MIELEC, Poland-Sikorsky has announced that it plans to assemble the latest version of its iconic Black Hawk helicopter in Eastern Europe. MORE

WASHINGTON-Worker productivity, the single biggest factor determining living standards, grew at the fastest pace in nearly six years in the spring, while labor costs fell by the most in nine years, as companies slashed costs to survive the recession. MORE

NEW YORK-The U.S. manufacturing sector grew in August for the first time in 19 months as new orders from customers jumped to the highest level since late 2004. The better-than-expected reading Tuesday by the Institute for Supply Management showed the highest number for its manufacturing index since June 2007. MORE

DETROIT-A number of foreign and domestic automakers have expressed interest in buying the factories being sold by the former General Motors Corp. as part of its bankruptcy case. MORE

AUBURN HILL, MI-Hyundai Mobis Co., South Korea’s biggest auto-parts maker, has won a $2 billion order to supply front- and rear-chassis modules to Chrysler. MORE

GREENSBORO, NC-Precor Inc., a manufacturer of exercise equipment, is nearly ready to start recruiting for the new assembly plant it will open soon here. Recruiting will be handled through the Guilford JobLink Career Center, with initial hiring focused on positions in welding, painting, assembly and upholstering. There are currently 15 openings available. Precor plans to eventually hire about 140 employees. MORE

MOBILE, AL-Shipbuilder Austal has completed the first stage of its $170 million module manufacturing facility here. MORE

MEXICO CITY-Mexican auto-parts makers could take three years to claw back to pre-crisis production levels, an industry group said on Monday. MORE

FORT WORTH, TX-In a visit to the plant where Lockheed Martin assembles the F-35 Lightning II, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said the airplane is crucial to the nation’s defense. MORE

NEW DELHI, India- Indian Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra is looking to acquire a U.S. assembly plant as it sets to enter the North American market early next year. The company will initially introduce its pick-up truck in the United States, to be followed by a sport utility vehicle by the end of 2010. MORE