PRINCE GEORGE, VA-A research center near the site of Rolls-Royce’s new factory here will give Virginia a competitive edge in advanced manufacturing, state officials said. The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing will operate as a collaborative venture of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University and private-sector companies. MORE
GUANGZHOU, China-Millions of workers didn’t return to their southern China factory jobs after Lunar New Year holidays this spring, which could mark a turning point in China’s reputation as the world’s low-cost labor center. MORE
MOBILE, AL-Austal USA began work on three new manufacturing facilities here. The company will be assembling the U.S. Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship and the Joint High Speed Vessel. MORE
HULL, IA-No one was hurt Thursday night after explosions and a fire severely damaged the K & O Manufacturing Co. Inc. assembly plant here. The company makes livestock trailers. MORE
NEW YORK-A startup company here has developed a fungus-based, biodegradable foam that can be used to make automotive bumpers, side doors and dashboards. MORE
MAUMEE, OH-Applied Energy Technologies, a provider of solar mounting products, has opened a new assembly plant here, tripling its production capacity. MORE