Medical Devices Assembly

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IOWA CITY, IA—Automation enables the Oral-B assembly plant here to produce 1 million toothbrushes daily.

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. 

Over its 30-year history, Bovie Medical Corp. has gone from making disposable penlights to becoming the largest manu-facturer of battery-operated cauteries in the world. The company manufactures products for some of the largest medical OEMs in the United States.

The conformal coating Parylene has long been known for its excellent dielectric strength, high thermal stability (up to 450 C), dry-film lubricity and outstanding chemical resistance. Those properties have made the material a staple for coating printed circuit boards and electronic devices exposed to environmental extremes.

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.

BEIJING, China—A U.S. business executive is being held captive at a medical device assembly plant here by workers who are angry at being laid off.

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.