The Latest
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Manufacturing needs data standardization
Even as manufacturers increasingly digitize their operations and rely on data-centric artificial intelligence models, few rigorously adhere to a plan for data management.
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Toyota plans Tacoma truck production in Texas with $3.6B expansion
The automaker won’t yet say what portion of U.S.-bound Tacomas will shift from Mexico after the buildout, but the company plans to double its San Antonio factory footprint by 2030.
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Solstice Advanced Materials to acquire specialty chemicals firm for $14.5B
The Element Solutions deal aligns with the data center cooling supplier’s electronics growth strategy, which includes formulation and research and development.
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Environmental groups sue EPA over US Steel air permit
They are seeking a court order requiring the agency to grant or deny a clean air petition filed 10 months ago related to one of the largest steel mills in North America.
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Q&A
Remote sensors can cut downtime: Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions
Manufacturers are using remote, connected sensors and real-time monitoring for proactive maintenance, says Connected Services Digital Product Manager Ignacio Basualdo.
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Aluminum giant Alcoa to buy South32’s assets in deal valued at $5.6B
The Pittsburgh-based metals producer would become the world’s largest bauxite miner as part of the acquisition and establish an operational foothold in South Africa.
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Manufacturing industry gained 3,000 jobs in June
Adjusted data shows the industry lost 3,000 jobs combined in April and May as manufacturers eased on staffing amid tariffs and interest rate uncertainty.
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US blocks quick USMCA extension, putting annual review process into motion
The U.S., Mexico and Canada will continue negotiating about potential adjustments to the trilateral free trade agreement, which will remain in place until at least 2036.
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NIST establishes center to advance quantum technology manufacturing
The agency plans to make an initial investment of $20 million to boost U.S. competitiveness.
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Digital twins, software maturity and other automation trends
AI-powered simulation technology and other types of robotics software are becoming more powerful and cost-effective for manufacturers.
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Kimberly-Clark, Suzano launch $3.4B tissue joint venture
The company, dubbed Arbex, has 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries that will produce tissue brands such as Kleenex, Scott and Viva.
Updated July 1, 2026 -
US manufacturing expands again in June, but at slower rate than in May
The overall economy grew for the 20th month in a row, but the Iran war and price volatility are still major concerns for manufacturers.
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Joby, Toyota form electric air taxi joint venture
The new entity is part of the companies’ strategic alliance that has been in the works since 2024, which aims to support the certification and commercial production of Joby’s eVTOL aircraft.
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Manufacturing conferences and trade shows to watch in 2026
Upcoming industry events will showcase the latest products and cover topics ranging from tariff mitigation and automation to workforce retention strategies.
Updated July 1, 2026 -
Where to start with mobile automation
Formova’s leadership outlined what companies should consider when transitioning their operations to accommodate automated guided vehicles or mobile robots.
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Rocket Lab to acquire Iridium Communications for $8B
The deal will be the rocket manufacturer’s “shortcut” to enter the space applications market, CEO Peter Beck said. Accessing Iridium’s spectrum could also help level the playing field with rival SpaceX.
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Humanoid hype, surging investor capital and the state of industrial robots
Executives discussed the future of robotics, from bipedal prototypes and increased automation demand to growing accessibility for manufacturers of all sizes.
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Onsemi agrees to buy Synaptics for about $7B
Onsemi said it believes the all-stock transaction will enhance its global position in physical artificial intelligence.
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Q&A
Moving the needle: How a vinyl producer became comfortable with instability
Furnace Record Pressing CEO Ali Miller explains how the vinyl record manufacturer fine-tunes its process to service its customers.
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Manufacturers balance costs, inventory amid uncertain rate environment
As companies watch to see if the Federal Reserve may change its posture on interest rates later in the year, and ripple effects from the Middle East continue, they’re getting more comfortable navigating the complexity.
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Lockheed Martin signs $35B DOD contract to quadruple interceptor production
The weapons maker will produce THAAD missile rounds at its facilities in Texas, California, Arkansas and Alabama. The company is also investing over $9 billion to meet munitions demand through 2030.
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US robotics installations rebounded in 2025, on track for more growth: IFR
Bolstered by automotive and electronics demand, global deployments remain concentrated in China, Japan and South Korea. The U.S. is seeing growing robotics demand from food production and supply chain services.
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NIST launches MEP pilot program to strengthen industrial base
The program will focus on accelerating the use of additive manufacturing for aerospace components and establishing a domestic critical minerals supply chain. NIST has committed to spending about $20 million per pilot project.
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Qualcomm Technologies agrees to acquire Modular for $3.9B
The deal will combine Modular’s AI software with Qualcomm’s semiconductors, provide access to additional data centers and make AI system deployment more efficient, Qualcomm said.
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Chemours agrees to $450M PFAS settlement with US government
The EPA accused the chemical giant of releasing forever chemicals into rivers near the company’s facilities in North Carolina, New Jersey and West Virginia. In some instances, without the required permits.