Labor


  • Algoma Steel workers stand in front of the company's new electric arc furnace.
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    Courtesy of Algoma Steel
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    Sharpie maker Newell Brands among recent holiday layoffs

    Meanwhile, Algoma Steel is shutting down its blast furnace and coke-making operations in the coming months and apparel manufacturer Renfro Brands is closing its Fort Payne, Alabama, factory.

    By Dec. 5, 2025
  • A large group of people in Awake Window & Door's manufacturing facility
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    Permission granted by Awake Window & Door Co.
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    Second-chance hiring continues to gain traction among major manufacturers

    Companies in multiple sectors have seen positive results from hiring and upskilling formerly incarcerated people. Adjusting recruitment and training approaches can open up a significantly larger talent pool.

    By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 4, 2025
  • Trendline

    Upskilling a Modern Manufacturing Workforce

    As manufacturing systems change, often becoming more automated and technical, employers are increasingly looking for ways to attract a more skilled workforce.

    By Manufacturing Dive staff
  • Four women sitting in chairs next to each other, and each holding their own microphone.
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    Sara Samora/Manufacturing Dive
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    How child care opens more opportunities for manufacturers

    Companies can see a return on investment, such as fewer absences and increased productivity, when they utilize 45F tax incentives to provide child care and benefits.

    By Dec. 3, 2025
  • Nissan Smyrna Tennessee plant production line
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    Provided by Nissan Motor Co. 

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    Tariffs remain heart of uncertainty: PMI

    The levies are having the opposite effect on manufacturing sectors such as transportation equipment, which chose to offshore operations rather than expand in the U.S., said ISM.

    By Dec. 1, 2025
  • Workers put up scaffolding on a building owned by the contract manufacturer Foxconn International Holdings Ltd on November 28, 2010 in Shenzhen, China.
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    Daniel Berehulak via Getty Images
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    Foxconn to spend $569M expanding Wisconsin factory

    The investment comes days after the Apple product manufacturer announced a collaboration deal with OpenAI.

    By Nov. 26, 2025
  • Standard Bots CEO Evan Beard testifying at a U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee hearing on November 18.
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    Retrieved from Youtube.
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    US robotics maker urges manufacturing reforms, citing cost concerns

    If no action is taken, Standard Bots CEO Evan Beard said at a recent congressional hearing that inexpensive robots from China will flood the US market as automation demand swells.

    By Nov. 25, 2025
  • Tyson to shutter major beef plant in Nebraska amid US cattle shortage

    The meatpacker is set to lay off more than 3,200 workers and cut production at a Texas facility as it positions the business for “long term success.”  

    By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 25, 2025
  • White Nokia logo text on the corner side of a building.
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    Courtesy of Nokia
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    Nokia pledges $4B US manufacturing, R&D investment

    The commitment adds to the $2.3 billion the Finland-based electronics giant spent to acquire chipmaker Infinera, which was completed in February.

    By Nov. 24, 2025
  • A person in a blue suit standing behind a podium and giving a speech.
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    Courtesy of Vulcan Elements
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    Vulcan Elements selects North Carolina for $918M magnet facility

    The Benson site follows the manufacturer’s $1.4 billion partnership with the U.S. government and rare-earth and critical-minerals refiner ReElement Technologies. 

    By Nov. 21, 2025
  • A sign spelling Novartis hangs on the side of a building.
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    Getty Images
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    Novartis to build manufacturing hub in North Carolina with $771M investment

    The medicine maker is adding three new production facilities across Durham and Morrisville, and expanding a fourth facility in the area, as part of a broader $23 billion investment plan.

    By Nov. 21, 2025
  • A close-up of a red hard hat with a blurred injured factory worker and another helping them wearing yellow vests in the background.
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    Getty Images
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    Opinion

    What manufacturers should know about protecting independent contractors

    Tedd Merrill, chief distribution officer of Accident & Health at Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, outlines potential risks and solutions for navigating compliance with this workforce.

    By Tedd Merrill • Nov. 19, 2025
  • A man in a blue suit standing behind a podium with a blue book in his hand.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    California awards $100M in tax credits to 9 companies

    The awardees include Hadrian Automation and Atomic Machines and will bring in more than $370 million in investments to the state. 

    By Nov. 18, 2025
  • A row of hot pink Playtex Sport tampon boxes on a store shelf.
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    Sara Samora/Manufacturing Dive
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    Edgewell to sell feminine care business, consolidate manufacturing

    The Stayfree pad manufacturer is divesting its business to hygiene and health company Essity and plans to shutter four factory sites, combining them into one automated plant.

    By Nov. 17, 2025
  • The office building has a 'U.S. Small Business Administration' sign above the entrance wall, next to short stairs with handrails leading to the entrance.
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    Alamy
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    More than $5B in frozen SBA loans begin to thaw as government reopens

    Funds were inaccessible to small businesses seeking capital for investments, payroll and more. The shutdown also paused processing of a new revolving credit program for manufacturers.

    By Nov. 17, 2025
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    Getty Images

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    Sponsored by The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

    Beyond hiring: Why upskilling and reskilling are the keys to talent retention in manufacturing

    A staggering 75% of employers globally are struggling to find the talent they need. A key question for manufacturing leaders: Should you build or buy your talent?

    Nov. 17, 2025
  • Copper whisky vats are stationed in a Scottish distillery.
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    Getty Images
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    IFS, Anthropic partner on AI for industrial frontline workers

    The companies launched Resolve, an industrial tool that technicians can use to identify issues before they happen and reduce factory downtime.

    By Nov. 14, 2025
  • The back of a person in a blue t-shirt with the IAM District 837 text and logo and is holding a sign.
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    Michael B. Thomas via Getty Images
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    Machinists ratify Boeing’s fifth contract proposal, ending strike at fighter jet plants

    Had the IAM District 837-represented workers chosen to reject the offer, the company could not guarantee employees would not be displaced, said Steve Parker, the plane manufacturer’s defense, space and security segment CEO.

    By Nov. 13, 2025
  • A group of people in work outfits and hard hats sit on the ground
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    Getty Images
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    A federal program to assist laid-off workers lost funding. Who’s affected?

    A Department of Labor programs provides funding for local organizations to help employees handle mass layoffs, but some experts question whether it’s more of a political effort than a practical one.

    By Michelle No • Nov. 12, 2025
  • Businessman carries cardboard with office supplies.
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    Getty Images
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    3 in 10 firms plan to replace workers with AI next year: survey

    Manufacturing is among the industries most likely to see AI-related layoffs, according to a report by AIResumeBuilder.com.

    By Alexei Alexis • Nov. 12, 2025
  • A sprayer is seen in a corn field
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    Permission granted by CNH Industrial
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    CNH navigated Q3 declines as tariffs and slow demand hurt profits

    As the company absorbed the impacts of higher costs, net income plummeted 78% to $676 million compared to last year.

    By Nov. 10, 2025
  • A person with short hair and a black shirt speaking to two people.
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    Sara Samora/Manufacturing Dive
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    Q&A

    How a Marine veteran learned to lead on the plant floor

    Kelly Harris shares how military experience helped her career as a site manager at an Air Products facility in Arizona and what opportunities she sees for veterans in manufacturing.

    By Nov. 10, 2025
  • Overhead view of an automotive assembly line with robotics
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    Getty Images
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    US manufacturing dips despite improved demand: PMI

    Production deteriorated after expanding in September as tariffs and policy uncertainty continue to raise concerns and weigh on manufacturers across industries.

    By Nov. 3, 2025
  • A bluish-gray jet about to take off into the air.
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    Jackson, Nathaniel. (2025). [Photograph]. Retrieved from U.S. Air Force/ DVIDS.
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    Machinists’ strike barely impacts Boeing’s Q3 revenue of $23.3B

    However, the St. Louis-area plants’ work stoppage delayed deliveries of the F-15EX aircraft and could impact its financial recovery if the strike continues. The company is also awaiting approval for its Spirit AeroSystems acquisition.

    By Nov. 3, 2025
  • GM Factory Zero Detroit
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    Courtesy of General Motors 

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    GM cutting thousands of jobs at its EV, battery plants

    The automaker cites cooling electric vehicle demand for its decision to scale back production, laying off more than 3,400 people in the process.

    By Larry Avila • Oct. 31, 2025
  • A white robotic device holds a cardboard box
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    Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Physical AI is the convergence of robotics and intelligence

    Alex West, a senior principal analyst with the manufacturing technology group at Omdia, shares insights about recent news involving Nvidia, Fujitsu, Yaskawa Electric, SoftBank and ABB Robotics.

    By Alex West • Oct. 29, 2025