In today’s manufacturing environment, which is characterized by change and unpredictable demand, the traditional assembly line is no longer convenient. New, flexible assembly systems are needed to deal with high production variety.

Magna International Inc. is one of the world’s largest auto parts companies, supplying OEMs in 28 countries and four continents.

Based in New Britain, CT, Polamer Precision manufactures complex engine and airframe components for military and commercial aircraft engines. 

Initiated in 2004, the Assembly Plant of the Year award showcases world-class production facilities in America and the people, products, and processes that make them successful. 

Companies achieve manufacturing excellence when people have the tools they need to produce high-quality work. On the shop floor, this comes about through the marriage of workers and machinery and the refining of processes through constant care and iteration. 

Traditionally, many small- and medium-sized manufacturers avoided robots, because they were intimidating. Companies lacked the necessary programming knowledge and technical expertise. And, they simply weren’t willing to make investments in personnel that bigger manufacturers could afford.

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). 

Explore a few of the most common cybersecurity attacks, from email phishing to ransomware. Learn how to spot a cyber threat.

As assembly plants become more digitally connected to both suppliers and customers, the potential threat posed by cyberattacks will only get worse. Cyberthreats to manufacturers are real, and the consequences can be devastating.