When screws or bolts are threaded directly into plastic components, failures can occur due to stripped threads or plastic creep.

A designer and manufacturer of electrical components, Jiangsu Phono Electrical Co. Ltd. faces the ongoing challenge of creating high-quality and safe products at the lowest cost.

Standardization is a key concept behind lean manufacturing. It allows assemblers to reduce variation, increase consistency, cut costs and improve productivity by following a prescribed set of work instructions.

Papenburg, Germany, is home to the world’s largest shipbuilding dock hall, which is operated by MEYER WERFT GmbH. There, more than 2,500 workers design and assemble some of the largest cruise ships in the world.

MIDDLEVILLE, MI—Systems integrator TranTek Automation has designed and built an automated assembly system that has enabled Bradford White Corp. to keep producing water heaters in the United States.

RUSSELL SPRINGS, KY—Dr. Schneider Automotive Systems Inc. plans to build a $29 million assembly plant here, creating 155 jobs.

Think all big trucks look the same? Don’t tell that to an engineer at Kenworth Truck Co. The legendary firm is synonymous with hard-working, well-built vehicles.

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany—BASF plans to spend millions of euros to develop new thermoplastic and thermoset composites for lightweight vehicles. The company predicts OEMs can reduce vehicle weight by up to 220 pounds by using short-fiber-reinforced plastics in seats, oil pans, cross beams, air intake manifolds, engine mounts and structural inserts.

The commercial vehicle industry is finally emerging from the doldrums. Will the industry keep on truckin'?

SALT LAKE CITY—Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a new technology for creating an extremely strong bond between lightweight aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel. The technology, friction bit joining, could be a boon to automakers looking to reduce vehicle weight.