MOBILE, AL—Airbus’ A320 final assembly line leapt from drawing board to reality Thursday with the raising of the project’s first steel column.

WASHINGTON—Many U.S. companies aren’t counted as manufacturers by the government, but are still heavily involved in the manufacturing of goods, according to a new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The prevalence of these “factory-less goods producers”—Apple Inc. is a prime example—suggests that the country might have more manufacturing capabilities than official statistics suggest.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL—Northrop Grumman is spending $80 million to expand its assembly plant here, which makes the Hawkeye support aircraft. The defense contract is expected to add 400 jobs.

MOBILE, AL—Airbus is seeking three liaison engineers for its new assembly plant under construction here.

Last month, my nephew began his first year in college. He hopes someday to get a job in the automotive industry, and I wish him the best of luck.

WASHINGTON—U.S. factories expanded last month at the fastest pace since June 2011. The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that its manufacturing index rose to 55.7 in August from 55.4 in July. That topped the index’s 12-month average of 52.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC— Boeing will build an assembly plant here to make engine inlet components for the 737 MAX jetliner.

WARRENDALE, PA—A new book from SAE International examines how to automate the process of drilling and countersinking holes during airframes production.

MOBILE, AL—A bond issue totaling $260 million has been secured to help fund construction of Airbus’ assembly plant here. The bond will be repaid by lease payments from the A320 final assembly line already under construction.

WICHITA, KS—Beechcraft Corp. has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a leaner, more efficient airplane manufacturer.