MOLINE, IL—United Auto Workers union members appear to be heading closer to a strike Oct. 12 after rejecting a contract offer from Deere & Co. over the weekend that would have given at least 5 percent raises to staff that build John Deere tractors and other equipment.

MOLINE, IL—Aspiring engineer Sabrina Starkweather, 16, got a closer, and virtual, look at what it takes to enter the manufacturing industry Wednesday afternoon.

HORICON, WI—Deere & Co. has begun construction of a $35 million project to add 300,000 square feet to its assembly plant here, which makes riding mowers and other products. The expansion is expected to create 50 to 75 jobs.

MOLINE, IL—Deere & Co. has opened negotiations with the UAW over a labor deal covering 10,000 manufacturing jobs.

MOLINE, IL—The U.S. Department of Labor claims Deere violated a federal whistleblower provision by firing a pipe fitter who had reported unsafe working conditions at a company’s cylinder factory here.

VALLEY CITY, ND—Deere & Co. has begun construction of a $20 million expansion of its assembly plant here. Up to 100 new jobs are expected with the expansion.

VALLEY CITY, ND—Deere & Co. will spend $20 million to expand its assembly plant here. The facility is building a tillage equipment production line and will add 55 to 100 jobs.