Commerce Department offers $3B in chip packaging manufacturing funds

The money will support tech and workforce development as the U.S. looks to grow its domestic semiconductor sector. 

By Sara Samora • Nov. 20, 2023

OSHA proposes 3M pay $312K for Wisconsin plant’s safety violations

Inspectors investigated the Prairie du Chien site after a worker died getting caught in a fiber roll machine.

By Sara Samora • Nov. 17, 2023

Make a plan ‘right now’ for $55K overtime rule, attorney says

Companies should know whether they will reclassify workers or raise wages should DOL finalize its proposal, Cozen O’Connor’s Mariah Passarelli recommends.

By Kate Tornone • Nov. 16, 2023

Energy Department offers $3.5B for battery manufacturing

The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go towards new, retrofitted and expanded battery and critical mineral production sites.

By Kate Magill • Nov. 15, 2023

Researchers find PFAS in non-plastic straws, complicating sustainability efforts

Recent studies showing the presence of forever chemicals in a range of “eco-friendly” alternatives highlight the need for third-party certifications.

By Lela Nargi • Nov. 15, 2023

EPA considers reevaluating vinyl chloride, as PVC remains common in certain packaging

Spurred in part by the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, environmental groups are urging the agency to review the chemical’s safety. 

By April Reese • Nov. 9, 2023

Philips leader signed off on sale of respiratory devices despite evidence of health risks: report

Roy Jakobs approved the sale of respiratory devices held by manufacturers after the company stopped shipping new machines, according to an article published last week by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and ProPublica.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Nov. 9, 2023

How AI is changing drug manufacturing

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

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Nov. 8, 2023

Why Inflation Reduction Act subsidies should differentiate between critical mineral mining and process

While the U.S. is limited in its domestic mining abilities for critical minerals like lithium and graphite, it has the potential for increased processing capacity.

By John DeMaio • Nov. 7, 2023

IRS bumps 401(k) contribution limit to $23K for 2024

The $500 increase affects all salaried employees, whether at manufacturers, warehouses or other employers.

By Caroline Colvin • Nov. 6, 2023

California poultry processors face preliminary injunction for violating child labor laws

Children were found working long hours on production lines at Exclusive Poultry and two other companies.

By Nathan Owens • Nov. 3, 2023

From good to best: Creating a product compliance program to meet evolving regulations

Learn how to budget for a dynamic compliance program that can evolve to meet changing regulatory demands.

By Cally Edgren • Oct. 30, 2023

Biden administration selects 31 ‘tech hubs’

The hubs will focus on a range of technologies, including battery manufacturing, AI-driven biotechnology and quantum computing.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 27, 2023

China moves to limit exports of graphite

The move against the critical mineral came days after the Biden administration restricted semiconductor exports to the country.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 24, 2023

The US, South Korea and Japan are piloting a supply chain warning system. What does that mean?

As the U.S. looks to counter China’s dominance in critical mineral supply and processing, it’s leveraging alliances to better share data and resources.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 23, 2023

How to supercharge exemption certificate management

After all, the receipt of use tax exemption certificates does reflect real world sales activity.

Oct. 23, 2023

Top 3 product compliance considerations to include in 2024 planning

2024 is fast approaching, and manufacturers should start planning proactive compliance activities.

By Jamie Wallisch • Oct. 23, 2023

Daikin Industries to pay $100K to settle race-based discrimination at Virginia plant

The HVAC maker reached an agreement with the Labor Department after allegations it discriminated against 98 Black applicants at the facility. 

By Sara Samora • Oct. 20, 2023

DOL won’t extend overtime rule comment period

Stakeholder submissions for the rule, which would expand overtime eligibility to those paid about $55,068 per year, will still be due Nov. 7.

By Kate Tornone • 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

7 hydrogen hubs get $7B in DOE funding

The chosen hubs span coast to coast, with each focusing on a different type of hydrogen production.

By Emma Penrod • Oct. 16, 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

EPA opens $100M grants for building material makers

The funding, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to help decarbonize the industry and increase manufacturers’ emissions disclosures.

By Sara Samora • Oct. 16, 2023