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.
EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation has received a multiyear contract from a Tier 1 automotive supplier to provide six custom assembly and test systems that will simplify the production of automobile steering assemblies.
WEST POINT, GA—Four people who unsuccessfully applied for jobs at the Kia Motors assembly plant here are suing the company, claiming they were discriminated against because they had belonged to a union.
COLUMBIA, SC—EcoDual Inc., a manufacturer of dual-fuel conversion systems for heavy-duty trucks, will $13 million assembly plant here. The facility is expected to generate 307 new jobs in the next five years.
PULASKI CITY, TN—Magneti Marelli has opened a $54 million assembly plant here to make automotive lighting. The facility is expected to produce 5 million assemblies annually by 2016.
SMYRNA, TN—A maintenance technician has been killed in an accident at the body shop of Nissan’s assembly plant here. The technician, Michael Hooper, 43, had worked at the plant for 21 years.
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.