AUBURN, AL—German auto parts maker Schmidt Maschinenbau GmbH is building its first U.S. assembly here. The $17 million factory is expected to begin production next year.

DETROIT—Ford Motor Co. will build the new Lincoln Continental sedan at its Flat Rock assembly plant here. The 28-year-old factory currently builds the Ford Mustang and the Ford Fusion.

DETROIT—With stable auto production and flat factory employment predicted through 2018, the UAW is expected to press for higher wages in contract talks with the Detroit Three. Jobs and future product commitments will be secondary considerations.

CHATTANOOGA, TN—Automotive supplier Yanfeng Automotive Interiors will invest $55 million to build a new assembly plant here. The factory is expected to employ 325.

DEARBORN, MI—Since 2003, Ford has reduced the injury rate by 70 percent for its more than 50,000 “industrial athletes” in the U.S., and many more around the world, through new ergonomics technology, lift-assist devices, workstation redesign and data-driven process changes.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will spend $166 million to install three new press lines at its stamping plant here. The equipment is expected to be production-ready by the end of the year.

ARLINGTON, TX—General Motors will spend $1.4 billion to fund a slew of upgrades for its assembly plant here. The investment will cover a new paint shop, body shop and general assembly area.

DETROIT—At separate ceremonies earlier this week, the UAW officially opened negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements with FCA US and General Motors.

DETROIT—Wayne County, MI, has the best manufacturing economy in the United States, according to a report on job creation released Tuesday. Wayne tops the list of U.S. counties in creating manufacturing jobs, with the addition of 4,225 jobs in 2014, according to the report by Headlight Data.

DETROIT—In contract talks with the Detroit 3, the UAW will seek to boost the pay of veteran Tier 1 workers, who, union officials point out, haven’t had a wage increase in a decade. But that doesn’t mean their pay hasn’t gone up.