SOUTHPORT, NC—Lee Controls, a manufacturer of linear motion components, will spend $2.46 million to locate its manufacturing and headquarters operations here, bringing 77 new jobs to the area.

ASSEMBLY magazine has been around since 1958. In that time, we’ve had lean years and great years. We’ve changed our name three times, and we’ve been bought and sold at least five times. We’ve survived tidal shifts in both U.S. manufacturing and publishing. (If you had told me 26 years ago that I would be spending 30 minutes a day on something called Twitter…)

U.S. manufacturers that source low-cost components offshore often face several challenges. Among the most common are language barriers, lack of timely responses, long lead times and problems with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Another problem is receiving a perfect prototype initially—followed by subsequent shipments of poor-quality parts.

Semiconductor processing equipment is a notoriously demanding application for motion control engineers. Extreme precision, reliability and smoothness are absolute requirements. At the same time, space is at a premium.

When specifying a motion control system for, say, a pick-and-place application on an automated assembly line, engineers have two choices.

ERLANGER, KY—Jacobs Automation, which makes modular assembly conveyors based on linear motors, is slated to create 26 jobs and invest more than $1.7 million to build a new facility here.

Well known for its engineering expertise, The EDAG Group develops vehicles and production systems for auto manufacturers all over the world. In conjunction with FFT EDAG, its sister company, The EDAG Group also creates complete production facilities for body in white modeling and vehicle assembly.

Software is playing an increasing role in industrial automation. That’s been good in terms of boosting the functionality and flexibility of machines. But, writing code can also add cost and time to the development process.

BERLIN—Festo Corp. has invented a pneumatic conveyor belt that uses wave action to transport objects in a targeted manner and sort them at the same time.

FOUNTAIN INN, SC—Bosch Rexroth is investing $80 million over five years to expand production at its hydraulics assembly plant here.