DEARBORN, MI—Ford is introducing a new technology that promises to decrease costs and delivery time for manufacturing sheet metal parts. Under the process, a piece of sheet metal is clamped around its edges and formed into a 3D shape by two stylus-type tools working together on opposite sides of the sheet.
WASHINGTON—Orders to American factories rose 2.1 percent in May, helped by a third straight month of stronger business investment. The gains suggest that manufacturing may be picking up after a weak start to the year.
NEW BERLIN, WI—J.W. Winco Inc., a manufacturer of industrial machine components, is installing a green roof system this month at its assembly plant here. Benefits include recycling of rainwater and savings on cooling costs.
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.