WOBURN, MA—Executives at Ionic Materials have announced a design breakthrough that could make solid-state alkaline batteries a viable alternative to lithium-ion and other high-energy storage technologies for computers, smartphones and electric vehicles
NAGOYA, Japan—Japanese appliance manufacturer Rinnai will start producing gas-powered tankless water heaters in the United States. The company will initially lease a plant in Georgia and later build its own assembly plant there. Investment will total some $79 million.
MADISON, WI—In what’s being called the largest economic development project in state history, Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn plans to build a $10 billion plant in Wisconsin that would create liquid-crystal display panels and employ as many as 13,000 people.
DETROIT—UAW President Dennis Williams said independent, outside counsel would lead an internal investigation into allegations that union officials were illegally funneled $1.2 million by Fiat Chrysler’s former labor chief.
RIVER FALLS, WI—A manufacturer of vending machine technology claims it will be the first company in the U.S. to implant microchips in most of its employees. The company, Three Square Market, plans to implant tiny RFID chips in the hands of workers who volunteer for the procedure. The chip will replace identification cards used to open doors and operate office equipment.
DEARBORN, MI—Exactly 100 years ago today—July 27, 1917— the first Ford Model TT truck rolled out of the assembly plant, beginning an American love affair with pickups that still burns hot.
MUMBAI, India—During the next five years, Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the United States, where it is hoping that its two-wheel electric scooters will win over American millennials. Mahindra has already invested $1 billion in the United States, where it has 3,000 employees.
NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan—Foxconn Technology Group’s plan to invest $7 billion in U.S. manufacturing has touched off a scramble among three heartland states. At stake are not only jobs, but votes as well.
MONTGOMERY, AL—Alabama’s auto industry continues to thrive, racking up new jobs and investments in communities across the state. Last year, there were at least 68 auto projects, for an estimated total of 3,848 jobs and $907.1 million in new capital investment. New projects announced this year push that total past $1 billion and add hundreds of more jobs.