NEW YORK — A recent Thomas survey reporting on COVID-19's impact on the U.S. manufacturing and industrial sectors reveals that 64 percent of manufacturers report they are likely to bring manufacturing production and sourcing back to North America. Additionally, the survey finds that one in four U.S. manufacturers are considering expanding industrial automation.

FRANKFURT — The International Federations of Robotics has published a new paper, “World Robotics R&D Programs," which explores various government-funding programs in Asia, Europe and America. These new technologies include artificial intelligence, big data and 5G.

DETROIT — Tesla Inc. wants to invest about $1 billion to build a 4- to 5-million-square-foot vehicle assembly plant in the southwestern United States as early as the third quarter of this year. The plant will employ 5,000 people.

TROY, NY — WeldComputer Corp. last week announced the launch of a free 30-minute assessment manufacturers can use for all resistance welding operations.The 30-minute assessment is a one-on-one call with a WeldComputer resistance welding expert.

MONROE, MI — La-Z-Boy Inc. says it will reduce its global workforce by about 10 percent, or approximately 850 employees, across its manufacturing, retail and corporate locations, including the closure of its Newton, MS, upholstery manufacturing facility. 

NIEDERONZ, SWITZERLAND – Fiber laser cutting system manufacturer Bystronic will now assemble its BySmart Fiber 3015 cutter at a new facility in Hoffman Estates, IL. The cutter will be shipped virtually fully assembled to most locations within North America.

HUTCHINSON, KN — Superior Boiler has announced that it will relocate its Richmond, Virginia, subsidiary here beginning in the second quarter of 2021.

AUSTIN, TX —  Armbrust American recently announced the official opening of its manufacturing facility here, and to ramp up its production to 1.2 million masks per day.

BOWLING GREEN, OH — Marelli, a leading global Tier 1 automotive supplier, announced it will open a greenfield manufacturing plant here to support new business for the company’s Interiors Unit. The facility will bring 75 new jobs to the region, with construction expected to be complete in early 2021.

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — Mussel Polymers Inc. has licensed a novel underwater adhesive technology based on a glue used naturally by marine creatures. It soon may be used in industries ranging from biomedical to aerospace.