Ford is idling production of its F-150 Lightning, the latest in a series of announcements signaling a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles. What are other automakers planning?

I recently conducted an online survey, asking gluten-free consumers whether breads, rolls, sweet goods and other baked products on the market today meet their expectations for taste, texture and nutritional quality. 

Twisthink’s Taryn Kutches on Manufacturing Technology and How to Start the Innovation Process  Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

Machine-to-machine  communication  is the exchange of data between a remote equipment and a back-end IT infrastructure. The transfer of data can be:

- to collect product and usage...

(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 25, 2024 ) The global dietary supplements market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%, increasing from $167.5 billion in 2023 to $239.4 billion by 2028. Key factors driving this growth include the rising elderly population, a shift from traditional...

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to present an example of the application of a Knowledge Man-agement (KM) framework to automotive original component manufacturers (OEMs). The objective is to explore KM according to the four pillars of a selected KM framework. Background: This research demonstrates how a framework, namely the George Washington University’s Four Pillar Framework, can be used to determine the KM status of the automotive OEM industry, where knowledge is complex and can influence the complexity of the KM system (KMS) used. Methodology: An empirical study was undertaken using a questionnaire to gather quantitative data. There were 38 respondents from the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and suppliers from three major automotive OEMs. The respondents were required to be familiar with the company’s KMS. Contribution: Currently there is a limited body of research available on the KM implementation frameworks for the automotive industry. This study presents a novel approach to the use of a KM framework to reveal the status of KM in automotive OEMs. At the time of writing, the relationship between the four pillars and the complexity of KMS had not yet been determined. Findings: The results indicate that there is a need to improve KM in the automotive OEM industry. According to the relationships investigated, the four pillars, namely leadership, organization, technology and learning, are considered important for KM, regardless of the level of KMS complexity, Recommendations for Practitioners: Automotive OEMs need to ensure that the KM aspects are established and should be periodically evaluated by using a KM framework such as the George Washington University’s Four Pillar Framework to identify KM weaknesses. Recommendation for Researchers: The establishment and upkeep of a successful KM environment is challenging due to the complexity involved with various influencing aspects. To ensure that all aspects are considered in KM environments, comprehensive KM frameworks, such as the George Washington University’s Four Pillar Framework, need to be applied. Impact on Society: The status of KM management and accessibility of knowledge in organizations needs to be periodically examined, in order to improve supplier and OEM knowledge sharing. Future Research: Although the framework used provides a process for KM status determination, this study could be extended by investigating a methodology that includes KMS best practice and tools. This study could be repeated at a national and international level to provide an indication of KM practice within the entire automotive industry.

Offsite construction methods like prefabrication, modularization, preassembly and offsite multi-trade fabrication have been around for decades.

Washington — Citing a growing trend of people pointing lasers at airplanes, the Federal Aviation Administration is calling for product labels warning consumers that the safety of flight crews and passengers is being put at risk.

Washington — OSHA and the Food and Drug Administration have teamed up to develop a checklist intended to help food manufacturers protect worker health and practice food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington – Some manufacturers of chemical mixtures will not be cited for failing to immediately comply with new Safety Data Sheet and chemical labeling requirements if they exercise “good faith,” a Feb. 9 OSHA enforcement memorandum states.

Healthy aging could be defined as staying active and in good health—both physically and mentally—while getting older. Overall, three-quarters of consumers we survey report that healthy aging is “very” or “extremely important” to them. 

This new requirement was established following a months-long infant formula shortage sparked by insanitary conditions at one of the nation’s largest infant formula facilities. 

After the mad dash to end one year, January seems like a chance to get your feet back under you as you start the next.

The requirements include those set by organizations such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and even state and local agencies.

Connectivity provides manufacturing plant operations many advantages like increased productivity, faster identification and remediation of quality defects, and better collaboration across functional areas. However, this connectivity is dramatically increasing smart factories’ vulnerabilities and leaving them exposed to cybersecurity threats.

As the regulatory landscape becomes increasingly complex, forward-thinking organizations are turning to Internet of Things (IoT) technology to ensure adherence to evolving standards throughout the production process.

Equipment manufacturers offering scales and checkweighers now offer systems that feature data connectivity, hygienic design, high speeds, improved accuracy, less waste and the ability to maintain traceability. And in addition to all these improvements, today’s scales and checkweighers are easier to use than earlier models.

Effectively and efficiently handling dough is integral to many snack and bakery operations. And the needs producers have today are diverse.

Growing consumer demand for better-for-you, gluten-free and innovative baked goods and snacks continues to drive bakers and snack manufacturers to explore new ingredients and formulations. It’s also prompting them to re-examine their equipment needs, as they discover that their existing machinery may not be able to efficiently handle today’s in-demand products. For some manufacturers, a new extruder may be just the ticket.

Health-conscious consumers are driving growth in grains both old and new.

Every now and then I talk with a plumber who gripes about manufacturer ads in the trade press. Usually, the plumber believes the money could be better spent elsewhere, such as consumer advertising to make it easier for the plumber to sell the manufacturer’s products. Here are seven reasons why manufacturers advertise in the trade press.

 The 71st Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held as part of the PMI25 Manufacturing Success Conference from Nov. 3-6, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. 

These new services join a comprehensive suite of consulting services offered by J. J. Keller, a leader in safety and regulatory compliance for 70 years. 

Given the high interest in sustainability from consumers, today’s plastic bottle manufacturers are taking the steps to ensure their business aligns with what consumers are looking for.

As we quickly approach another Fourth of July holiday, beer manufacturers are seeing increasing competition when it comes to consumers’ dollars. In a Q&A with Beverage Industry, Kristine Joji at Insite AI offers some insights with how brand owners can position themselves to stay competitive in today’s beverage alcohol market.

As consumers are more conscious about the products associated with a high sugar content, juice manufacturers are taking a proactive approach to meet this demand.

This year, electric technology dominates the 2024 new truck releases. There’s also quite a bit of innovation happening in hydrogen fuel cells.

Discover how to find the right product manufacturer, vet suppliers effectively, and use a checklist to ensure the best quality at the lowest costs.

Hybrid industrial cloud adoption will more than double over the next five years at 21.1% CAGR.

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) President and CEO Dennis Darby released a joint statement on NAFTA.

Manufacturers open their doors and minds to show students, teachers and parents the truths about modern manufacturing.

Batteries are key to electrification, demanding high-quality control and efficient production. The use of Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) and other technologies is critical as the industry aims to scale up to meet the rising demand from electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage sectors, while also minimizing environmental impacts.

Even with accessible technology developed to support their growth, the sad truth is that only a few manufacturers have fully explored the power of automation. The majority are still figuring out the best way to get started.

Manufacturing compliance goes beyond ticking boxes; it's about trust and excellence. Small manufacturers can navigate complex regulations by understanding compliance history, using technology, and implementing effective strategies for success.

There are a wide variety of products that help consumers align their concerns for the environment with their desire for comfort.

Diverse examples show the importance of air movement and the creative ways in which contractors and manufacturers have dealt with it successfully.

Air handlers are the heart of an HVAC system, moving the conditioned air through a building. Like a heart, they can generate a lot of noise while operating. Manufacturers, however, are taking steps to reduce that noise.

AI can make work easier, more efficient for boots-on-the-ground HVAC professionals.

The first phase took effect on January 1, 2018, and increased the minimum efficiency of commercial rooftop units (RTUs) by about 13 percent.

With each passing year, rooftop system developers find new ways to improve this staple piece of HVAC commercial equipment.

For many manufacturers, higher efficiency systems have been in the works for a while, but the 2023 DOE standards, pandemic, and current supply chain issues have added pressure.

Portable cooling products used to be considered “temporary” solutions, but consumers are now looking to portables to solve more of their residential and commercial needs.

Technology is redefining how consumers control their homes. That includes everything from lighting to mood music to heating and air conditioning.

While “smart” tools and tablets are becoming more and more common in an HVAC tech’s toolbox, there are still plenty of things an app just can’t do.

Access Inc. will be the new manufacturers' representative for Hitachi VRF systems and SmartFlex™ systems in eastern Michigan and Northwest Ohio

Manufacturers and contractors are working to educate end users about the ways heat pumps work differently from traditional heat sources.

It is 2018, and this is not your father’s rooftop equipment. The old, reliable system taking up space on the roof has become so much more.

Smart products enable service providers to take a more proactive approach to addressing HVAC system and equipment issues, said Susie Gornick.

For pharmaceutical manufacturers, measuring and controlling moisture content is critical to ensure product safety, quality and efficient production since the amount of moisture in deliverables can have diverse effects when converting feedstock into products such as tablets, capsules, gel or liquid-based products.