FREMONT, CA— On March 5, Anyware Robotics announced an add-on for its Pixmo robot for truck and container unloading. The add-on includes a vertical lift with a conveyor belt that is attached to Pixmo between the robot and the boxes. The integrated Pixmo software processes the heights of the boxes in the container and then controls the conveyor of the add-on to move up and down to these positions to “meet” the robot arm as it unloads. The add-on enhances unloading efficiency, weight capability, and reliability.

CHICAGO—Ford Motor Co.’s factory here opened its doors 100 years ago this week.

NASHVILLE, TN—Shoals will invest $80 million over the next five years to expand its existing manufacturing and distribution operations to a new, larger location in Portland, Tennessee. The expansion will create approximately 550 new jobs over the next five years in Sumner County, bringing the company’s total headcount in the region to roughly 1,400.

NASHVILLE, TN—Flexco Products, a producer of tubing and steel and aluminum fabrication, plans to establish manufacturing and distribution operations in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The $17.5 million project is expected to create 60 jobs in Lawrence County.

DOVER, OH— Schaeffler is investing over USD 230 million in building the new greenfield manufacturing facility, strategically located in Dover, Ohio, as well as future expansions in the state until 2032. As part of an agreement with the State of Ohio and JobsOhio, the company will receive incentives via grants and tax credits for these investments that will create 650 jobs in the state. 

DELTA TOWNSHIP, MI—A temporary supply chain issue is caused the Mid-Michigan assembly plant to pause production. The pause started on Friday, February 23rd. Automotive News reported the plant had resumed production on February 26th. 

SPARTANBURG, SC—BMW Manufacturing Co. plans to use humanoid robots at its flagship assembly plant here.

February 18-24, 2024 is Engineers Week. As part of its educational efforts to engage students in engineering, DiscoverE.org has downloadable resources such as an assembly line activity. 

WASHINGTON—The skilled labor shortage is forcing manufacturers to consider implementing flexible work schedules.

MARANELLO, Italy— Ferrari and Philip Morris International's strategic partnership has primarily focused on sponsorship of the automaker’s famous Formula 1 racing team. Now, the two companies are turning their attention to sustainability.