Helping automakers is not a new challenge for Jabil Inc. In fact, the company has been providing quality-control systems, design services and electronics manufacturing to them for nearly 35 years.

HOLLAND, MI—LG Chem’s battery assembly plant here has completed preproduction testing and begun shipping batteries for the Chevrolet Volt.

JACKSONVILLE, FL—Aveo Engineering, which makes LED lighting for aircraft, is investing $7.5 million to build a new assembly plant in Flagler County, FL. The plant is expected to employ 300 people.

HOLLISTON, MA—Workstation supplier Lista International Corp. is offering design assistance for customizing electronics assembly workspaces.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA—Prufrex Innovative Power Products GmbH will spend $7.33 million to build a new assembly plant here, creating 60 jobs. The company will supply ignition components for U.S. customers, including BMZ Batteries and Stihl Inc.

Manufacturing managers are scrutinizing every aspect of their companies to find ways to shave costs. Several areas are being explored that have previously been taken for granted. One example is warranty claims.

CHANDLER, AZ—A gas leak at Intel Corp.’s manufacturing plant here sickened up to 43 people, including 11 who were taken to a local hospital.

SAN ANTONIO—Nexolon America is building a $100 million assembly plant here to make solar modules. The plant is expected to create more than 400 jobs.

BEIJING—Foxconn Technology is on track with its goal to a create a “million robot army,” and it already has 20,000 robots in its factories.

ALACHUA, FL—Encell Technology, a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, is exploring the possibility of building an assembly plant here that could create 167 jobs.