SEATTLE—While the hunt for the root cause of the 787 battery problems continues, Boeing remains adamant in its faith in the current lithium-ion technology.

SEATTLE—Boeing has asked U.S. aviation authorities for permission to carry out 787 Dreamliner test flights after the planes were grounded worldwide following a fire risk linked to the plane’s lithium batteries.

The role of manufacturing in the global economy is evolving. What will the future hold?

SEATTLE—In interviews with The Associated Press, a dozen former Boeing engineers, designers and managers question the wisdom of the company’s tight schedule and never-before-tried plan to assemble a plane from parts made around the globe.

SEATTLE—Boeing will continue to produce 787s as it works to get the grounded planes back flying again. Boeing’s newest jet was grounded worldwide last week after one plane suffered a battery fire.

CLEVELAND—The CNH tractor assembly plant in Wichita, KS, and the Ethicon medical device assembly plant in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, are among six U.S. factories picked as IndustryWeek’s “Best Plants.”

SAN DIEGO—Space Micro, a manufacturer of radiation-hardened electronic products for spacecraft and military applications, has expanded its assembly plant here, doubling the size of its clean room and environmental qualification testing space.

Looking back on the campaign, it was refreshing to hear candidates from both parties tout the importance of U.S. manufacturing.

MOBILE, AL—Aerospace engineering firm Safran Engineering Services will open a $2 million facility here.

WASHINGTON—Airlines flying Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliners need to take extra steps to ensure the planes don’t have engine failures or fires because of a manufacturing fault in the fuel line, the Federal Aviation Administration advised.