Ford furloughs over 800 at 2 Michigan plants

The automaker also curbed production of its F-150 Lightning EV pickup truck due to supply chain disruptions and delivery delays.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 18, 2023

Meat snack manufacturer fined $140K for child labor violations

The U.S. Department of Labor is ramping up enforcement activity as it reports a significant rise in the number of children illegally working in factories.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 18, 2023

OSHA proposes $270K in fines against GM, LG Energy Solution battery company

The federal agency discovered 19 health and safety violations at Ultium Cells’ Ohio facility, including exposing workers to dangerous chemicals used to produce batteries.

By Sara Samora • Oct. 17, 2023

Ford executive chair warns of economic collapse if strikes continue

Bill Ford warned that the current strike at the company’s Kentucky Truck Plant “will have a major impact on the American economy” and devastate local communities.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 16, 2023

GM, Unifor ratify 3-year labor deal for autoworkers in Canada

GM autoworkers with one to two years of seniority will get a 63% to 73% hourly wage increase over the life of the agreement, while Unifor members at the top of the pay scale will get raises up to 25%.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 16, 2023

Safety in manufacturing: Ensuring your workers feel valued, not vulnerable

What does it take to make your manufacturing environment safe for workers? Human-centered safety can help you evaluate the safety of your work environment from every angle while putting employees first.

Oct. 16, 2023

Smithfield to close North Carolina pork processing plant

The company informed plant employees of the closure in June, with layoffs to begin in late December.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 13, 2023

W.R. Grace to close Oregon facility, lay off 95 workers

Plant employees were informed of the closure in June, with layoffs to begin in late December.

By Sara Samora • Oct. 13, 2023

8,700 UAW members strike Ford truck plant in Kentucky

The walkout shut down the automaker's largest plant, with the company warning it could impact a dozen other Ford operations and more suppliers.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 12, 2023

Missouri pressures Tyson to sell 2 poultry plants set for closure

The move follows the company's announcement it would close four sites in the rural towns Dexter and Noel, where it is the largest employer.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 11, 2023

GM, Ford, Stellantis furlough 800 more workers due to UAW strike

The three automakers have temporarily laid off a combined 4,805 workers since the strike began last month.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 11, 2023

How the UAW strike is impacting supplier operations

The ongoing strike is causing some down-tier manufacturers to hold inventory, while others may see cash flow delays.

By Kelly Stroh • Oct. 10, 2023

Nearly a third of suppliers have laid off workers due to UAW strike

More than 60% of suppliers plan to lay off personnel by mid-October, according to a new survey.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 10, 2023

United Auto Workers strike at Mack Trucks

Nearly 4,000 workers walked off the job at the truck maker Monday after union members rejected a tentative contract agreement.

By David Taube • Oct. 9, 2023

GM to cover EV battery plants under UAW master contract

Union leaders expect Ford and Stellantis to make similar agreements or risk further strikes.  

By Michael Brady • Oct. 9, 2023

7 stories show the state of US manufacturing in 2023

National Manufacturing Day offers a chance to explore the recent changes, innovations and struggles in the industry. 

By Kate Magill • Oct. 6, 2023

Energizer to lay off 172 workers as it closes Wisconsin plant

The battery maker plans to cease operations at the site by September 2024. 

By Sara Samora • Oct. 5, 2023

Ford temporarily lays off 400 workers, points finger at UAW strike

The automaker furloughed 350 employees at the Livonia Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan, and 50 employees at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 5, 2023

O-I, Sonoco, WestRock among manufacturers with September layoff notices

Stora Enso and TriMas also offered incremental updates related to their restructuring and production changes.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 5, 2023

5 emerging undergraduate manufacturing programs

The University of Alabama and Purdue University are among those launching new industry degrees and certificates in response to rising workforce demands.

By Michelle No • Oct. 5, 2023

Spirit AeroSystems CEO resigns

Former Boeing executive Patrick Shanahan will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 2, 2023

Manufacturing remains in a trough, but signs of relief are showing: PMI

Companies are shifting from layoffs to attrition and hiring freezes to manage headcount, as companies note greater optimism for future growth in the industry.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 2, 2023

Tesla sued for racial harassment, retaliation at California factory

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges a pervasive pattern of racism against Black employees at the EV maker’s plant in Fremont.

By Kalena Thomhave • Oct. 2, 2023

7,000 more UAW members to strike at Ford Chicago plant and GM Michigan factory

Stellantis will not face additional picket lines after making concessions ahead of the UAW’s Facebook Live event Friday morning, union President Shawn Fain said.

By Thai Phi Le • Sept. 29, 2023

How the EV transition looms over the UAW strike

The electrification shift isn’t an official subject of bargaining between the United Auto Workers and the Big Three, but EV-related demands represent “the union’s whole future.”

By Kalena Thomhave • Sept. 29, 2023