Here are the latest key developments in the manufacturing industry:
1. Norwegian solar company NorSun is investing $620 million to establish a 5 GW silicon ingot and solar wafer manufacturing plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma, creating 320 new jobs. Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with production starting in 2026[1].
2. Nextracker and Unimacts opened a new 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sloan, Nevada, to produce steel torque tubes for solar power plants. This expansion will support over 2 GW of new solar power annually[1].
3. Toyota is investing $282 million in its Huntsville, Alabama engine factory, creating over 350 new jobs and introducing new drivetrain production lines[1].
4. SPEE3D, a metal additive manufacturing company, inaugurated its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility at the University of New Hampshire, focusing on advanced printer production and tailored solutions[1].
5. FANUC UK emphasized the need for commitment to change the UK's culture around automation at the recent Smart Factory Expo[2].
6. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is integrating carbon accountability into global trade, impacting manufacturing processes[2].
7. Private 5G networks are showing potential to significantly improve operational efficiency, productivity, and worker safety in manufacturing processes[2].
8. The June 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey suggests mostly steady regional manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia area, with mixed indicators for current activity, new orders, and shipments[4].
These developments highlight trends in renewable energy manufacturing, automotive industry investments, additive manufacturing expansion, and ongoing challenges in automation adoption and workforce development.
Sources
[1] New US Manufacturing Operations Announced in June 2024 https://lnkd.in/gs3DhSu5
[2] Manufacturing news, articles and insights https://lnkd.in/ek2mhe9M
[3] Quick Manufacturing News - Jun 24th, 2024 - IndustryWeek https://lnkd.in/gAbaag5s
[4] June 2024 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey https://lnkd.in/g3Pysizt
[5] Manufacturing Weekly Economic Highlights | 24 June 2024 - LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gvbxDrSx