Aerospace Assembly

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YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI—The factory where Rosie the Riveter showed that a woman could do a “man’s work” by building World War II-era bombers, will be demolished if money can’t be found to save it.

WASHINGTON—New orders for big-ticket U.S.-manufactured goods rose 4.2 percent in June, led by demand for aircraft. Orders for durable goods rose to $244.5 billion, an increase of $9.9 billion from May, the Commerce Department said. Analysts had predicted a much smaller 1.8 percent increase on average.

NEW YORK—The domestic economic outlook among U.S. manufacturers is at its highest level in five quarters, according to the PWC Manufacturing Barometer survey. The majority of manufacturing executives surveyed expect revenue growth in 2013.

WICHITA, KS—Triumph Aerospace Systemswill invest more than $2 million to expand its assembly plant here, creating 100 new jobs.

CHICAGO—Boeing is urging its suppliers to provide more visibility into their inner workings and to lower costs by 15 percent.

Designing, assembling and testing aerospace wire harnesses present unique challenges to harness manufacturers.

WASHINGTON—The purchasing managers index for manufacturing rose to 50.9 in June, up 1.9 points from May. According to the Institute for Supply Management, a PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while one below reflects contraction.

In The Great Gatsby, the central character is captivated by a green navigational beacon off in the distance that gives him eternal hope. Although Jay Gatsby wasn’t thinking about assembly lines, manufacturing has a similar green light and assemblers are equally optimistic these days. 

A test-centric assembly process would have helped Boeing and Airbus avoid problems with their new aircraft.

WASHINGTON—Orders for airplanes, computers and other long-lasting durable goods rose more than expected in May—3.6 percent—the third increase in four months and a sign of strengthening in the vital manufacturing sector.