SHANGHAI-This week the world learned that China has decided to take on Boeing Co. (Chicago) and the Airbus consortium (Toulouse, France) by building a large, 200-seat commercial passenger jet by

Pay attention to parts quality throughout the assembly process to ensure profitability.

Despite the popularity of manual work cells and “less is more” thinking, powered conveyors can still play a role in a lean manufacturing environment.

Every leak test system has one thing in common: The product being tested must be effectively sealed and fixtured.

Good part and process design pave the way to strong, aesthetically pleasing assemblies.

By using modular conveyors, assemblers ensure their investment can evolve along with changing production needs.

After years of struggle, Boeing is finding new efficiencies in the way it builds its cutting-edge 787.

Airbus is building the wings for its new A380 jumbo aircraft with the help of a fully automated drilling and riveting machine.

Historically, both manufacturers and the general public have perceived globalization as a matter of "us" vs. "them." Back in the 1980s, it was the Japanese, building cars and consumer electronics. Today, it's the Chinese and India.

Tote that barge! Lift that bale! Assemblers-like the riverboat men of old-know all too well the challenges of gravity.