The Empire State Manufacturing Survey on current business conditions fell to -0.7 in January from 31.9 in December,
the first negative reading in 18 months. The new-orders reading also turned negative, but the capital expenditures reading increased by 2 points, suggesting capital investment outlooks are strong.
Proterra will be supplying Nikola with batteries for its electric semi-trucks, with production beginning by the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Honda will develop lithium-metal batteries with SES Holdings, which will go public through a special-purpose acquisition company arrangement.
Manufacturers pursuing transformation and growth will need to improve beyond the shop floor in areas such as digital, sustainability and employee skill sets. "To capitalize on the convergence of advanced manufacturing and ESG goals, industry leaders must design new business models that are sustainable and inclusive by design, practicing lifecycle thinking, promoting supply chain transparency and enabling operational efficiency," says HP Inc. Chief Strategy Officer Philipp Jung.
Applying pointillism, a laser technique developed by Seurat Technologies, to 3D printing of metal parts may change how components of cars and airplanes are manufactured. The technique could be used at affordable "print depots," which would have the potential to mitigate some issues the supply chain is facing.
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Dockworkers, truckers and warehouse workers along the West Coast have been hit hard by confirmed COVID-19 cases this month, says Jim McKenna, CEO of Pacific Maritime Association. Separately, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have delayed a fee on idle import containers to Jan. 21, the 11th such delay as officials report progress on clearing aging containers.
Ocean freight carriers earned about $150 billion last year, about nine times as much as in 2020, and that growth is expected to continue, thanks to higher spot and long-term contract rates. Shippers struggling to pay the higher costs are asking regulators to examine carriers' practices, and economists say the increased rates may make inflation worse.
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ExxonMobil on Tuesday unveiled plans to achieve net-zero emissions across its global operations by 2050, bringing its climate goals closer in line with that of BP, Shell and Chevron. The goal does not include consumer use, or Scope 3, emissions.
The imperative to replace older workers is a major factor behind the adoption of industrial robotics, according to a new study. Human aging drives about 35% of the world's automation transition, topping incentives provided by advances in technology for such common areas as welding, assembly and transportation, according to MIT professor and research co-author Daron Acemoglu.
Join us for an executive interview focused on reviewing the results of a new survey revealing interesting insights into the state of migration for manufacturers, and practical ways to speed your journey. Join us next Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. EST. Learn more and register here.
