MILWAUKEE- Mining equipment manufacturer Bucyrus International is bringing 500 new jobs to the Milwaukee area. The company recently finished a $200 million expansion of its plant in South Milwaukee. MORE

HANOI, Viet Nam-As a rule, factories in Viet Nam lose thousands of manual workers after the traditional New Year holiday, but they’re usually able to rehire new staff by the second quarter. However, the rule seems to be broken this year. Many companies say they can’t recruit enough workers due to the low salary. MORE

MENDENHALL, TN-The Sharp manufacturing plant here has activated a 150-kilowatt solar panel array on its roof. The array provides enough electricity to power 15 to 20 homes. MORE

CHATTANOOGA, TN-VW has named the first five tenants of the supplier park next door to its new plant here. MORE

Meanwhile, one analyst says VW’s timing for the startup of its new plant early next year couldn’t be more perfect. MORE

WASHINGTON-Sales of new homes rose 27 percent in March, the biggest monthly jump in almost 47 years. In addition, demand for computers and other types of electronic equipment jumped 3.4 percent in March, while orders for machinery also were strong. MORE

LOUISVILLE, KY-GE plans to move production of a heat-pump water heater from China to Appliance Park in Louisville. By 2012, GE will add production of an automatically energy-efficient washer and dryer pair expected to add 830 jobs. MORE

SCHAUMBURG, IL-Toda America Inc. broke ground for its first U.S. manufacturing facility to produce lithium ion cathode materials for battery cells for electric drive vehicles. The new $70 million facility is being built in Battle Creek, MI. MORE

GREENVILLE, SC-The WaterProfessionals recently created a system to produce ultra-pure water for rinsing and cleaning fuel injectors for a major diesel engine manufacturing company. MORE

RACINE, WI-Case Construction Equipment has begun assembling a new line of military skid steers and compact track loaders. Case is providing the equipment as part of a $160 million contract with the U.S. Army. MORE

MARION, AR-Hino Motors Manufacturing USA will manufacture truck frame rails at its plant here. The rails will be sent to Hino’s assembly plants in West Virginia and Ontario, Canada. The company had been importing the rails from Japan. MORE