PITTSBURGH—PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business has received a $2.1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to help design and pilot an automated assembly process for photovoltaic modules.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI—Boeing Corp. and KUKA Systems are hosting a day-long summit Feb. 6 to help aerospace suppliers find their niche in the supply chains of the two companies. KUKA and Boeing have identified more than 50 procurement needs for which they would like to find suppliers.

COLUMBIA, SC—Bicycle manufacturer Kent International is investing $4.3 million in a new assembly plant here. The facility is expected to bring 175 jobs to the area.

GARDEN GROVE, CA—Metcal has scheduled a series of day-long seminars throughout the country on the latest techniques to rework and repair advanced packages.

LOUISVILLE, KY—Ford will invest $80 million in its assembly plant here to meet increasing demand for its F-Series Super Duty trucks.

ACCOKEEK, MD—Beretta USA will build a $45 million assembly plant in Tennessee, giving rise to concern over what will happen to the gun manufacturer’s existing factory here.

MUSKEGON, MI—Bold Furniture has purchased a second manufacturing facility here and plans to hire an additional 25 workers this year.

CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen plans to add a midsized SUV to its U.S. vehicle lineup and will likely build the vehicle at its assembly plant here.

ITASCA, IL—Mobile Mark Inc., a manufacturer of antennas, has opened a new 50,000-square-foot assembly plant here.

SHANNON, MS—German auto parts maker Grammer AG will move its American headquarters from Wisconsin to a new assembly plant here, creating up to 650 jobs. The company makes automotive interiors and commercial vehicle seats.