RALEIGH, NC—Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for creating stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys that have potential structural applications in the automobile and aerospace industries.

INGERSOLL, ON—The Canadian Auto Workers has begun negotiations with General Motors for a new contract at the carmaker’s assembly plant here.

GREENVILLE, OH—Whirlpool offers a glimpse inside its Kitchenaid mixer assembly plant here.

VAN NUYS, CA—Superior Industries International Inc., a manufacturer of aluminum wheels, is building a $135 million assembly plant in Mexico.

ILION, NY—Remington Arms plans to spend $20 million to upgrade its gun assembly plant here.

WASHINGTON—A burst of hiring last month added 236,000 U.S. jobs and reduced the unemployment rate to 7.7 percent from 7.9 percent in January. The unemployment rate is at its lowest level in four years. Job growth has averaged more than 200,000 a month since November.

LOCKPORT, NY—The auto parts assembly plant here has survived lots of change. The complex switched affiliations from GM to Delphi and then back GM in 2009. Today, the plant is humming, and workers and managers are more optimistic than ever.

HOUSTON—Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. has begun a multimillion dollar project to expand its assembly plant here by more than 40 percent.

BROOKLYN, NY—MakerBot, a manufacturer of desktop 3D printers, will hold a job fair here March 15 to fill more than 50 job openings, including at least 10 engineering and production positions.

MCCONNELSVILLE, OH—OSHA has fined auto parts supplier Mahle Engine Components USA Inc. $369,000 for 26 health and safety violations.