EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation recently integrated eight robots into a new powder coating line for a leading commercial wheel manufacturer. Evana provided bases, guarding and end-of-arm tools for the robots, along with programming and control panels to communicate with the finishing line.

GEORGETOWN, KY—Construction has begun on a new assembly line here for the first U.S.-produced Lexus. Toyota is investing $360 million in the line, which is expected to create 750 new jobs.

SHARON, PA—Noise Solutions, a manufacturer of noise control technology for heavy machinery, has opened a new $4.2 million, 55,000 square foot, assembly plant here  with plans to create 126 jobs over the next three years.

TOKYO—After three decades as one of the world’s biggest exporters, Japan is now a net importer, due to outsourcing and energy-related imports.

TOKYO—EPSON provided a big-picture view of the future here at the International Robot Exhibition last November by demonstrating how robots will automate the manufacturing floor over the next three to five years. Among the most attention-grabbing demonstrations was that featuring autonomous dual-arm robots that EPSON aims to have in commercial production by the end of March 2016.

KANSAS CITY, MO—Ford began welcoming nearly 1,000 new employees at its assembly plant here to prepare for the launch of the all-new Ford Transit van, which goes on sale in the United States this summer. The company will hire an additional 175 employees over the next three months.

SOUTH BEND, IN—Defense contractor AM General will begin recalling approximately 200 employees for its assembly plant here in early February to meet a big order for Humvees.

TROY, MI—Toyoda Gosei Co., a supplier to Toyota Motor Corp., plans to increase capital spending next fiscal year as carmakers roll out new models. The company expects capital spending to grow 12 percent to $418 million in the 12 months ending March 2014.

ATHENS, TN—Denso is investing another $55 million and adding more than 130 new manufacturing jobs at its assembly plant here to boost production of fuel injectors.

HAUPPAUGE, NY—Festo has launched an online support community for users of its motion control equipment. Community members can post a question 24/7 or answer an already posted question. Forum topics include pneumatics, electric drives, software, fieldbus, process automation, sensors, vision and standards.