In numerous industries and applications, high-performing structural adhesives are replacing standard joining methods such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners like rivets and bolts.

Carbon-fiber composites offer a variety of advantages for car and truck manufacturers, including lighter weight, better corrosion resistance and higher impact strength than aluminum and steel.

With an eye to the future, the U.S. Army held its Joint Multi-Role (JMR) competition in June 2014 to select the next generation of high-speed-rotorcraft helicopters.

WASHINGTON—Orders for big-ticket goods surged in January. The Commerce Department said Thursday that new orders of durable goods increased 4.9 percent last month, topping the median estimate of 2.9 percent that economists had been expecting.

MOBILE, AL—Workers at Airbus’ assembly plant here hit an important milestone last week as the first aircraft ever assembled at the site, an A321ceo destined for JetBlue, has rolled out and it is ready to receive its paint job prior to delivery.

WICHITA, KS—Spirit AeroSystems, which assembles the fuselages for the Boeing 737, is planning to boost production to meet Boeing’s goal of producing 57 jets per month.

ANN ARBOR, MI—Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in 2015, according to Robotic Industries Association. A total of 31,464 robots valued at $1.8 billion were ordered from North American companies during 2015, an increase of 14 percent in units and 11 percent in dollars over 2014.

MOBILE, AL—Broetje Automation, a supplier of automated machinery for aircraft assembly, has opened a facility here to support Airbus’ new assembly plant.

ORANGEBURG, SC—Modifications are underway at GKN Aerospace’s assembly plant here, as the company prepares for the manufacture of inlet lip skins for the Boeing 737 MAX and 777X.

SEATTLE—Air Force officials and Boeing engineers have started the years-long process of replacing Air Force One, the legendary aircraft that whisks the president and his entourage around the world.