Austin Weber

Pella is investing in automation to boost productivity and improve the quality of its windows and doors.

SUNDERLAND, England—Nissan is assembling the third-generation Leaf electric vehicle at its factory here.

CAMBRIDGE, MA—Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed an AI-driven robotic assembly system lets users build simple objects by describing them with words.

Automakers are investing in new technology that enables them to produce large castings. The goal is to consolidate parts, reduce complexity and eliminate weight.

THE NORTH POLE—Santa Claus is getting some next-generation power to propel his famous red sled, thanks to engineers at GE Aviation.

PARIS—Nexans plans to sell its Autoelectric division to Motherson.

ANN ARBOR, MI—Engineers at the University of Michigan believe that vehicle-to-home charging technology could enable motorists to tap into energy from EV batteries.

MARTORELL, Spain—A state-of-the-art battery assembly plant recently opened here to support electric vehicles made by Volkswagen Group.

APPLETON, WI—Pierce Manufacturing Inc. plans to enlarge its assembly plant here.

NUREMBERG, Germany—Leoni AG is expanding its manufacturing activity in the Middle East and Africa with two new wire harness assembly plants in Egypt.