SPARTANBURG, SC—BMW’s assembly plant here is expanding its use of material handling equipment powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

WASHINGTON—CEOs’ expectations for the economy over the next six months have improved due to expected higher sales and capital spending, but expectations for hiring remain flat, according to the last economic outlook survey from the Business Roundtable.

TALLAHASSEE, FL—Florida Gov. Rick Scott has proposed eliminating sales tax on manufacturing machinery.

BANNOCKBURN, IL—Executives at North American electronics manufacturing companies can expect, on average, a 2.9 percent pay increase this year, according to a new study from the IPC—Association Connecting Electronics Industries.

WASHINGTON—Production workers averaged 41.9 hours a week in February, according to the Labor Department. That tied December 1997 and January 1998 for the highest average since May 1944.

NOBLESVILLE, IN—Nexxt Spine LLC, a manufacturer of spinal implants, is consolidating operations and moving its headquarters and assembly plant here. The company expects to add 44 jobs by 2018.

DIXON, IL—SGS Refrigeration, a manufacturer of industrial cooling equipment, is moving production from Mexico to a new assembly plant here. The company hopes to add 100 jobs in the next few years.

SEATTLE—Boeing achieved a major milestone on Tuesday as the Federal Aviation Administration approved its plan to test fixes for the battery problems that have grounded its 787 jets since mid-January.

WARREN, MI—Chrysler has fired a worker here who helped organize a demonstration two weeks ago to protest a controversial new work schedule.

KANSAS CITY, KS—General Motors has begun construction on a new $600 million paint shop and other upgrades at its assembly plant here.