Austin Weber

Globalization is forcing assemblers to work longer, harder and smarter.

China offers big challenges for automotive assemblers, but also huge opportunities.

Most people who purchase a BMW X3 have no idea that it's not built by the company from Munich, Germany, that claims to provide "the ultimate driving machine." The $36,000 sport utility vehicle is actually assembled by Magna Steyr, a contract manufacturer that builds cars for several other automakers, including DaimlerChrysler (Auburn Hills, MI) and General Motors Corp. (Detroit).

As gasoline prices continue to soar, more and more consumers are purchasing hybrid electric vehicles that improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. To bolster demand, state and local governments are offering numerous incentives, such as tax breaks, dedicated traffic lanes and parking privileges.

The appliance industry is engaged in a classic love-hate relationship with plastic. Some engineers lust after the material's light weight, design aesthetics and recycling attributes. At the same time, others lament the volatile cost of plastic, and question its durability and structural integrity.

In addition to dexterity, moisture is a key ingredient of any successful magic trick. In fact, many magicians moisturize their fingertips to improve their ability to perform sleight-of-hand tricks involving cards, coins and other objects.

Activity-based costing: an accounting system that assigns costs to products based on the amount of resources used to design, order or make a product. Andon board: a visual control

Manufacturers are shifting from mass production to mass customization.

An automated inspection system helps reduce powertrain warranty costs.

More and more factories are pulling the plug on old-fashioned cable and wire.