TOKYO-Long-time plastics and metals manufacturer Kyocera Corp. is expanding its annual solar module manufacturing capacity to 500 megawatts by early 2011-more than double its current annual capacity-in response to global demand.

SEOUL, South Korea-Hyundai Motor's labor cost structure is putting a damper on profits. MORE

ROSEMONT, IL-Ground-breaking robotic researcher Red Whittaker, who brought the first robot to the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant after the meltdown in 1979, will be the keynote speaker for the ISR opening ceremony at the International Robots & Vision Show and Conference on Monday, June 11. MORE

LAFAYETTE, IN-Subaru of Indiana will produce as many as 100,000 automobiles annually following an investment of $230 million in its Lafayette plant. MORE

HETHEL, England-British sports car manufacturer Group Lotus has contracted green energy company Ecotricity to provide a wind system to help power its plant in England. MORE

KAMPALA, Kenya-Kenya and Uganda are both looking for outside assistance to tap into the tractor markets in eastern and southern Africa. MORE

SAN DIEGO, CA-Kyocera Corp. will invest about $250 million to more than double its production of solar panels by 2011. MORE

SPRINGBORO, OH-A partnership comprised of Renegade Materials and Canyon Composites plans to invest $5.25 million in a plant to manufacture composite materials for jet engines. MORE

AUBURN HILLS, MI-Chrysler is expected to announce plans this week to build a new $700 million axel plant in Marysville, MI, to replace its aging plant in Detroit. MORE

EVENDALE, OH-A long-term commitment to research and development is paying off big-time in the form of increased sales of larger more fuel-efficient jet engines. MORE