For more than 30 years, manufacturers have used infrared welding (IW) to assemble plastic components that are large, made of challenging materials or have high strength and hermetic requirements.
LIVERMORE, CA—German automotive supplier Dräxlmaier Group will invest $24 million to set up its first U.S. assembly plant here. The factory will produce electrical systems and interior components.
WINDSOR, ON—Workers at automotive seat maker Integram Windsor Seating on Monday voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new contract, ending a strike that began Sunday.
DETROIT—Automotive supplier Gestamp North America Inc. will invest $158 million to expand its assembly plants in Chelsea, MI, and Mason, MI, and invest $700,000 at its North American headquarters in Troy, MI. Its plans include a new chassis assembly line, paint line and press-hardening line in Chelsea and a new 150,000-square-foot facility to house a new laser-cutting cell in Mason. The plants will gain 235 new jobs, while the project in Troy will create 60 new jobs.
CENTREVILLE, AL—German automotive supplier MollerTech will invest $46.3 million to build a state-of-the-art assembly plant here. The factory, which will make interior parts for Mercedes-Benz SUVs, is expected to employ 222 people. MORE
HOLLAND, MI—Coastal Automotive LLC plans to hire 110 workers for a recently acquired $6.5 million manufacturing facility here. The company makes high-tech foam-based products that improve safety and block sound vibration in cars.
BELVIDERE, IL—Yanfeng Automotive is building a new assembly plant here to make cockpit components for the Jeep Cherokee. The factory is expected to create 400 new jobs.
One way for a manufacturer to enter a new market is through acquisition. However, one downside of the strategy is that the manufacturing assets you acquire do not always mesh perfectly with how you like to do things.
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.
