How this metal foundry grew its business during the pandemic

Oct 14, 2021
Although prices for aluminum and zinc are ticking up, Adam Schaller, vice president of a Michigan metal foundry, says business is growing.
Prices for aluminum base scrap picked up 9.7% from August to September.
Lukas Schulze via Getty Images

Ongoing supply chain difficulties hobble manufacturing and services

Oct 5, 2021
Purchasing managers reports from both ISM and IHS find that firms are struggling to meet demand due to shortages of labor and materials.
Shipping containers sit in dock at the Port of Oakland, California on Sep. 9.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

What's behind China's power cuts?

Oct 5, 2021
China has more than enough coal underground to service the country's needs.
There are more than 50 cap and trade programs across the world to address carbon emissions.
Kevin Frayer via Getty Images

What will it take to get more Black and Latinx workers in manufacturing jobs?

Aug 26, 2021
Manufacturers complain they can't find skilled workers, even as they face a wave of retirements of older white men.
Nieves Longordo, president and owner of Diseños Ornamental Iron in Detroit's Mexicantown, said she's concerned about finding and recruiting younger talent for her shop.
Photo courtesy of Nieves Longordo

Why this South Carolina county is seeing an investment boom

Jul 12, 2021
Spartanburg County is receiving more investment this year than in the last four years, much of it in manufacturing.
About 36% of Spartanburg County jobs are auto-related, said David Britt, chair of the county's economic development committee. The local economy is enjoying what he calls "Earth-shattering numbers."
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

China dominates the solar energy industry. Can the U.S. catch up?

Jul 7, 2021
It will take a lot to make the U.S. a meaningful competitor in the production of solar equipment.
China went from producing very little of the world's solar equipment 20 years ago to becoming the leading producer.
John Moore/Getty Images

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Will Britannia rule the waves in shipping's green revolution?

Jun 18, 2021
British entrepreneurs and innovators hope to cash in on the move to decarbonize commercial ships.
Some industry leaders believe that a large part of Britain’s maritime future lies in designing and building new systems to combat climate change.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

Tiremakers are test-driving new plant-based sources for rubber

May 6, 2021
The industry's push to diversify its supply of natural rubber is spurring research into desert shrubs and dandelions.
The new generation of plant-based tires could hit the road in about five years, one expert estimates.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images