Nearly 1 in 3 manufacturers say production lines are still understaffed: UKG report

Companies continue to prioritize recruitment and retainment efforts as the industry's skills gap threatens to widen.

DOE launches funding opportunity for clean energy career programs

The department will offer $3 million in funding to programs offering services like career coaching, apprenticeships and curriculum development.

Pyrex customers get refunds in false ‘Made in America’ case

The FTC used settlement funds to pay more than $88,000 to consumers who bought measuring cups that were actually made in China.

Rivian cuts production outlook amid parts shortage

The EV maker said the supply issue began in Q3 and has become more “acute” in recent weeks. 

White House launches semiconductor workforce center

The $250 million investment from the Biden-Harris administration aims to address labor development challenges in the U.S. chip industry.

Baxter unsure when North Carolina facility hit by Hurricane Helene will be operational

The drugmaker has implemented supply allocation strategies, while noting “there are many components to the recovery process."

Biden signs law allowing CHIPS Act projects to forgo environmental review

Opponents say the legislation omits necessary reviews for an industry that uses PFAS in production. 

Pennsylvania glass plant closure sparks outrage

Sen. Bob Casey and Anchor Hocking workers protested the company’s decision that will cause over 300 layoffs in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

French fry maker Lamb Weston to close plant, cut about 428 jobs

The restructuring comes as the supplier of frozen potato products faces sluggish demand for its offerings at restaurants and retailers.

ILA port strike ends through tentative deal

The agreement, which extends the parties’ master contract, comes three days after the strike disrupted East and Gulf Coast ports.

Updated Oct. 3, 2024

10 of the biggest manufacturing projects of 2024

In celebration of Manufacturing Day, check out some of this year’s biggest factory investments, with plans from Ford, Eli Lilly, SK Hynix and more. 

Johnson & Johnson plans $2B North Carolina plant

The biologics facility will support the drugmaker's oncology, immunology and neuroscience pipelines. 

McCormick believes it’s ‘broadly covered’ from ILA strike risks

The spice and seasonings giant says it worked on mitigation plans with domestic suppliers ahead of the work stoppage.

The Mart Group opens Idaho OH!Tatoes plant

The food processor established the frozen baked potato brand to make it available to North America customers.

Micron revenue spikes 93% YoY amid AI demand wave

The chipmaker is pushing ahead with multibillion-dollar projects in New York and Idaho to produce leading-edge semiconductors. 

Manufacturing conferences and trade shows to watch in 2025

Next year’s industry events cover a variety of manufacturing trends, including recruitment and retention and the impact of AI on factories.

ILA strike: Biden declines to intervene, but pressures USMX

Administration officials also warned ocean carriers against imposing strike surcharges on shippers.

Lilly plans $4.5B ‘foundry’ for advanced drug manufacturing

With its latest investment, the company is looking toward medicines of the future and new methods to produce them.

Vishay Intertechnology to shutter 3 plants amid restructuring

The chipmaker is closing facilities in Milwaukee, China and Germany, while expanding other sites in Mexico and Europe.

Vertiv adds South Carolina data center infrastructure facility

The plant in Pelzer will create up to 300 jobs and produce modular infrastructure solutions amid the AI boom.

Companies are investing less time and money in women, research suggests

McKinsey & Co. emphasized that the “broken rung” of advancement remains a core issue for women.

Layoffs mount amid low manufacturing demand: September PMI

The presidential election, an East Coast port strike and the impact of Hurricane Helene are creating a flurry of challenges for manufacturers this fall.

Baxter closes dialysis solutions facility due to Hurricane Helene damage

More than 2,500 people work at the facility, which is Baxter’s largest manufacturing site. The company is still working to fully assess the damage.

ILA strike begins, disrupting East and Gulf Coast ports

Without a new port labor deal, the International Longshoremen’s Association instructed its members to halt work after midnight Tuesday.

Days of a port strike could mean weeks of manufacturing delays

Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers could be among the hit hardest, with companies at risk of running out of raw materials within two to six weeks.