Created through a merger of the helicopter divisions of Aerospatiale-matra (Paris) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Munich, Germany), Eurocopter (Marignane, France) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the European Aeronautic, Defense and Space Company (Schiphol Rijk, The Netherlands) and one of the world's leading helicopter manufacturers.
Bosch Rexroth Corp. (Buchanan, MI), long a fixture in the world of manufacturing and assembly, is making its first foray into the architectural world, providing structural support for the new, prefab "iT house," created by the office of Taalman Koch Architecture (Los Angeles).
The Koko Smartrainer exercise machine, manufactured by Koko Fitness Inc. (Norwell, MA), includes an integrated computerized "personal trainer" that automatically customizes each workout to an individual's particular needs. Not surprisingly, given the level of technology involved, actually manufacturing such a system required overcoming a number of assembly challenges.
More than half of the small manufacturers responding to an operating survey from the National Association of Manufacturers expect their sales to grow more than 5 percent this year. Similarly, 41 percent of survey respondents expect they will increase capital investment in 2006 by more than 5 percent.
Manufacturers depend on innovation in both products and processes to keep them at the forefront in the global marketplace. In fact, innovation no longer constitutes a competitive edge; it's the ante just to get into the game.
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