Manufacturers today are producing a wider range of products than ever. Life cycles are shrinking and demand for customization is increasing. As a result, assembly lines must be as flexible as possible without compromising efficiency. That’s why companies producing everything from pumps to pistols and caskets to chainsaws depend on mixed-model assembly.
The market will expand as ECMs are replaced by more cost-competitive, efficient technologies.
May 1, 2016
Since the introduction of Electrically Commutated Motors (ECMs) over fifty years ago, there has not been a substantial energy efficiency improvement in motor technology for commercial refrigeration applications that exceeds the current generation of available ECM products.
MEMPHIS, TN—One of the largest economic development prizes for Memphis since the Great Recession, an Electrolux appliance assembly plant, has exceeded goals for jobs and investment that accompanied a tax break approved in 2011.
FINDLAY TOWNSHIP, PA—General Electric has opened a new operation here that will specialize in applying additive manufacturing technology to support the conglomerate’s various business units. The $39-million Center for Additive Technology Advancement will employ 50 engineers.
GREENVILLE, OH—After two years in product development, Whirlpool and KitchenAid finally began producing the new KitchenAid Pro Line Blender on March 28. The new product joins a host of other appliances assembled in Greenville, such as the KitchenAid Stand Mixer and hand mixer.
WASHINGTON—Producers in China and six other countries sold cold-rolled steel at unfairly low prices in the U.S. market and will be taxed as much as 266 percent on the price.