LONDON-Thousands of workers in the United Kingdom were given extended holiday breaks as factories hit by the current economic slowdown remained closed. MORE
TOKYO-Nissan Motor Co. and NEC Corp. will invest at least $1.1 billion to make lithium-ion batteries for about 200,000 electric and hybrid cars annually in 2011. MORE
PARIS-Airbus has handed over its 11th A380 superjumbo jet, leaving the world’s largest maker of commercial aircraft with one more to reach its goal of 12 deliveries this year. MORE
TOKYO-Toshiba Corp. plans to build a new factory to boost production of advanced rechargeable batteries that can be used in hybrid cars and electric vehicles. MORE
FORT WAYNE, IN-At a time when many auto parts suppliers are cutting back, one is planning an expansion in Fort Wayne. American Axle & Manufacturing plans to invest more that $10 million to purchase and upgrade a plant that makes differential gears. MORE
BREWER, ME-At a time when many employers are slowing production and cutting jobs, Cianbro Corp.’s Eastern Manufacturing Facility is adding workers as it builds modules for a massive oil refinery expansion in Texas. Cianbro was hired to build 52 modules for the Motiva Port Arthur Refinery, which is in the midst of a $7 billion expansion. The modules are heavy-duty industrial steel frames filled with pipe, pumps and electronics. MORE
OMAHA, NE-Bioplastics made from corn are poised to grab a bigger share of the plastics market as concerns about the environment and U.S. dependence on foreign oil promote alternatives to products made from petrochemicals. MORE
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