of American supremacy.
U.S. trading partners have vowed swift retribution, while also trying to persuade Trump to reach deals to avoid tariffs in the first place.
Germany warned Wednesday that trade wars hurt "both sides."
The European Union will react to new Trump tariffs "before the end of April," said a French government spokeswoman.
The 27-nation bloc's initial salvo would counter U.S. actions on steel and aluminum, followed by sector-by-sector measures.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a "trade war is in nobody's interests."
"We have prepared for all eventualities -- and we will rule nothing out," he told parliament.
Trump has had a long love affair with tariffs, insisting in the face of experts that they are a cure-all for America's trade imbalances and economic ills.
The billionaire insists the levies will bring a "rebirth" of America's hollowed-out manufacturing capacity, and says companies can avoid tariffs by moving to the United States.
But critics say U.S. businesses and consumers could bear the burden if importers pass on the cost, adding that the policy could increase risks of a recession.
"If this trade war continues through Labor Day (on Sept. 1), the U.S. economy will likely suffer a recession this year," Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, told AFP.
Negotiations are likely to continue though as countries seek to halt the tariffs.
Trump has previously been persuaded to halt tariffs on neighbors Canada and Mexico while trade talks continued.
He ordered levies on both on the grounds that they had failed to stop the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the U.S.
All rights reserved ©2025 Agence France-Pressefactory
02 April 2025manufacturing net
Automakers Report Stellar Sales Ahead Of Trump'S Tariffs Taking EffectNEW YORK (AP) — The major car companies say sales rose sharply in March, with most reporting double-digit gains. For some companies, the strong performance last month helped make up for a sluggish start to the year.
Automakers sold nearly 1.6 million vehicles in the U.S. in March, up 13.6%. That brought total sales for the first quarter to more than 3.9 million vehicles, Motorintelligence.com said Tuesday. Almost all automakers saw a surge in sales of electric vehicles.
What future months hold for the automakers is uncertain. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on auto imports that go into effect on April 3. The tariffs are set to expand to applicable auto parts in the following weeks, through May 3. The tax hike means automakers could face higher costs and lower sales, though Trump argues that the tariffs will lead to more factories opening in the United States.
Auto industry analyst Sam Abuelsamid at Telemetry Insight said expectations were that the March numbers would be higher due to some pre-buying ahead of the imposition of tariffs, although the pre-buying was likely “limited to some degree by affordability and continuing high interest rates.”
Here's a look at the latest results:factory
02 April 2025manufacturing net
Trump'S 'Liberation Day' Unlikely To Free Businesses From UncertaintyWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his tariff announcements slated for Wednesday will amount to a "Liberation Day" for the United States. But American businesses and financial markets are unlikely to be freed from the uncertainty generated by his often stop-and-go trade policy.
Some big questions will be resolved when Trump announces what are expected to be reciprocal tariffs that involve raising U.S. import duties to be equal to the levies that other countries impose on U.S. goods. Companies will have a greater sense of how many countries will be affected, and how high the duties will be.
Yet questions will still swirl around trade and tariffs for months to come, economists say. More tariffs are in the pipeline and could target specific industries such as pharmaceuticals, copper and lumber. And the United States may reach deals with other countries that could alter the reciprocal tariffs. There will also be countless details that could take months to resolve to determine precisely which imports will be hit with taxes.
As a result, few analysts expect Wednesday's announcement to bring the certainty that many businesses — and Wall Street investors — crave.
"April 2 is when this all kicks off, it's not when all of this ends," said Kelly Ann Shaw, a former senior White House trade adviser during Trump's first term. "At some point this will settle. But because we're at the very beginning of what will fundamentally be a total rethink of the global trading system, there are going to be a lot more questions than answers in the near term."
For now, a measure of economic policy uncertainty maintained by Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economist and two colleagues, is at its highest level — outside of the pandemic — since its inception in 1985.
When businesses are unsure about where economic policy is headed, they are more likely to put major spending projects on hold and slow hiring, Bloom said. And when unsure, consumers typically take a more cautious approach to spending.
"April 2 could reduce uncertainty if this is a once and final announcement on tariffs," Bloom said. "But I suspect it will be one of a series on ongoing announcements."
Trump "has been unequivocally clear for decades about the need to restore American greatness," said White House spokesman Kush Desai. "America cannot just be an assembler of foreign-made parts — we must become a manufacturing powerhouse that dominates every step of the supply chain of industries that are critical for our national security and economic interests."
Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, said he expects the products he makes in Mexico and Canada will face a 25% tariff as soon as Wednesday. The company has already notified customers that it will raise prices 8%. World Emblem makes badges, patches and labels for companies, universities and law enforcement agencies.
In February, Carr put about $9 million in investment on hold, most of which he planned to spend on artificial intelligence and online commerce. He has started to spend some of that money but is doing so more slowly than he would prefer.
"We don't know if we'll need the money for tariffs," he said. "Who knows what will happen on Wednesday."
Already in place are duties on cars, steel, aluminum and all imports from China. Surveys have found widespread uncertainty among manufacturing firms and even oil company executives, who say that higher costs for steel pipe will cut into their profits.
Emerald Packaging, which makes packaging for produce and whose clients include Walmart and Kroger, is holding back on investment for now, given the uncertainty.
CEO Kevin Kelly said the Union City, California-based company learned a big lesson during the height of the pandemic. It started 2021 with $7 million in cash but depleted its reserves by year-end because of the costs of navigating supply chain snarls.
"We're not spending any money right now," he said. "We're trying to build cash ... because we'll need a cushion."
One reason the cloudy outlook surrounding tariffs is likely to remain for months is that Trump wants to maintain some uncertainty about his next steps as a negotiating strategy, Shaw said.
"Intentional ambiguity is a key component" of his approach to trade talks, Shaw said. Those negotiations will likely start after reciprocal duties are announced and could take months to resolve.
At the same time, Trump is due to receive a series of reports this week on other countries' trade policies, including tariffs but also the subsidies, currency manipulation and tax policies that Trump officials say can distort trade. Those reports could prompt further steps.
And then there is Trump's confessed love of tariffs and his willingness to use them for a variety of policy goals, including raising revenue, forcing action on fentanyl trafficking and bringing back manufacturing. The White House has also said it will slap 25% tariffs on any country that imports oil from Venezuela, though that also includes the United States.
"Given that tariffs seem to be an answer for every problem, who knows what might happen next and what will lead to yet another ad hoc round of tariffs?'' said Marc Busch, professor of international business diplomacy at Georgetown University.
A big question for the economy is how long this might last.
Matthew Luzzetti, an economist at Deutsche Bank, said that even if Wednesday's announcement were the final word on tariffs, the uncertainty around the president's actions so far could drag down growth by about 1% for several quarters.
"If that uncertainty were to extend further, or remain elevated for longer, that would only amplify the effects," Luzzetti said.
Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that even with more certainty, adding tariffs will harm the economy.
"To the extent that April 2 provides clarity, then you can begin to make adjustments and plans," Bradley said. "But having certainty about economically harmful policies is not a positive."factory
02 April 2025manufacturing net
Tesla Sales Drop 13% In First Quarter As Elon Musk Backlash, Aging Models Hurt DemandNEW YORK (AP) — Tesla sales declined 13% in the first three months of the year, another sign that Elon Musk's once high-flying electric car company is struggling to attract buyers.
The double-digit drop is likely due to a combination of factors, including its aging lineup, competition from rivals and a backlash from Musk's embrace of right wing politics. It also is a warning that the company's first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.
Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 globally in the January to March quarter. The figure was down from sales of 387,000 in the same period a year ago. The decline came despite deep discounts, zero financing and other incentives.
Analysts polled by FactSet expected much higher deliveries of 408,000.
Dan Ives of Wedbush said in a note to clients that Tesla is seeing soft demand in the United States and China, as well as facing pressure in Europe.
"The brand crisis issues are clearly having a negative impact on Tesla...there is no debate," he said.
Ives said that Wall Street and analysts alike knew that the first-quarter figures were likely to be bad, but that it was even worse than expected.
"We are not going to look at these numbers with rose-colored glasses...they were a disaster on every metric," he said.
Tesla's stock has plunged by roughly half since hitting a mid-December record as expectations of a lighter regulatory touch and big profits with Donald Trump as president were replaced by fear that the boycott of Musk's cars and other problems could hit the company hard.
Analysts are still not sure exactly how much the fall in sales is due to the protests or other factors. Electric car sales have been sluggish in general, and Tesla in particular is suffering as car buyers hold off from buying its bestselling Model Y because of plans for an updated version later this year.
The Austin, Texas electric vehicle maker has also lost market share to rivals in recent months as their offerings improve, including those of BYD. The Chinese EV giant unveiled in March a technology that allows it cars to charge up in just a few minutes.
Shares of Tesla slipped nearly 6% in early trading on Wednesday.factory
02 April 2025manufacturing net
Water Plant Workers Charged After Raw Sewage Leaks Into CreekSituated just northwest of Oklahoma City, the Bethany-Warr Acres Water Treatment Plant was recently the scene of a crime – that is, according to Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna who has filed charges against two former employees.
The water treatment plant handles three million gallons of raw sewage a day, and the County alleges that 55-year-old Anthony Menzie and 63-year-old Glenn Brentnell committed multiple felonies in willfully allowing waste to leak into a nearby creek.
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According to reports, regulators responded to a complaint in 2022, where they discovered improperly treated and raw wastewater had been pooling near the plant and then flowing into nearby Bluff Creek.
Witnesses pointed to the two suspects, and Menzie reportedly admitted to falsifying lab records in order to downplay fecal contamination levels – something he says he was instructed to do by Brentnell, the plant manager.
A report in The Oklahoman points to ongoing problems with the facility between 2020 and 2022, including non-compliance as well as problems with the wastewater management system. These issues led to at least four notices to be issued to the facility.
The state’s Department of Environmental Quality alleges in court documents that, after an emergency order was issued, the agency learned that there were no personnel onsite at the facility and that the doors were locked.
Shortly thereafter, in late 2022, Brentnell is said to have “abruptly retired” though the suit says he claimed "the issues in the … notices were minor."
A separate investigation by a public trust disagreed, instead finding plant equipment that was neglected and in a state of disrepair. They suggest it was these issues that led to the discharge of wastewater into Bluff Creek and subsequent coverup.
While local authorities hope to see Menzie and Brentnell face the music, they also stress that the problems are being addressed. Regulators say the situation at the plant has improved, and the facility is on its way to getting back in compliance.
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WEBVTTX-TIMESTAMP-MAP=LOCAL:00:00:00.000,MPEGTS:000:00.159 --> 00:05.519Situated just northwest of Oklahoma City, theBethany War Acres water treatment plant was00:05.519 --> 00:07.519recently the scene of a crime.00:08.029 --> 00:11.979That is according to Oklahoma County DistrictAttorney Vicky Behina,00:12.229 --> 00:15.270who has filed charges against two formeremployees.00:15.390 --> 00:19.219The water treatment plant handles 3 milliongallons of raw sewage a day,00:19.469 --> 00:25.899and the county alleges that 55-year-old AnthonyMenzie and 63-year-old Glenn Brentnell00:25.899 --> 00:31.559committed multiple felonies in willfullyallowing waste to leak into a nearby creek.00:31.790 --> 00:34.400According to reports, regulators responded to acomplaint in.00:34.796 --> 00:40.91622, where they discovered improperly treatedand raw wastewater had been pooling near the00:40.916 --> 00:46.476plant and then flowing into nearby Bluff Creek.Witnesses pointed to the two suspects and00:46.476 --> 00:51.265Menzie reportedly admitted to falsifying labrecords in order to downplay fecal00:51.265 --> 00:55.566contamination levels, something he says he wasinstructed to do by Brent Nell,00:55.826 --> 00:59.276the plant manager.A report in the Oklahoman points to ongoing00:59.276 --> 01:02.872problems with the facility between 20.In 2022,01:03.361 --> 01:07.832including noncompliance as well as problemswith the wastewater management system.01:08.001 --> 01:11.671These issues led to at least 4 notices to beissued to the facility.01:11.842 --> 01:15.961The state's Department of Environmental Qualityalleges in court documents that after an01:15.961 --> 01:20.882emergency order was issued, the agency learnedthat there were no personnel on site at the01:20.882 --> 01:23.882facility and that the doors were locked.Shortly thereafter,01:23.961 --> 01:27.882in late 2022, Bretnell is said to have abruptlyretired.01:28.150 --> 01:31.970Though the suit says he claimed the issues inthe notices were minor,01:32.089 --> 01:35.580a separate investigation by a public trustdisagreed.01:35.699 --> 01:40.250They suggest it was these issues that led tothe discharge of waste water into Bluff Creek01:40.250 --> 01:41.690and the subsequent cover up.01:41.940 --> 01:44.980While local authorities hope to see Menzie andBrentnell face the music,01:45.059 --> 01:47.769they also stress that the problems are beingaddressed.01:48.059 --> 01:53.059Regulators say the situation at the plant hasimproved, and the facility is on its way to01:53.059 --> 01:55.029getting back in compliance.01:55.379 --> 01:57.569I'm Anna Wells, and this is Manufacturing now.factory
02 April 2025manufacturing net
Texas Instruments Cuts Jobs After Getting $1.6B In Chips FundingTexas Instruments (TI) is laying off workers in Utah despite recently receiving $1.6 billion in federal funding meant to help with the construction of three new semiconductor plants currently under construction in Texas and Utah.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Texas Instruments laid off workers at its existing Lehi facility, which it acquired from Micron Technology in 2021. The company said the cuts are part of efficiently supporting its long-term operational plans.
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TI did not specify how many workers were impacted by the cuts. But it did say it was well less than the 33% of the workforce criteria for a WARN Act notice. As the report points out, the Lehi facility employs 1,100 people.
In December, TI announced the CHIPS Act funding agreement, including a 25% investment tax credit.
"As the largest analog and embedded processing semiconductor manufacturer in the U.S., TI is uniquely positioned to provide dependable, low-cost 300mm semiconductor manufacturing capacity at scale," said TI CEO Haviv Ilan in a statement. "The increasing number of electronic devices in our lives depend on our foundational chips, and we appreciate the support from the U.S. government to make the semiconductor ecosystem stronger and more resilient."
The funding is intended to support the company’s investments through 2029 for three large-scale 300mm wafer fabs in Sherman, Texas (SM1 and SM2), and Lehi, Utah (LFAB2), which broke ground in 2023.
The cuts come after TI experienced a sales decline in the fourth quarter of 2024 and anticipated further declines in the first quarter of 2025. But despite sliding sales and job cuts, the company said it hasn’t changed its plans to build the new plant in Utah.
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02 April 2025manufacturing net
Ace Celebrates 150 YearsAjax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) celebrated 150 years of operations in the forging and metal-forming equipment industry, driven by strategic mergers and technological advancements.
A major catalyst for this success has been the consolidation of three industry pioneers, bringing together over 400 years of combined expertise and integrating advanced maintenance and repair programs, automation and control systems and comprehensive training initiatives.
The origins of ACE date back to 1875, when Ajax Manufacturing established its presence in the forging industry. Over time, the company built a reputation for producing forging hammers, presses and upsetters.
In 2005, Ajax Manufacturing acquired Chambersburg Engineering Company (CECO), a firm specializing in hydraulic and mechanical forging equipment since its founding in 1897. This acquisition strengthened Ajax Manufacturing’s capabilities in hammer and press technology.
The next significant expansion occurred in 2019 when Erie Press Systems was acquired by Ajax-CECO. Founded in 1895, Erie Press specializes in hydraulic and mechanical press technology, serving sectors such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Over the past century and a half, advancements in equipment, automation and maintenance practices have enabled manufacturers to improve efficiency, extend machine lifespan and enhance workplace safety.Ajax/CECO/Erie Press
Erie Press focuses on stretch forming, a metal shaping process that involves stretching materials like steel and aluminum beyond their yield point over shaped dies. This technique ensures smooth, precise contours while enhancing strength and minimizing the need for post-processing.
Initially developed for aircraft manufacturing, stretch forming has become essential in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries. It enables the efficient production of complex parts with minimal force, reducing costs and material waste while improving durability and surface finish.
The company is now known as Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE).
ACE operates under the umbrella of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., an industrial holding company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Park-Ohio provides the financial strength and global reach that support ACE’s continuous growth and innovation. Through this partnership, ACE has expanded its engineering capabilities, enhanced its manufacturing operations and provided customer support across industries worldwide.
ACE offers a broad spectrum of solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern manufacturing. Its portfolio includes forging hammers, mechanical and hydraulic presses, upsetters, ring rolling mills and hydroforming presses, as well as other specialized equipment. These machines are integral to industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defense and heavy machinery production.
Although the specific machines may differ, from forging hammers to hydraulic presses, the principles behind their effective operation remain the same. Certain key practices help ensure that equipment performs efficiently, remains operational for longer periods and meets safety standards.
Across all types of forging and metal forming equipment, ACE emphasizes five core areas: preventive maintenance, repair and spare parts programs, equipment rebuilding and remanufacturing, automation upgrades and advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
ACE’s portfolio includes upsetters, forging hammers and hydroforming presses, as well as other specialized equipment.Ajax/CECO/Erie Press
These elements contribute to the longevity and efficiency of industrial machinery by reducing unexpected failures, improving process automation and enhancing operator control. Additionally, structured training programs help manufacturers address workforce challenges by ensuring that operators and maintenance teams have the necessary knowledge to manage and maintain their equipment effectively.
As the industry continues to evolve, the value of proven knowledge and well-engineered forging and metal forming solutions remains essential for manufacturers striving to maintain quality and competitiveness.factory
02 April 2025manufacturing net
German Company Wants To Replace Basketball'S Wood Courts With GlassChris Thornton loves talking about playing basketball on the most fragile-sounding of surfaces: glass.
Thornton is managing director of the Americas division of ASB GlassFloor, a German company building floors made of fused-together layers of safety glass covering LED panels. The courts are a far more dynamic visual feast, with customized playing lines, logos, colors, animated graphics and advertisements for multiple sports.
In basketball, where wood is still king, Thornton sees growth potential for glass courts — already showing up in the NBA and internationally — as a tech-driven alternative to the sport's long-running hardwood foundation.
"I use this analogy a lot: We're at the initial stages of the iPhone being launched," Thornton said. "Way back when Apple did that, the design of the hardware has changed, but more importantly the original iPhone was just a phone, a text device and music player. Now you're running your entire life and communicating to the world on it. I see this in the same regard."
It seems strange at first blush — big, strong athletes jumping and running across a court of glass while "pounding the rock" and even diving on the floor. That is a future ASB GlassFloor company envisions, citing technology improvements allowing for a safe and viable surface featuring stunning visuals that can be changed with a few swipes and taps of a smartphone or tablet app.
Thornton said the glass surface has give and flexibility exceeding that of wood, aided by a spring-action design to the aluminum and steel framing beneath the LED paneling. There's also a ceramic coating with dots etched into the glass, offering grip, and a consistent surface without "dead spots" or other quirks that can occur with wood courts.
That combination has the company touting enhanced safety potential for athletes, even in more easily spotting sweat to wipe up.
"There's a stigma about the glass: 'Oh my gosh, it's going to break, it's harder, people are going to break the glass, they're going to fall through it,'" Thornton said. "It's actually quite the opposite."
The visuals are the bigger selling point. Arena managers could easily update a court's look instead of using space storing hardwood stacks for multiple designs and paying for labor to install or update them. Or coaches could set up their own practice regimens with on-court visual cues.
And yes, a team could even opt for a hardwood-panel look in a nod to tradition.
The trade-off? A bigger price tag than a wood counterpart. Thornton didn't specify an amount but pointed to potentially selling leases to the courts, saying the company has had "advanced" talks with college teams and leagues.
At Connor Sports, a Michigan-based company that makes the hardwood courts for the men's and women's Final Four, technical director Jason Gasperich referenced that higher cost. He noted that roughly 750 of the 800 courts his company typically builds and sells per year might end up in elementary and high schools "where they just don't have the budget for that."
Still, he also gave a tip of the cap to the technology.
"Nonetheless, they're still super interesting, unique," Gasperich said. "And there's things you can do with digital that you can't do with a traditional wood floor."
Glass LED courts are already in home arenas for Bayern Munich in Germany and Panathinaikos Athens in Greece. They've also been used in events by governing body FIBA.
In the U.S., Kentucky used one in October for its "Big Blue Madness" event marking the ceremonial season start for Wildcats basketball.
"I love everything about the versatility of this floor," men's coach Mark Pope said in video posted by ASB GlassFloor capturing reactions as players tested it out in Rupp Arena.
"I don't know what I was expecting, but it squeaks like a real basketball court," women's player Cassidy Rowe said in the video. "It just functions like a normal basketball court, but it's showing our picture, which is crazy."
The NBA offered a showcase look during the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend, holding its skills competition, 3-point contest, dunk contest and shooting matchup between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu on one in Indianapolis.
By December, the company had set up a training facility in Orlando allowing NBA teams in town to play the Magic a chance to workout on the glass court and offer feedback. Thornton, who said the NBA has bought a minority stake into the company's Americas division, estimated more than 100 players and coaches have tested it so far.
"As we integrate with the other data providers in both the NCAA and NBA, we are only going to get better and better with what improving what you can do on an ASB GlassFloor," he said. "The focus now up to today has been getting a surface that is comfortable for the athletes to play on, and we've done that."factory
02 April 2025