Research often leads to improvements in manufacturing and product development; and, conversely, experiences with manufacturing often pinpoint new topics for worthwhile research
There are two opposite ways to equip factories to respond quickly to downstream customer orders: One way is for sequential production, and the other is for concurrent production. Both draw heavily from best practices in lean manufacturing.
Automakers are increasingly using hydroformed metal tubing in vehicular structures. Compared with stamped and welded metal parts, hydroformed parts weigh less, cost less, and have a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio.
ELKTON, KY— Custom Cooler Inc., a manufacturer of custom coolers and freezers, investing $5.8 million to build a new assembly plant here, creating 75 jobs.
OWATONNA, MN—Daikin Applied Manufacturing has begun construction of a $9 million expansion project here, which is expected to create 40 new jobs. Daikin makes air conditioners.
BENTON HARBOR, MI—Whirlpool Corp. has agreed to pay $1 billion for a controlling stake in Italian appliance maker Indesit Co., its largest acquisition since buying former rival Maytag Corp. eight years ago.
FORT SMITH, AR—Whirlpool has reached a resolution with property owners in a class-action lawsuit related to contaminated groundwater near the company’s former assembly plant here.