SPRING HILL, TN—The UAW is claiming another victory in the southern United States, with union members voting nearly unanimously to approve a new contract with the Magna Seating assembly plant here.
BELVIDERE, IL—The tornado that touched down at an industrial park in Windsor, ON, last week has temporarily halted vehicle production at FCA’s assembly plant here. The plant receives parts from a Windsor supplier, which was severely damaged by the tornado.
TORONTO—Auto parts makers are urging the Canadian government to intervene in contract talks between the Detroit Three and Unifor by “immediately” implementing long-awaited changes to the federal Automotive Innovation Fund.
BRAMPTON, ON—Auto parts supplier Matcor Automotive Inc. has been fined $270,000 after a maintenance worker at its assembly plant here suffered a “devastating” injury involving a robot.
KANSAS CITY, MO—A suspect has been arrested for shooting and killing a worker outside Ford’s assembly plant here early on Aug. 11. Brandon G. Nunnally, 26, was shot in the parking lot outside the facility at around 4:07 am, after just having gotten off his shift.
TORONTO—A day after Unifor President Jerry Dias issued scathing remarks about General Motors Co., the Canadian auto workers union president praised bargaining teams at Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles during the official opening to their labor negotiations.
DEARBORN, MI—Ford Motor Co. is teaming up with Jose Cuervo to explore the use of the tequila producer’s agave plant byproduct to develop more sustainable bioplastics to employ in Ford vehicles. Ford and Jose Cuervo are testing the bioplastic for use in vehicle interior and exterior components, such as wiring harnesses, HVAC units and storage bins.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI—Robotic laser welding will play a greater role in body-in-white assembly lines, as automakers increase their use of lightweight materials, according to Peter Busuttil, director of technology for KUKA Systems North America.
FLINT, MI—C3 Venture is spending $9.68 million to build a new assembly plant here to make plastic interior components for automobiles. The factory is expected to employ 380 workers.
A surveillance camera in a retail store is designed to zoom in with laser-like precision to focus on people and merchandise. A race car is designed to handle crowded straightaways and steep turns with speed and agility.