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.
ARDEN, NC—Tutco Inc. will expand its assembly plant here, adding 90 jobs and spending more than $500,000 on capital investments over three years. Tutco manufacturers open-coil heating elements.
Manufacturers, appliance designers and engineers are seeing viability in renewable energy offerings and also for metal welding equipment for renewable energy applications ranging from solar panels to wind turbine components.
MINNEAPOLIS—Despatch Industries, a manufacturer of industrial ovens and furnaces, has reduced lead times by 50 percent after implementing a kanban system and other lean methodologies.
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.
Ultrasonic welding offers many advantages when parts are too complex to be molded as one piece, learn how to use it to manufacture joints.
June 21, 2013
Ultrasonic energy has been used to join thermo-plastics for over 35 years. Ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic materials is by far the most common form of ultrasonic assembly, and is used extensively in all major industries including appliance, electronic and medical.
WASHINGTON—U.S. worker productivity grew a modest 0.5 percent rate from January through March after having declined in the previous quarter. Weak productivity growth could boost hiring if consumers and businesses spend more.
MILWAUKEE—U.S. employers reported a boost in confidence as the percent of employers planning to add staff, 22 percent, has reached a four-year high, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
WASHINGTON—For 2013 as a whole, manufacturing production should increase 3.1 percent from 2012, according to the Manufacturing Alliance for Productivity and Innovation. Manufacturing is predicted to grow 3.6 percent in 2014, 0.8 percentage points faster than the overall economy.