MIRAMICHI, NB—Some three dozen workers at an assembly plant here were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities suspect a propane heater could have spewed the colorless, odorless gas into the plant.

CAMBRIDGE, ON—The Canadian and Ontario governments are each investing $16.875 million to help Toyota retool its assembly plant here to make hybrid vehicles. Toyota itself is investing more than $100 million to expand production at the facility.

WASHINGTON—Applications for unemployment insurance payments decreased by 5,000 to 330,000 in the week ended Jan. 19, the fewest since the same week in 2008, according to the Labor Department.

DETROIT—Sales of lithium ion batteries are expected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2012 to $22 billion by 2020, according to a report from Pike Research.

DETROIT—U.S. sales of plug-in electric vehicles are expected to reach about 1.8 million units by 2020, according to a new report by Pike Research.

DETROIT—Automotive supplier Detroit Manufacturing Systems has hired 180 new hourly employees and added a third shift at its assembly plant here.

SIOUX CITY, IA—Sabre Industries celebrated completion of a $20 million assembly plant here, part of a multiphase expansion that is doubling the company’s workforce in the area. The manufacturer of large electrical and communication transmission equipment expects to add about 200 jobs.

SEATTLE—Boeing will continue to produce 787s as it works to get the grounded planes back flying again. Boeing’s newest jet was grounded worldwide last week after one plane suffered a battery fire.

WASHINGTON—Some 16.2 million vehicles were recalled last year, a 4.5 percent increase compared with 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DETROIT—General Motors is planning to invest approximately $1.6 billion in its North American manufacturing facilities during 2013, in a bid to unveil about 20 new models during the year.