Deep Dive

Industry insights from our journalists

  • A bulldozer getting land ready for a semiconductor plant
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    Permission granted by Texas Instruments
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    US manufacturing boom unlocks ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for construction firms

    Private companies have spent more than half a trillion dollars since 2021 to onshore facilities back to the U.S., according to the White House.

    Sebastian Obando • Nov. 22, 2023
  • Hyundai vehicles displayed for sale at a new car dealership.
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    Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images North America via Getty Images
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    EV sales are rising. So why are automakers nervous?

    Slower sales growth, lower prices and growing inventories have spooked EV manufacturers, leading some to reconsider their plans and finances.

    Michael Brady • Nov. 17, 2023
  • A man in a blue blazer speaking with a active duty service member in a green camouflage uniform.
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    Courtesy of RecruitMilitary.

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    How military veterans can fill the manufacturing labor gap

    As the industry pushes to fill more than 600,000 open roles, veterans offer unique skillsets and leadership qualities to step into manufacturing careers.

    Sara Samora • Nov. 10, 2023
  • Ai laboratory equipment sterilizes items.
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    XH4D via Getty Images
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    How AI is changing drug manufacturing

    How artificial intelligence is moving into pharmaceutical production and what the FDA is doing about it.

    Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Nov. 8, 2023
  • Aerial view of the new computer chip factory that's being built by The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Arizona on the North side of Phoenix.
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    Skyhobo via Getty Images
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    Manufacturing megaprojects gobble up workers

    From Taylor, Texas, to Licking County, Ohio, multibillion-dollar factory projects are magnifying labor woes and driving up costs.

    Sebastian Obando • Aug. 16, 2023
  • A group of industrial workers walk across a bridge.
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    sculpies via Getty Images
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    Second chances: How one Indiana program is breaking down employment barriers in manufacturing

    Delaware County’s Jump program connects people in the criminal justice system with local companies in an effort to reduce recidivism and fill labor gaps.

    Megan Ruggles • June 8, 2023
  • Image of an old fax machine, circa 1980.
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    luoman via Getty Images
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    Out of fashion: Apparel manufacturing needs a tech update

    Tied to fax machines and Excel spreadsheets, many companies are resistant to change and slow to adapt to new ways of doing business.

    Krishna Thakker • May 15, 2023
  • Person holding hamburger in a wrapper
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    hapabapa via Getty Images
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    Paper manufacturers struggle to phase out PFAS

    "Forever chemicals” have long been used in the packaging sector. But as regulators push for their elimination, companies find it difficult to fully rid their supply chains of the toxic chemical.

    April Reese • April 4, 2023
  • A row of electric vehicle chargers in a parking lot.
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    Aranga87/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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    To spur Biden’s ‘EV revolution,’ carmakers await IRS guidance on Inflation Reduction Act

    The law’s EV ecosystem rules need clarity for charger builders, global supply chain providers and customers, analysts said.

    Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2023
  • A hand wearing a safety glove gives a paper-wrapped ice cream sandwich with round cookies and pink ice cream to another hand.
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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    From science to CPG: New ventures create opportunities for startups

    While more established food tech companies had to design and build manufacturing facilities from scratch, entities are working to give those starting out now a smoother beginning.

    Megan Poinski • Nov. 15, 2022