Austin Weber

Believe it or not, cup holders were unheard of in automobiles 25 years ago. But not anymore. Americans are spending more and more time inside their cars, and the market is responding accordingly. Today, interiors are ground zero for automakers and suppliers.

While electronic work instructions are not ideal for every application, new technology has made going paperless easier and more affordable.

Medical device manufacturers are increasingly investing in assembly robots to improve flexibility, productivity and repeatability.

A new museum exhibit in Milwaukee exposes kids to manufacturing.

No matter what type of product they make, all manufacturers walk the same fine line and face many of the same burdens. For example, when the path to profitability reaches a T or a Y, management often must make a critical decision: go left and invest in assembly automation technology, or go right and outsource production.

Teams of employees at the Lear Seating Plant in Montgomery, AL, manage their own budgets, attendance, job assignments, housekeeping and performance discipline: an innovative approach to labor relations is paying big dividends.

There was a strong field of candidates for the third annual award. That made it difficult for the team of judges, which included ASSEMBLY's editorial staff, to narrow down the list to five finalists, which included Gulfstream, Peterbilt, Schneider Electric and SMC Inc. in the honorable mentions category.

Intense market pressure is forcing manufacturers to adopt faster production processes.

ASSEMBLY-sponsored session at ATExpo will reveal practical lean tips.

Blister packaging lets products be seen, but not touched.