COVID-19 vaccine makers say they were already testing higher doses as immunity boosters and developing new formulations in anticipation of future SARS-CoV-2 mutations, including the newly discovered Omicron variant.

GE Appliances has simplified its organizational structure, increased local decision-making power, added headcount and grown market share since being acquired in 2015 by Haier Group. "You see a real winning spirit with the employees now," says GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' November survey of Texas manufacturing showed increases from October in production, new orders, shipments and capacity utilization, though general business activity fell. The raw materials reading hit an all-time high.

Salt Lake City-based DPS Skis had to scramble to find a domestic source of the Paulownia hardwood it uses in its skis after supply chain delays cut off its supply from China. Similarly, many small manufacturers in the US are enjoying strong demand for domestic products while struggling to source the materials they need, factors that are driving up costs and, often, consumer prices.

Global auto suppliers are focusing on inputs, labor and logistics to keep costs down during the ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Michael Robinet, executive director of IHS Markit. "Unfortunately, the industry is grappling with the critical near-term challenge of supply chain outages, labor shortages and the unprecedented economics for virtually every raw material input," Robinet writes.

Digital twins not only have the potential to predict maintenance needs, but they can also simulate the effects of different equipment setups, product designs or materials, write CV Ramachandran and Vignesh Ramesh of PA Consulting. "It's important to understand that while accuracy isn't always 100%, especially in the beginning, even at 80% to 90% the digital twin can easily improve outcomes, and will continue to get better as it receives and analyzes more data," they write.

Common methods of recycling struggle to recover the valuable lithium in used-up Li-ion batteries that may soon begin to burden the world's junkyards. However, efforts are underway to make the process more efficient and develop standards that can help manufacturers produce batteries whose materials can be more readily recycled.

Adults who completed entry-level manufacturing certifications enjoyed higher salaries afterward, on average, although only 40% ended up employed in manufacturing, according to an analysis of more than 100,000 certifications issued by two groups from 2005 to 2018. An analysis of the data was recently presented by the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Student Clearinghouse.

Improving workforce retention and quality of talent is an ongoing challenge for manufacturers. One way employers are attracting and retaining workers is by offering more robust benefits, including a retirement plan. Hear about the newest offering for NAM members, a multiple-employer 401(k) and savings plan that saves time and simplifies administration for you as the offering manufacturer but maximizes potential retirement planning for your employees. Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 2-2:30 p.m. ET. Learn more and register here.