OAK RIDGE, TN—With an aim toward automotive applications, APLAIR Manufacturing Systems will commercialize a new weld inspection technology developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI—Detroit Diesel Corp. plans to invest $208 million to add new equipment for a new diesel engine assembly line, creating an anticipated 245 jobs.
DETROIT—Although automotive OEMs and the United Auto Workers union are still a few months away from serious negotiations, early signs aren’t favorable for a labor contract settled on mutually agreeable terms.
CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen has begun the process of hiring 130 engineers and technicians to staff the automaker’s new R&D center here, which will be fully operational by 2017.
TOKYO—Toyota Motor is planning to invest around $1.3 billion to set up two new assembly plants in Mexico and China, marking an end to a three-year expansion freeze.
WINDSOR, ON—Police are investigating racial harassment issues at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' minivan assembly plant here after three noose-shaped ropes were found where black construction workers were working.
Established methods—like ultrasonic and resistance welding—increasingly face competition from advancing technologies like laser, friction and micro welding.