ROCHESTER, NY-GM is investing $100 million in its engine assembly plant here. The investment is expected to create 30 new jobs. MORE

NEW YORK-BMW is building a technology incubator here to seed innovations in mobile and location-based services. MORE

TOKYO-The world’s largest maker of automotive microcontrollers-the electronic brains that control millions of vehicles-is shifting production from a key plant damaged by last month’s earthquake to two other plants, but it will take months before shipments can start. MORE

ELGIN, IL-Contract manufacturer Starfire Electronics plans to convert an old newspaper building here into a new electronics assembly plant. MORE

DANVILLE, VA-Three years after Ikea opened a massive manufacturing facility, the Swedish furniture company faces racial discrimination complaints, a heated union-organizing battle and turnover from disgruntled employees. MORE

MILPITAS, CA-SunPower and its partner Flextronics will dedicate a new solar panel assembly plant here today. The plant has created more than 100 jobs and will produce 75 megawatts (MW) per year of solar power panels for rooftops and power plants. MORE

HAZELWOOD, MO-A former manager at the old Ford assembly plant here has been indicted on charges of tax evasion and taking more than $2 million in kickbacks from a logistics vendor. MORE

NORTON SHORES, MI-Sparks from an automated welding machine ignited a fire that damaged an auto parts assembly plant here last week. MORE

PRINCE GEORGE, VA-A research center near the site of Rolls-Royce’s new factory here will give Virginia a competitive edge in advanced manufacturing, state officials said. The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing will operate as a collaborative venture of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University and private-sector companies. MORE

GUANGZHOU, China-Millions of workers didn’t return to their southern China factory jobs after Lunar New Year holidays this spring, which could mark a turning point in China’s reputation as the world’s low-cost labor center. MORE