The manufacturing industry is in a perpetual state of change. New technologies, policies, regulations, and company initiatives keep altering the role and perception of manufacturing in America. Every day, there’s a new plant, industry acquisition, research report, or law, and staying up to date on the latest information can prove difficult. Here’s what’s happening this week, in case you missed it.
Historic strike launched by UAW against Big Three automakers
Picketing will begin at a General Motors assembly plant in Wentzville, Missouri; a Ford factory in Wayne, Michigan; and a Stellantis Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio.
Incobrasa Industries invests $250 million to expand soybean processing plant in Illinois
The expansion will include a new soybean crushing facility, adding 170,000 square feet of production space, and a 50-acre solar array.
Pratt Industries invests $120 million to build packaging plant in Georgia
The new 496,000-square-foot facility, which will be Pratt Industries’ 13th facility in Georgia, will produce corrugated boxes using 100% recycled containerboard.
DOL seeks to interview employees at poultry plant following the death of a 16-year-old worker
The Mar-Jac Poultry MS LLC facility currently has open workplace safety and child labor investigations.
OSHA fines recycled glass company $370,995 for repeatedly exposing workers to hazards
The inspection, which occurred after a complaint was filed earlier this year, resulted in the company being cited for nine serious violations, one willful violation, and three repeat violations.
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution invest additional $2 billion into their battery cell manufacturing plant
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding in May, creating their battery cell manufacturing joint venture.
AMT and SME partner to help solve manufacturing workforce challenges
The partnership is designed to utilize the strengths and resources of both organizations in an effort to better the industry.
Honeywell and Arbin Instruments partner to improve large-scale lithium-ion battery manufacturing
Honeywell claims that this collaboration will help battery manufacturers increase throughput of battery cells while reducing floor space and saving energy costs.
Gotion spends $2 billion to build electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Illinois
Gotion hopes to utilize the new site to bolster the supply chain and meet growing demand for batteries.
Sawmill operator to pay $190,696 for child labor violations after teenage worker suffers fatal injuries
Florence Hardwoods LLC has been ordered to place signs and labels at its sawmill to stop children younger than 18 from operating dangerous equipment.
Automotive parts manufacturer invests $35 million to build new Georgia facility
The new plant will produce automotive seat structures, and operation is expected to begin in 2024.