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Podcast: Oil Analysis Can Boost Equipment Reliability, But Only If You Use The DataIn this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, chief editor Thomas Wilk talkes with Mike Holloway, president of 5th Order Industry, about the intersection of artificial intelligence and oil analysis. Mike has more than 40 years experience in industry and holds 16 professional certifications, a patent, an MS in polymer engineering, a BS in Chemistry, and a BA in philosophy. Mike is a subject matter expert in tribology, oil and failure analysis, reliability engineering, and designed experiments for science and engineering. He is currently publishing a blog series with Plant Services on AI and oil analysis, and previously published an article on tribology certifications with this magazine.factory
Feb 27, 2025
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Maintenance Mindset: Integrating Ai And Human Expertise For Effective Oil AnalysisWelcome to Maintenance Mindset, our editors’ takes on things going on in the worlds of manufacturing and asset management that deserve some extra attention. This will appear regularly in the Member’s Only section of the site. This week's column features guest contributor Michael D. Holloway, President of 5th Order Industry, writing part 3 of a 3-part series on AI and oil analysis.factory
Feb 26, 2025
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Overland Ai Opens Autonomous Ground Vehicle Manufacturing Facility In WashingtonOverland AI has officially opened the Overland AI Factory in South Seattle, Washington. The company, which specializes in autonomous ground systems, hopes the new plant will enhance its in-house manufacturing and production capabilities. According to the company, the Overland AI Factory is engineered for the end-to-end development and rapid production of both crewed and uncrewed ground vehicles. The new plant will act as a hub for Overland AI-designed platforms and the precision upfitting of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vehicles. Overland AI Factory is designed to accelerate the development of ground vehicles powered by OverDrive, which supports tactical operators across the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.
In a recent quote, Greg Okopal, co-founder and chief operating officer of Overland AI, said, “This facility marks a new chapter for Overland AI and the future of autonomous ground systems. By bringing manufacturing in-house, we are now offering our partners an integrated solution, from remote operator to effect on the battlefield.”
Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI, added, “The Overland AI Factory cements the region’s role as a hub for defense technology and manufacturing. This opening reinforces our commitment to advancing ground autonomy for national security.”
OptiTrack expands Oregon manufacturing plant, doubling production capacity The company, which focuses on 3D tracking technology, will add a new 25,000-square-foot building.
HP to receive $50 million from the CHIPS Act to modernize Oregon facility The facility is part of HP’s “lab-to-fab” ecosystem, which covers everything from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
Collins Aerospace invests $200 million to expand carbon brake manufacturing site in Washington This additional manufacturing space includes up to three new buildings and additional furnaces.
This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.factory
Feb 25, 2025
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Apple To Invest $500B To Support U.S. Innovation And Advanced ManufacturingApple has announced plans to invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. According to the company, this investment, which is Apple’s largest-ever spend commitment, will support an array of initiatives, from artificial intelligence and silicon engineering to skills development for students and workers across the country.
Apple also committed to opening a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, with the assistance of its manufacturing partners. The new 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce servers that support Apple Intelligence. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in 2026, and the project will generate thousands of new jobs for the surrounding area.Â
Additionally, Apple plans to double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, bringing the total from $5 billion to $10 billion. The fund, which was created in 2017 to support innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America, includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona.
The company also announced plans to open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, Michigan. The academy, which is designed to help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. Apple engineers and experts from top universities will provide free in-person and online courses that teach workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization.
In a recent quote, Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, said, “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future. From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”
Flex to build 400,000 sq ft facility to manufacture power products in TexasThe company will use the new plant to bring together technical power pod fabrication and assembly with utility-grade capabilities in the U.S.
Race Rock expands manufacturing capacity with new Texas facilityThis investment will help the company support Texas and the country’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
TMEIC to build PV inverter manufacturing facility in Texas The plant will produce 9 GW annually, with future expansion availability based on market demands.Â
This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.factory
Feb 25, 2025
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New Industry Partnerships: Intel, Honeywell, Rivian, And MoreCollaboration is an integral part of any industry, and this principle is especially true for the manufacturing sector. Companies, organizations, and institutions frequently team up to develop new products, introduce innovative services, and disrupt the manufacturing status quo. In this roundup, we highlight the recently announced partnerships that promise to change the industrial landscape in unique and groundbreaking ways.Â
Partnership: Intel Corp. and Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) Goal: Intel will produce an AI fabric chip for AWS on Intel 18A, as well as produce a custom Xeon 6 chip on Intel 3, building on the existing partnership under which Intel produces Xeon Scalable processors for AWS. Quote: “This expansion of our longtime relationship with AWS reflects the strength of our process technology and delivers differentiated solutions for customer workloads. Intel’s chip design and manufacturing capabilities, combined with the comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, AI and machine learning services of AWS, will unleash innovation across our shared ecosystem and support the growth of both businesses, as well as a sustainable domestic AI supply chain.” - Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Honeywell and Google Cloud Goal: By combining Google’s Gemini on Vertex AI, an AI platform, with Honeywell Forge, an IoT platform, customers will be able to access enterprise-wide insights across a multitude of use cases. Quote: "The path to autonomy requires assets working harder, people working smarter and processes working more efficiently. By combining Google Cloud's AI technology with our deep domain expertise--including valuable data on our Honeywell Forge platform--customers will receive unparalleled, actionable insights bridging the physical and digital worlds to accelerate autonomous operations, a key driver of Honeywell's growth." - Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell Quote: "Our partnership with Honeywell represents a significant step forward in bringing the transformative power of AI to industrial operations. With Gemini on Vertex AI, combined with Honeywell's industrial data and expertise, we're creating new opportunities to optimize processes, empower workforces and drive meaningful business outcomes for industrial organizations worldwide." - Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Nauto and Beans.ai Goal: The partnership will combine Nauto's AI-powered VEDR solution with Beans.ai's pick-up and drop-off location data and micro-routing expertise. The companies hope this combination will enhance the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of last mile delivery operations and make VEDR compliance easy for package delivery contractors.   Quote: "At Nauto, we are committed to making roads safer for all drivers and enhancing the overall efficiency of commercial fleet delivery. Through our strategic partnership with Beans.ai, we are able to bring together the best of both worlds – supporting VEDR compliance, advanced AI-powered safety technology, data analytics and fleet management competencies – to deliver solutions that address the evolving needs of the last mile delivery ecosystem." - Yoav Banin, President of Nauto Quote: "Beans.ai is thrilled to partner with Nauto to drive innovation and efficiency in last mile delivery. By integrating our advanced data solutions with Nauto's industry-leading fleet safety and management technology, we are empowering commercial fleets to optimize their operations, enhance driver safety, and deliver exceptional customer experiences." - Akash Agarwal, Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at Beans.ai Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group form Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC Goal: Through this new joint venture, the companies hope to bring next-generation electrical architecture and software technology for both companies’ future electric vehicles. Quote: “The partnership with Rivian is the next logical step in our software strategy. With its implementation, we will strengthen our global competitive and technological position. Today’s launch of the joint venture demonstrates the potential we want to leverage together in the coming years. We have a clear plan to offer our customers the best products and digital experiences at attractive prices through state-of-the-art development processes, innovative technological approaches, and a competitive cost base driven by synergies.” - Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Cognizant and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Goal: Under the strategic collaboration agreement (SCA), the companies plan to deliver advanced technology solutions and cloud computing services focused on enhancing smart manufacturing capabilities for global enterprises across industries. Quote: "The businesses that will succeed in an era of AI-driven disruption, supply chain challenges, and evolving compliance requirements will be those that embrace smart manufacturing methods at the core of their production operations. The ability to leverage our deep IoT, AI and industrial automation expertise into solutions on AWS, will allow us to deliver innovative solutions for clients that aim to drive quality, efficiency, productivity, reduced unit cost, and improved plant flexibility." - Anna Elango, EVP and head of Cognizant's Core Technologies and Insights Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Exxon Mobil Corporation and LG Chem Goal: The companies signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a multiyear offtake agreement for up to 100,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate. Quote: “Building a lithium supply chain with ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest energy companies, holds great significance. We will continue to strengthen LG Chem’s competitiveness in the global supply chain for critical minerals.” - Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem Learn morefactory
Feb 20, 2025
Plant Service
New Industry Partnerships: Intel, Honeywell, Rivian, And MoreCollaboration is an integral part of any industry, and this principle is especially true for the manufacturing sector. Companies, organizations, and institutions frequently team up to develop new products, introduce innovative services, and disrupt the manufacturing status quo. In this roundup, we highlight the recently announced partnerships that promise to change the industrial landscape in unique and groundbreaking ways.Â
Partnership: Intel Corp. and Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) Goal: Intel will produce an AI fabric chip for AWS on Intel 18A, as well as produce a custom Xeon 6 chip on Intel 3, building on the existing partnership under which Intel produces Xeon Scalable processors for AWS. Quote: “This expansion of our longtime relationship with AWS reflects the strength of our process technology and delivers differentiated solutions for customer workloads. Intel’s chip design and manufacturing capabilities, combined with the comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, AI and machine learning services of AWS, will unleash innovation across our shared ecosystem and support the growth of both businesses, as well as a sustainable domestic AI supply chain.” - Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Honeywell and Google Cloud Goal: By combining Google’s Gemini on Vertex AI, an AI platform, with Honeywell Forge, an IoT platform, customers will be able to access enterprise-wide insights across a multitude of use cases. Quote: "The path to autonomy requires assets working harder, people working smarter and processes working more efficiently. By combining Google Cloud's AI technology with our deep domain expertise--including valuable data on our Honeywell Forge platform--customers will receive unparalleled, actionable insights bridging the physical and digital worlds to accelerate autonomous operations, a key driver of Honeywell's growth." - Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell Quote: "Our partnership with Honeywell represents a significant step forward in bringing the transformative power of AI to industrial operations. With Gemini on Vertex AI, combined with Honeywell's industrial data and expertise, we're creating new opportunities to optimize processes, empower workforces and drive meaningful business outcomes for industrial organizations worldwide." - Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Nauto and Beans.ai Goal: The partnership will combine Nauto's AI-powered VEDR solution with Beans.ai's pick-up and drop-off location data and micro-routing expertise. The companies hope this combination will enhance the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of last mile delivery operations and make VEDR compliance easy for package delivery contractors.   Quote: "At Nauto, we are committed to making roads safer for all drivers and enhancing the overall efficiency of commercial fleet delivery. Through our strategic partnership with Beans.ai, we are able to bring together the best of both worlds – supporting VEDR compliance, advanced AI-powered safety technology, data analytics and fleet management competencies – to deliver solutions that address the evolving needs of the last mile delivery ecosystem." - Yoav Banin, President of Nauto Quote: "Beans.ai is thrilled to partner with Nauto to drive innovation and efficiency in last mile delivery. By integrating our advanced data solutions with Nauto's industry-leading fleet safety and management technology, we are empowering commercial fleets to optimize their operations, enhance driver safety, and deliver exceptional customer experiences." - Akash Agarwal, Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at Beans.ai Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group form Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC Goal: Through this new joint venture, the companies hope to bring next-generation electrical architecture and software technology for both companies’ future electric vehicles. Quote: “The partnership with Rivian is the next logical step in our software strategy. With its implementation, we will strengthen our global competitive and technological position. Today’s launch of the joint venture demonstrates the potential we want to leverage together in the coming years. We have a clear plan to offer our customers the best products and digital experiences at attractive prices through state-of-the-art development processes, innovative technological approaches, and a competitive cost base driven by synergies.” - Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Cognizant and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Goal: Under the strategic collaboration agreement (SCA), the companies plan to deliver advanced technology solutions and cloud computing services focused on enhancing smart manufacturing capabilities for global enterprises across industries. Quote: "The businesses that will succeed in an era of AI-driven disruption, supply chain challenges, and evolving compliance requirements will be those that embrace smart manufacturing methods at the core of their production operations. The ability to leverage our deep IoT, AI and industrial automation expertise into solutions on AWS, will allow us to deliver innovative solutions for clients that aim to drive quality, efficiency, productivity, reduced unit cost, and improved plant flexibility." - Anna Elango, EVP and head of Cognizant's Core Technologies and Insights Learn moreÂ
Partnership: Exxon Mobil Corporation and LG Chem Goal: The companies signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a multiyear offtake agreement for up to 100,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate. Quote: “Building a lithium supply chain with ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest energy companies, holds great significance. We will continue to strengthen LG Chem’s competitiveness in the global supply chain for critical minerals.” - Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem Learn morefactory
Feb 20, 2025
Plant Service
Race Rock Expands Manufacturing Capacity With New Texas FacilityRace Rock has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Crowley, Texas. The company, which protects, connects, and provides safe passage for people and power, will use the project to help advance its engineered structures business and enhance service to both TxDOT and Utility customers. According to Race Rock, this investment will help the company support Texas and the country’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
In a recent quote, Brian Desigio, President of Race Rock, said, “This facility, consisting of two manufacturing buildings equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including our advanced angle line and thermal cutter, significantly increases our production capacity. It represents a major step forward in our ability to serve our customers efficiently while reinforcing our position as an industry leader.”
Donald Young, CEO of Race Rock, added, “We’re excited about this expansion because it allows us to continue providing superior service to our customers while supporting the overall Texas infrastructure buildout. As the state grows, its transportation, utility, and telecommunications infrastructure needs to grow with it, and Race Rock is proud to play a critical role in meeting those demands.”
TMEIC to build PV inverter manufacturing facility in Texas The plant will produce 9 GW annually, with future expansion availability based on market demands.Â
Energy storage manufacturer invests $100M to build assembly facility in Texas The 483,874-square-foot facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 10 GWh. Â
EFC announces $210 million manufacturing facility to support semiconductor production in Texas The project is expected to generate 120 new jobs for the surrounding area.Â
This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.factory
Feb 19, 2025
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Eaton Invests $340M To Open Three-Phase Transformer Manufacturing Plant In South CarolinaEaton has announced plans to open a new three-phase transformer manufacturing plant in Jonesville, South Carolina. The company, which specializes in intelligent power management, will invest $340 million into the project, which involves converting an existing facility into a transformer manufacturing site. The project is expected to create 700 new jobs for the surrounding area. Eaton is currently producing three-phase transformers at its two Wisconsin facilities. The company hopes this project will help address the critical shortage of transformers and demand for its solutions. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in 2027.Â
In a recent quote, Mike Yelton, president, Americas Region, Electrical Sector at Eaton, said, “Electrical power demand is increasing dramatically, and our solutions are at the heart of energy systems everywhere, from the utility grid to industrials, data centers, buildings and more. We’re grateful for the strong collaboration and support in South Carolina, where we have a long history of manufacturing and innovation. Eaton is continuing to increase production and add jobs there and across the U.S. to support affordable, reliable and clean energy.”
Governor Henry McMaster added, “Eaton’s new operation in Union County, which will mean 700 new jobs for the local community, represents a major vote of confidence in South Carolina’s highly skilled, world-class workforce. This investment is a remarkable milestone for Eaton and Union County, and we celebrate the opportunities it will create throughout the state in the years ahead.”
Boeing invests $1B to upgrade South Carolina facilities, creating 500 new jobsThe money will be used to make infrastructure upgrades at its North Charleston campuses.
Vertiv to build new infrastructure solutions manufacturing plant in South Carolina The project, which will add 215,000 square feet of manufacturing space, is expected to create 300 new jobs for the surrounding area.
EnerSys to receive $199M award to support lithium-ion cell gigafactory in South Carolina The new facility will produce various form factors of lithium-ion cells for commercial, industrial, and defense applications.
This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.factory
Feb 13, 2025
Plant Service
Stone Manufacturer Fined £18K For Repeatedly Exposing Workers To Respirable Crystalline SilicaAn 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 ÂŁ18,000 and ordered to pay costs of ÂŁ4,064.
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 ÂŁ4K for repeatedly exposing workers to wood dust The company was inspected by the HSE three times over a 12-year period.Â
Workers injured after being struck by three stone slabs, manufacturer to pay ÂŁ12KDuring 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 ÂŁ60KThe 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.factory
Feb 12, 2025
Plant Service
Maintenance Mindset: It'S The End Of Oil Analysis As We Know It … And I Feel FineWelcome to Maintenance Mindset, our editors’ takes on things going on in the worlds of manufacturing and asset management that deserve some extra attention. This will appear regularly in the Member’s Only section of the site. This week's column features guest contributor Michael D. Holloway, President of 5th Order Industry, writing part 2 of a 3-part series on AI and oil analysis.factory
Feb 05, 2025