TRAVERSE CITY, MI—Robotic laser welding will play a greater role in body-in-white assembly lines, as automakers increase their use of lightweight materials, according to Peter Busuttil, director of technology for KUKA Systems North America.

FLINT, MI—C3 Venture is spending $9.68 million to build a new assembly plant here to make plastic interior components for automobiles. The factory is expected to employ 380 workers.

MONTGOMERY, AL—Automotive supplier Gerhardi Kuntstofftechnik will invest $37.9 million to build its first North American assembly plant here. The factory, which will make radiator grilles, handles and trim components, is expected to create 235 jobs.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI—FCA US will invest $1.48 billion in its assembly plant here to retool it to build the next generation Ram 1500 and support the future growth of the Ram brand.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC—Mercedes-Benz broke ground last week for a $500 million assembly plant here to build Sprinter vans.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Automotive supplier Faurecia is working with Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions to prepare its assembly plant here for Industry 4.0.

CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen is planning to build electric vehicles in North America by 2020, in a bid to regain its lost image following the diesel emission scandal.

LANSING, MI—BorgWarner Inc. plans to spend $27 million to expand its assembly plant, a project expected to add 76 jobs.

FLAT ROCK, MI—No one was hurt after a fire started outside Ford’s assembly plant here Tuesday evening. Racks outside the plant caught on fire and spread flames to the building.

JACKSONVILLE, FL—German medical device manufacturer KLS Martin Group is building its first U.S. assembly plant here. The new facility is expected to employ 25 people and focus on 3D printing and milling of products for reconstructive surgery.