Special Reports
Special Reports RSS Feed RSS

fotf2.png

Factory of the Future, Volume 2: The Future is Now

June 20, 2022
Industry 4.0 is underway. Data analytics, augmented reality, generative design, artificial intelligence, cobots, additive manufacturing and other technologies are already helping manufacturers increase efficiency, lower prices, and improve service, delivery and quality. And there’s more to come.
Read More
assembly factory of the future

Factory of the Future, Volume 1: Laying the Foundation

April 27, 2022
You must learn to walk before you can run. That aphorism is as true for product assembly as it is for learning how to draw or play golf. Before manufacturers can implement advanced automation technologies, they must first master their parts and processes. This eBook will provide information to help engineers plan for investments and improve their assembly operations before deploying advanced technologies.
Read More
Justifying Investment in Automation

Justifying Investment in Automation

Production ‘pain points’ should be identified and well documented.
Weber200
Austin Weber
March 31, 2022
Justifying automation has never been easier. The Covid pandemic, coupled with a severe worker shortage, a widening skills gap and the "great resignation," has increased demand for automated guided vehicles, conveyors, robots and other types of equipment.
Read More
Inside or Outside?

Inside or Outside?

Greater process control, lower setup costs and simple equipment programming make it easier than ever for manufacturers to build their automation in-house rather than hire a machine builder.
Camillo200
Jim Camillo
March 30, 2022
Some questions that manufacturers must address have a simple yes or no answer. Others are not so clear cut. A good example of the latter type is 'Should we build automation in-house?'
Read More
Capital Spending Survey: Assemblers Gear Up for Recovery

Capital Spending Survey 2021: Assemblers Gear Up for Recovery

With the pandemic subsiding and consumer spending on the rise, manufacturers are investing in their assembly operations.
December 7, 2021

In February 2020, U.S. manufacturers employed nearly 12.8 million people. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. In an instant, the country lost 1 million manufacturing jobs as governments and businesses scrambled to figure out how best to stop the spread of the disease.


Read More
2021 Assembly Plant of the Year: GKN Drives Transformation With New Culture, Processes and Tools

2021 Assembly Plant of the Year: GKN Drives Transformation With New Culture, Processes and Tools

A two-year-long continuous improvement initiative pays off in Newton, NC.
Weber200
Austin Weber
October 13, 2021
All-wheel drive (AWD) technology has taken the automotive world by storm in recent years, because of its ability to effectively transfer power to the ground. Today, many sport utility vehicles use AWD for better acceleration, performance, safety and traction in all kinds of driving conditions.
Read More
ASSEMBLY Capital Spending Report: Capital Spending to Increase

ASSEMBLY Capital Spending Report 2019: Manufacturers Continue to Invest in Technology

Despite some headwinds, manufacturers will continue to invest in assembly technology
Sprovieri200
John Sprovieri
December 9, 2019
In September, Toyota announced that it will invest $391 million in its truck assembly plant in San Antonio. Hyundai announced that it is investing nearly $300 million in its factory in Montgomery, AL. Brake manufacturer Bendix Spicer began construction on a $65 million expansion of its assembly plant Bowling Green, KY. And, automotive supplier Hirotec Group said it will invest $48 million to build a new assembly plant in Fayetteville, TN.
Read More
Refrigerator Production Heats Up at GE Appliances

2019 Assembly Plant of the Year: Refrigerator Production Heats Up at GE Appliances

Lean manufacturing and vertical integration thrive in Decatur, AL.
Weber200
Austin Weber
October 1, 2019
Refrigerators are one of the only appliances found in nearly every type of home, whether it's an apartment in suburban Atlanta, a high-rise condominium in downtown Chicago, a beach house in Hawaii or a trailer in Texas. The humble refrigerator is also the hardest working household appliance. Day and night, it's constantly running to keep all types of food and beverages cool, fresh or frozen.
Read More

Get our new eMagazine delivered to your inbox every month.

Stay in the know on the latest assembly trends.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!