MONTERREY CITY, Mexico—Tesla is finalizing plans to build a vehicle assembly plant in northeastern Mexico. 

CAMBRIDGE, MA—Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new algorithm that can be applied to a wide range of complex real-world assemblies.

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN—Accenture and Purdue University have formed an initiative that will focus on developing a smart manufacturing workforce.

MADISON, WI—For airliners, cargo ships, nuclear power plants and other critical technologies, strength and durability are essential. This is why many contain a remarkably strong and corrosion-resistant alloy called 17-4 precipitation hardening (PH) stainless steel. Now, for the first time, 17-4 PH steel can be consistently 3D-printed while retaining its favorable characteristics.

ST. CHARLES, MO—Velta Technology, a leader in digital safety for industrial environments, has developed a Connected Devices Vulnerability (CDV) Index that measures the relative security status of all connected devices within an industrial environment. 

AUSTIN, TX—Epicor, a provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, has acquired eFlex Systems, a provider of cloud-based manufacturing execution systems (MES). 

LOS ALAMITOS, CA—To meet increased demand for automation, Epson Robots is expanding access to Epson-certified robot training for customers and system integrators. 

CLARKSVILLE, TN—LG Chem plans to build a $3.2 billion factory here to make components for electric vehicle batteries.

SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Co and SK On plan to invest about $1.88 billion to build a new joint venture battery factory in the United States.

WILMINGTON, MA—Seurat Technologies, a supplier of metal parts made via additive manufacturing, has received orders for next year that amount to 25 tons.