HUNTSVILLE, AL—Toyota takes one step closer to carbon-neutral operations with the addition of a 30-megawatt solar energy system at its assembly plant here.

COLOGNE, Germany—Igus, a manufacturer of automation components, has designed a new bicycle that consists of more than 90 percent plastic, from the frame to the bearings to the toothed belt. At least 50 percent of the plastic for the bike is derived from recycled fishing nets.

Rapid economic recovery, the tight labor market, and high inflation have shifted power to workers who are organized.

SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden—Scania AB, a leading European manufacturer of trucks and buses, is installing remanufactured gearboxes in new vehicles at its flagship assembly plant here.

An innovative 3D printing method streamlines multimaterial manufacturing.

KINGSBORO, NC—Natron Energy Inc., a manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, is investing $1.4 billion to build a new “gigafactory” here.

Dürr Systems provides automated paint line, final assembly, and inspection and test systems for Turkish EV manufacturer.

TOKYO—Yazaki Corp. and Toray Industries Inc. have developed a new recycled plastic formulated specifically to mold connectors for automotive wire harnesses.

According to Info-Tech, companies should adopt Smart Manufacturing 5.0, which combines the innovations of Industry 4.0 with a focus on human-centric, resilient and sustainable practices.

AKRON, OH—An air intake manifold made of 100 percent recycled nylon has won an Automotive Innovation Award in the Power Train Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers.