Plastic injection molding, metal casting and metal stamping are age-old processes that form the backbone of manufacturing. Traditionally, there's no better way to mass-produce plastic or metal parts.
DETROIT—Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it will eliminate about 20 percent of its workforce across Europe and close six factories in a sweeping overhaul aimed at reviving the money-losing region as the company also moves to prepare for the future of electric and self-driving cars.
AACHEN, Germany—Automotive 5G manufacturing production has begun here by GO Mobile AG, enabled by 5G connectivity from Ericsson and Vodafone Germany. The technology delivers secure and almost real-time data networking across the full production chain.
ARLINGTON, TX—General Motors Co. is investing an additional $20 million at its assembly plant here to upgrade conveyors in preparation for the launch of GM’s all-new full-size SUVs. GM has invested more than $1.4 billion in the facility since 2015.
MONTGOMERY, AL—Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC has officially opened a $388 million cylinder head manufacturing plant, a project that spurred the creation of 50 jobs.
FLINT, MI—General Motors Co. plans to invest $150 million in its Flint Assembly Plant to increase production of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups.
CHATTANOOGA, TN—More than 1,700 workers at Volkswagen’s assembly plant here will go to the polls Wednesday through Friday as the United Auto Workers tries for a breakthrough in its drive to unionize a foreign automaker in the South.
Cummins Inc., founded in 1919, designs, manufactures, sells and services diesel engines and technology globally. Between its four business units, Cummins has 107 manufacturing plants, 600 company-owned and independent distribution facilities and over 5,000 dealer locations in more than 160 countries.
"Scratch-resistant plastic parts" is more than a phrase with great appeal to car buyers. It also presents a great challenge to automotive Tier 1s to make sure these parts perform as promised in the real world.
Manufacturers love established assembly line technologies not only because they produce expected results. But, also because they occasionally provide an unexpected benefit.