VANCE, AL—Workers at two Mercedes-Benz factories in central Alabama voted against allowing the United Auto Workers to represent them, a blow to the union’s campaign to gain ground in the South, where it has traditionally been weak.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Michigan-based company HG Automation recently acquired Treva Automation, a leader in the design and integration of automated solutions. Treva Automation, which was founded in 2008, has established itself as a key player in the controls applications, mechanical design, software development, and integration services space. The company is headquartered in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Automation and robotics are crucial to the future of the automotive industry, claims a recent study conducted by ABB Robotics and Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS).

Not all organizations have the resources, capital or talent required to deploy smart factories.

COLUMBUS, IN—Toyota Material Handling will break ground later this month on a nearly $100 million expansion of its assembly plant here.

VANCE, AL—Workers at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant here began voting Monday on whether to join the United Auto Workers union, a significant test of whether the labor group can maintain momentum in the historically anti-union South.

COVENTRY, England—Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Aurrigo International plc have agreed to bring in a fleet of four autonomous baggage handling vehicles to pilot underwing operations at Changi Airport. Throughout a 2-year trial, the Auto-DollyTug demonstrated its ability to maneuver on the apron while interacting with traditional ground service equipment (GSE).

The highly-anticipated Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing and R&D Summit 2024, scheduled for 24th - 25th June 2024 at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, California, is an exclusive, invitation-only summit that will bring together manufacturing and engineering executives and distinguished innovative suppliers and solution providers for profound discussions on key industry challenges and interests, relevant market developments, and practical and progressive ideas and strategies.

WAYNESBORO, VA—Northrop Grumman has begun construction of a new $200 million-plus assembly plant here. 

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT—Beta Technologies, a manufacturer of electric airplanes, has begun hiring personnel to ramp up production at its assembly plant here, which opened last October.