EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation Specialists has delivered a custom robotic screwdriving system to a manufacturer of construction products. The system automates the assembly of modular aluminum fencing, which drastically reduces manual labor and increases quality.

WASHINGTON—The toll may not be conspicuous yet in the broader economy, but at the local level, the federal government shutdown is adversely affecting small businesses.

WASHINGTON—The federal government shutdown is delaying reviews and approvals of medical devices.

SALTILLO, Mexico—Chrysler is spending nearly $1.25 billion in two assembly plants here. The investment is expected to create 1,570 jobs.

WASHINGTON—The federal government shutdown is negatively affecting U.S. exporters, according to the American Association of Exporters and Importers.

PORTLAND, OR—Autodesk has partnered with design and manufacturing firm ADX to create a new space here called The Bridge. This new space will give engineers access to advanced CAD software and 3D printers.

PERRYVILLE, MO—Could the answer to America’s manufacturing problem be somewhere in this modest Midwestern town, population 8,225?

GAITHERSBURG, MD—The federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership has launched a new service to help U.S. manufacturers develop stronger, more collaborative supply chains.

BEIJING—Young people in China don’t want to work in factories, they want to work in services or at Internet companies, says Terry Gou, CEO of contract manufacturer Foxconn.

FORT WAYNE, IN—Auto parts supplier Coram USA LLC will invest $1.1 million to expand its assembly plant here, creating up to 35 new jobs by 2016.