WASHINGTON, DC—Ahead of its 125th anniversary and the 2020 elections, the National Association of Manufacturers recenty announced a member-driven campaign to raise at least $10 million for the newly established “Creators Wanted Fund” to inspire and drive 600,000 Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing within the next six years.

MANITOWOC, WI—Tramontina USA Inc., a manufacturer of metal cookware, is ending its US manufacturing operations due to increased costs from tariffs on components such as aluminum, steel studs and glass lids.

DETROIT—Automotive supplier Dakkota Integrated Systems plans to build a $55 million assembly plant here to produce parts for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

SEOUL—LG Chem is considering building a second U.S. factory to make batteries for electric vehicles.

HUNTSVILLE, AL—A joint venture between Mazda and Toyota is altering its plans for a new assembly plant being built here.

ST. CHARLES, IL–Dukane, a leader in plastic welding, recently announced the acquisition of Blackhawk Technology Group, a systems, services, and contract manufacturer for laser plastic welding.

CAMDEN, AR—Lockheed Martin says it is spending $142 million and hiring 326 new workers over the next few years as it expands its south Arkansas facility.

DETROIT—Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it will eliminate about 20 percent of its workforce across Europe and close six factories in a sweeping overhaul aimed at reviving the money-losing region as the company also moves to prepare for the future of electric and self-driving cars.

WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Commerce Department recently barred five additional Chinese entities from buying American-made products, a move that follows the similar blacklisting of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei in May.

BARCELONA, Spain–HP Inc. recently opened the doors to its 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Center of Excellence here.