CLEVELAND, NC—Daimler Trucks North America has verified that three confirmed cases of the MRSA “superbug” have been documented at its assembly plant here. Precautionary measures have been taken at the facility, including complete sanitation of work areas and bathrooms. MRSA is short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
MOBILE, AL—The first major components for A320 airliners have arrived at Airbus’ new assembly plant here. Ulrich Weber, vice president of the factory, says airplane production will begin in July after the wings, stabilizers and fuselages move through testing stations.
GREENWOOD, MS—Milwaukee Tool will lease a building adjacent to its existing assembly plant here to expand its manufacturing operations. The project represents an investment of $16.8 million and creation of 126 jobs.
CONOVER, NC—Small screws—sizes smaller than #4 or 3 millimeter—are increasingly finding their way into assemblies. This Q&A with Design Tool Inc. talks about the challenges of dealing with these fasteners in automatic screwdriving applications.
ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI—Fisher Dynamics, a manufacturer of automotive seating systems and mechanisms, has turned to Google Glass to run parts of its floor more efficiently.
ANN ARBOR, MI—Toyota Motor Corp. has begun construction of a $126 million expansion of its Technical Center here. The expansion includes a new prototype facility for vehicle development, additions to the power train development facility, and a supply center.
TITUSVILLE, FL—Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA will build an airplane seat assembly plant here. The facility is expected to employ 150 people.
EVERETT, WA—Through the first five months of this year, Boeing Co. is well on its way to meeting its goal for Dreamliner deliveries. Boeing’s assembly plants in South Carolina and Washington have produced 54 jets through May. At the current rate, the company will produce 130 Dreamliners by the end of the year.
SAN ANTONIO—Noting that 10 percent of the vehicles produced at Toyota’s assembly plant here are exported, Chris Nielsen, a senior vice president for the automaker, urged Texas lawmakers to support Trade Promotion Authority for the president of the United States.
BASSETT, VA—Bassett Furniture is producing furniture here for the first time since May 2007. The company has opened a new assembly plant to make chairs, tables, fixtures and cabinets.