WASHINGTON-The Federal Reserve has reported that overall U.S. industrial production rose a strong 0.6 percent in March, capping a strong first quarter.

SEOUL, Korea-Samsung Electronics Co. and Sony Corp. (Tokyo) have signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture company dedicated to developing state-of-the-art LCD television panels.

SOUTHFIELD, MI-Integrated Manufacturing and Assembly, (IMA) a joint venture between Comer Holdings LLC and Lear Corp. is building a new 123,000-square-foot plant in Columbia City, IN, to manufacture automobile seats.

WASHINGTON-According to the Commerce Department, the overall U.S. trade deficit improved more than expected in February, in large part thanks to strong performance in the manufacturing sector.

ROSEMONT, IL-Both organizers and exhibitors at this year's National Manufacturing Week are applauding what they say was a strong trade show.

FORT MYERS, FL-Automation technology company Innova Holdings Inc. has announced that it is acquiring mobile service robot company CoroWare Inc. (Bellevue, WA).

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI-Automotive parts, power tools and automation equipment manufacturer Bosch Group (Stuttgart, Germany) is celebrating 100 years of doing business in the United States.

CHICAGO-Boeing Co. and aviation parts supplier Avio-Diepen (Atlanta) have signed a long-term agreement integrating Avio-Diepen as part of Boeing's Integrated Materials Management (IMM) maintenance initiative.

ROCKVILLE, MD-U.S. machine tool consumption totaled just over $3 billion in 2005, up 8.4 percent from 2004.

SYDNEY, Australia-Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are using nanotechnology to develop coatings they hope will be used for self-cleaning surfaces in hospitals and the home.