WASHINGTON-Manufacturers added 17,000 jobs in March, the third straight month of gains. Overall, the nation’s economy posted its largest job gain in three years, though the unemployment rate remained at 9.7 percent for the third straight month. MORE

WASHINGTON-The Obama administration set tougher gas mileage standards for new cars and trucks Thursday, spurring the next generation of fuel-sipping gas-electric hybrids, efficient engines and electric cars. MORE

NORCROSS, GA-Suniva Inc. could receive a roughly $141 million federal loan guarantee, which will help the solar panel assembler begin construction on its second manufacturing plant. The company plans

NEW YORK-Ford and Microsoft are teaming up to use Microsoft Hohm as a platform to help future owners of Ford’s electric vehicles optimize the way they recharge their vehicles and better manage their home’s energy use. MORE

DETROIT-The first Chevrolet Volt rolled down the assembly line at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck plant Monday. MORE

TORRINGTON, CT-Rep. Chris Murphy, D-CT, toured the Dymax Corp.’s manufacturing facility here and presented company president Greg Bachmann with a U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate. Dymax makes adhesives, UV curing spot lamps, flood lamps, and conveyor systems. MORE

ST. PAUL, MN-Medical device manufacturers express concern over excise tax included in health care reform law. MORE

JACKSON, MS-Grenada Stamping and Assembly is expanding its manufacturing plant, adding 40 jobs and $300,000 worth of improvements. The improvements include a new assembly line to build parts for Electrolux mini-ovens. MORE

GREENVILLE, SC-GE Aviation will add 100 jobs to its jet-engine parts plant here over the next three years. MORE

COLUMBIA CITY, IN-To keep up with GM’s Allen County assembly plant, a major supplier is adding a third shift and 114 workers. Advanced Assembly started hiring workers this week. MORE