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Manufacturing

Why does furniture fall apart so easily?

by Kai Ryssdal and Richard Cunningham
Sep 27, 2023
Furniture used to last a lifetime. Now, not so much. But how did we get here?
"A great place to buy long-lasting furniture is a vintage furniture store, right? The proof is in the pudding that it's well made because it's lasting long enough for you to be able to purchase it right now," said Washington Post reporter Rachel Kurzius.
jozzeppe/Getty Images
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Aircraft orders can distort economic data. They also propel a lot of economic activity.

by Justin Ho
Sep 27, 2023
Their volatility can overshadow broader trends. But those orders are just the start of a long, expansive manufacturing supply chain.
While aircraft orders jump around month to month, the supply chain, which involves thousands of companies, never stops.
Juliette Michel/AFP via Getty Images
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Automakers aren't the only manufacturers that rely on temporary workers

by Stephanie Hughes
Sep 21, 2023
They're usually cheaper than permanent employees, but they can reduce productivity.
The UAW is demanding an end to tiered labor in the next contract. As of now, temporary workers are paid less than permanent employees.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
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Why some car parts are still hard to find

by Henry Epp
Sep 18, 2023
Dealers are still playing catch-up after the chip shortage and suppliers are building parts for new cars rather than those on the road.
Dealerships are hesitant to sell high-demand parts to repair shops. Instead, they're prioritizing putting those parts into new cars.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images
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Some U.S. manufacturers find reasons to be cheerful about their prospects

by Justin Ho
Aug 24, 2023
Manufacturing has been weak for a while. But companies are optimistic about government investment and a future uptick in demand.
The Biden administration is investing in domestic industries it sees as strategically important, like clean energy. Above, wind turbine blades in a storage lot.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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Manufacturing slows, but economy remains robust

by Kimberly Adams
Aug 3, 2023
Manufacturing slowed in July, but consumer demand and a strong service sector are shoring up the U.S. economy.
Furniture was one of the few growing sectors in July's manufacturing PMI report.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Inflation moderates in manufacturing and job market

by Mitchell Hartman
Aug 2, 2023
As supply chains normalize and labor demand slackens, prices and wages are cooling off.
The easing of inflation is especially visible in vehicle production, said Garrett Nelson at CFRA.
Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images
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Tech manufacturing is causing a boom in non-residential construction

by Mitchell Hartman
Aug 1, 2023
Biden Administration policies are geared toward fixing high-tech supply chains and accelerating the transition to EVs.
Biden speaks during a visit to a General Motors electric vehicle assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
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The manufacturing sector is slowing. That could be a sign of a coming recession.

by Mitchell Hartman
Jul 5, 2023
It's just over 10% of the U.S. economy but it has an outsized influence.
The Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index — a survey that measures manufacturing activity — fell again in June for an 8th straight month.
Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
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White House EV investment push especially benefits one region

by Mitchell Hartman
Jun 23, 2023
The government is lending $9.2 billion to Ford and a Korean partner to build electric vehicle battery factories in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Battery production is part of the Biden administration’s effort to promote electric vehicle development and manufacturing.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
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