ATLANTA-European automated systems manufacturer Group EFACEC will invest $100 million in a new facility to assemble state-of-the-art electrical transformers. MORE

WASHINGTON-The Labor Department is reporting that productivity in the July-September quarter was double the 2.2 percent rise in the second quarter and represented the fastest surge in worker efficiency since 2003. MORE

WICHITA, KS- The seven most common chronic diseases, six of which can be caused or worsened by obesity, are costing employers $1.1 trillion, a recent study says. MORE

TROY, MI-Truck parts manufacturer ArvinMeritor Inc. will close its axle operation in Arden, NC, as part an ongoing restructuring of its North America and European operations. MORE

DALLAS-For all the press coverage of jobs going overseas, there are plenty of foreign companies setting up shop right here in the United States. MORE

MOSCOW-Russia’s United Aircraft company is planning a major reorganization to improve both capacity and production efficiency. MORE

DEARBORN, MI-Union leaders from Ford Motor Co. plants across the country have unanimously approved a new four-year contract. Now it’s up to the rank and file. MORE

DEARBORN, MI-Ford has agreed to keep a number of plants running for at least four years in return for salary and healthcare concessions from the United Auto Workers. MORE

DETROIT-Even assuming Ford quickly reaches a deal with workers, the UAW and Big Three still have their work cut out for them if they are going to truly turn things around. MORE

LONDON-In his new book Love and Sex with Robots, British artificial intelligence researcher David Levy claims that by the mid-21st century, robots may serve for some as the perfect partner. MORE