Austin Weber

Electric Vehicle Assembly

November 23, 2010

Electric vehicles promise to transform the automotive landscape. But, don’t expect to see too many differences in assembly plants as automakers start ramping up production.

Standards Will Drive Down EV Cost

Austin Weber

November 23, 2010

Electric vehicles suffer from a widespread lack of industrywide standards. However, engineers are trying to tackle that challenge.

Assemble EV Components In-House or Outsource?

Austin Weber

November 5, 2010

Some automakers have decided to design, develop and produce electric vehicle components in-house, rather than purchase subassemblies from suppliers.

Automotive Assembly: Electric Components Open New Doors for Suppliers

Austin Weber

October 26, 2010

Automakers and suppliers are scrambling to produce key electromechanical components, such as axles, controllers, steering sytems and climate-control systems.

On Campus: University of Kentucky Focuses on Sustainable Manufacturing

Austin Weber

October 26, 2010

Earlier this year, the College of Engineering established the Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing, the world's first university-based R&D center of its type.

Manufacturers typically don’t boast about having a fully functioning football field on their property. But, the 2010 Assembly Plant of the Year has that unique distinction. The front lawn of the Eaton Corp. plant in Lincoln, IL, is a hot spot for local youth-league games.

Abe Lincoln Really Was Here!

Austin Weber

September 29, 2010

The 2010 Assembly Plant of the Year is located in a town that was named after America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, more than seven years before he occupied the White House.

Customers Always Come First at Eaton Lincoln

Austin Weber

September 29, 2010

Customers are the focus of everything employees do at Eaton Corp.’s 52-year-old Lincoln, IL, facility. The 2010 Assembly Plant of the Year actively solicits customer feedback and uses it to drive improvements.

2010 Assembly Plant of the Year: Ambitious Green Manufacturing Effort

Austin Weber

September 29, 2010

The water tower at the 2010 Assembly Plant of the Year is blue. But, the assembly lines inside the factory walls are green. The 380,000-square-foot Eaton Corp. plant in Lincoln, IL, has an ambitious strategy to reduce its carbon footprint.

At Eaton Lincoln, Safety Is No Accident

Austin Weber

September 29, 2010

Safety plays a key role in the success of Eaton Corp.’s world-class assembly plant in Lincoln, IL. “Keeping our employees safe is our No. 1 priority,” claims Rick Wyatt, plant manager.