NASHIK, India—Around 3,000 workers at automaker Mahindra and Mahindra’s assembly plant here are on a “tools down” protest against the suspension of a co-worker.

LEBANON, NH—Hypertherm, a manufacturer of advanced cutting systems, has opened of a new 160,000-square-foot assembly plant here that is expected to create up to 500 new jobs.

CHARLOTTE, NC—MHI is developing the first U.S. industry roadmap for material handling and logistics. The goal is to create a blueprint of market, technological and developmental priorities that are needed to accomplish long-term industry goals.

SHANGPU, China—Farmers here clashed with police and set up barricades to protest what they say is an unauthorized government seizure of their land to build a new factory.

TOKYO—Honda Motor Co. is building a new assembly plant in Japan, its first in the country in nearly 50 years.

GOSHEN, IN—MasterBrand Cabinets Inc. will spend $574,000 to expand its assembly plant here, creating up to 76 new jobs by the end of the year.

PEARLAND, TX—CapRock Oil Tools, a manufacturer of drilling bits and other equipment for oil rigs, has moved to a new assembly plant here.

WASHINGTON—Manufacturing grew in February at the fastest pace in 20 months, according to a report Friday from the Institute for Supply Management. And a survey from the University of Michigan showed that consumer sentiment rose last month to its highest level since November.

WARREN, MI—Workers at Chrysler’s assembly plant here held a demonstration to protest a controversial new work schedule.

CLEMSON, SC—Engineering students at Clemson University have designed a flexible machine that automatically installs O-rings.