Operations
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Ford, SK On dissolving BlueOval SK EV battery joint venture
The planned $11.4 billion investment by the two companies included building three manufacturing plants in the U.S.
By Eric Walz • Dec. 12, 2025 -
Fed trims main rate by quarter point, forecasts one cut in 2026
Policymakers reduced borrowing costs for the third time in 2025 amid persistent signs of cooling in the labor market.
By Jim Tyson • Updated Dec. 10, 2025 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineUpskilling 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 -
Lilly to build $6B weight-loss drug factory in Alabama
This is the third of four planned U.S. manufacturing sites the pharmaceutical giant has unveiled this year, set to bring 450 factory jobs to the Huntsville area.
By Nathan Owens • Dec. 11, 2025 -
Deere targets big sales goals as Trump pushes for lower equipment prices
The tractor maker’s Smart Industrial strategy is positioned to help fuel growth and shareholder value over the next five years.
By Nathan Owens • Dec. 10, 2025 -
Trump orders investigation into food supply chains for possible price fixing
Under pressure to address rising grocery costs, the president directed new task forces to determine whether anticompetitive behavior exists, particularly among foreign-owned companies.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 10, 2025 -
Robots, virtualization and grid risks are top of mind for executives
As data centers and robotics come online, the electrical grid is becoming a growing risk for the tech industry, experts said at IFS’ Industrial X Unleashed event in New York City.
By Nathan Owens • Dec. 9, 2025 -
Minnesota updates, adopts PFAS reporting rule
The state’s pollution control agency has modified the regulation in response to an administrative law judge’s critiques. The MPCA has also soft-launched a reporting system that will open to all manufacturers in January 2026.
By Sara Samora • Dec. 9, 2025 -
US Steel to resume idled blast furnace at Illinois plant
The decision signals a reversal in the company’s September plans to reduce slab production at Granite City Works, in turn bringing back up to 500 jobs.
By Nathan Owens • Dec. 8, 2025 -
Boeing completes $8.3B Spirit AeroSystems acquisition
Airbus and Composites Technology Research Malaysia have also completed acquisitions of the fuselage maker’s assets, which supply components to both aircraft manufacturers.
By Sara Samora • Updated Dec. 9, 2025 -
Apple expands manufacturing training program with online courses
The iPhone maker’s Apple Manufacturing Program was previously only available in person in Detroit. The initiative is part of the manufacturer’s $600 billion commitment to boost the advanced manufacturing sector in the U.S.
By Sara Samora • Dec. 8, 2025 -
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 Nathan Owens • Dec. 5, 2025 -
FTC approves Boeing for Spirit AeroSystems acquisition, but with a few conditions
The Federal Trade Commission ordered the aircraft manufacturer to divest some of the fuselage suppliers’ overseas assets and provide services and aerospace components to its defense competitors.
By Sara Samora • Dec. 4, 2025 -
Post-bankruptcy, Wolfspeed receives nearly $700M tax refund from CHIPS Act
The money strengthens the chipmaker’s balance sheet post-bankruptcy and accelerates the production ramp of its 200-millimeter wafers.
By Nathan Owens • Dec. 4, 2025 -
AI design helping automakers match China’s speed-to-market
Neural Concept is growing its client base by promising production speed, efficiency and razor’s-edge technology.
By Paul Myles • Dec. 4, 2025 -
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 Sara Samora • Dec. 3, 2025 -
House lawmakers pass bill to double SBA loan limits for manufacturers
The legislation would increase the agency’s cap to $10 million for company operations located entirely in the United States.
By Nathan Owens • Dec. 3, 2025 -
XLight, Commerce Department ink $150M CHIPS Act incentives
The Silicon Valley-based startup plans to construct, expand and demonstrate a free-electron laser, which could be essential for manufacturing new, high-performing semiconductor devices.
By Sara Samora • Dec. 2, 2025 -
US removes UK pharma tariffs
The proposed exemption, part of a framework deal between the two countries, also covers pharmaceutical ingredients and medical technology.
By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 2, 2025 -
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 Sara Samora • Dec. 1, 2025 -
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Dec. 1, 2025 -
Deere’s challenging 2025 ends on a high note
Although tractor and construction equipment sales surged in Q4, the company still anticipates tariffs and a sluggish farm economy to impact next year.
By Nathan Owens • Nov. 26, 2025 -
Foxconn to spend $569M expanding Wisconsin factory
The investment comes days after the Apple product manufacturer announced a collaboration deal with OpenAI.
By Sara Samora • Nov. 26, 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 -
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 Sara Samora • Nov. 24, 2025 -
Novelis resumes operations after second fire at New York plant
The aluminum supplier to the auto industry said the facility has continued to ship finished material to Ford Motor Co., a primary customer.
By Antone Gonsalves • Nov. 24, 2025