U.S. factory orders surge on higher automobile demand
Orders at U.S. factories increased by 1.2 percent in August, driven by strong gains in aluminum and other metals, industrial machinery and autos.
Manufacturing
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Manufacturers poised to increase spending on automation, survey says
More than half of the respondents to the annual Indiana Manufacturing Survey ranked investment in facilities, machinery and information technologies as the top priority for manufacturers to move into the future.
U.S. factory activity surges to 13-year high
Seventeen of 18 manufacturing industries reported growth in September, led by textile mills and machinery.
Motorsports firm to close Brownsburg manufacturing site
The California-based company will cease production at the facility by the end of the year, laying off about 70 employees. Its performance racing division will remain in Brownsburg, however.
Hoosier firms helping NASA chase lofty goal to send astronauts to Mars
In its quest to send people to Mars, NASA’s road to the Red Planet passes straight through central Indiana.
Entrepreneur sees lucrative future in HVAC for pot
Developing and selling cutting-edge products is tough. Doing so for the marijuana industry, which is illegal at the federal level, is even tougher.
Del Monte closing Indiana plant, shifting work to California
Del Monte Foods plans to close a northern Indiana tomato processing plant with 107 full-time workers.
Longtime Upland Brewing Co. president hopping away
Doug Dayhoff, who is credited with transforming Upland Brewing Co. from a small brewpub into a regional brewery, is stepping down as president and part-owner.
Strong U.S. demand helps boost Hurco quarterly sales, profit
Indianapolis-based manufacturer Hurco Cos saw increased sales of vertical milling machines from all product lines in the United States.
Plastics maker plans to take over shuttered Bluffton plant, invest $27M
20/20 Custom Molded Plastics says it will start operations Tuesday at the Wells County facility, formerly occupied by Buckhorn Inc., and hire 100 workers by the end of the year.
Novel Cummins power deal will fund wind farm expansion
A virtual-power purchase agreement is a new type of energy contract that allows a large customer to support green-energy projects and hedge electricity prices
Praxair helping fund workforce program
Connecticut-based Praxair Inc. and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. are funding a workforce-development program in conjunction with Ivy Tech Community College.
GE Aviation’s $110M jet-engine factory on path to employ 230 by 2019
The Lafayette factory produces a brand-new fuel-efficient engine that is locked in a fierce battle for customers with a new engine produced by Connecticut-based Pratt & Whitney.
Andretti Autosport inks multiyear extension with Honda
Andretti has captured three IndyCar Series championships with Honda engines—in 2004, 2005 and 2007—as well as five Indianapolis 500 victories.
Allison Transmission selects its next CEO from inside C-suite
The Indianapolis-based manufacturer’s current chief financial officer will succeed Lawrence Dewey following Dewey’s retirement next year.
IUPUI gives hoops coach Gardner contract extension through 2020
Jason Gardner is 37-58 in three seasons at the school. But with the 1999 Indiana Mr. Basketball Award winner in charge, the Jaguars have improved their victory total each successive season.
Donnelly sells stock in family company after furor over Mexico plant
Sen. Joe Donnelly’s reelection campaign says he signed over his stock in the company on Aug. 11 for $17,410 and plans to donate the proceeds to 10 different charities across Indiana.
Auto parts firm plans Fort Wayne expansion, adding 313 workers
Android Industries provides components for the nearby General Motors truck assembly plant.
Volkswagen recalls 281K cars because engines can stall
VW says in government documents that the fuel pump control computer can lose electrical power. That can stop gas from flowing and cause the engine to stop.
Dow Agro engaged in fight to replace trans fats with healthier options
Partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of artificial trans fat and an invisible mainstay of the American food industry for decades, are on the verge of being totally pushed out in favor of better alternatives.