CLEVELAND—Tooling U-SME has introduced a new workforce development resource, called the Competency Framework, that outlines the knowledge and skill objectives for more than 60 manufacturing jobs.

MYRTLE, MS—Furniture manufacturer Catnapper has opened a new assembly plant here, employing 70 people.

SHREVEPORT, LA—Robot supplier and systems integrator Comau Inc. will provide Elio Motors with powertrain and automated assembly systems to build the company’s three-wheel, high-efficiency vehicle here.

WASHINGTON—U.S. sales of machine tools totaled $491.9 million in December. That’s 10 percent higher than November 2013 sales and 12 percent higher than December 2012 sales.

AUBURN, AL—Auto parts supplier Kemmerich Group has begun construction on a $16 million, 60,000-square-foot assembly plant here.

BOLTON, UK—Empire Cycles and Renishaw, a manufacturer of additive manufacturing technology, have created a lightweight, titanium bicycle frame through 3D printing.

FLINT, MI—Attempting to flee police, a man here allegedly crashed his car and then stole a truck from the GM assembly plant here.

ARMONK, NY—IBM is considering selling its chip manufacturing business.

BRISTOL, IN—Satellite Industries Inc., a supplier of portable sanitation equipment, will locate its manufacturing and operations center here, creating up to 70 new jobs by 2017.

WASHINGTON—U.S. exports in 2013 set a new record for a fourth straight year. U.S. exports reached $2.3 trillion last year, up nearly $700 billion since 2009. The U.S. trade deficit improved $63.1 billion from the past year to $471.5 billion, the lowest since 2009.