Manufacturing

Manufacturing sector news can be a leading indicator for supply chain managers looking for information about supplier capacity, production challenges, inventory tactics, and other operations trends. Are you a manufacturing executive looking for further coverage of the sector? See our sister publication manufacturingdive.com.

  • A wide shot of a factory with machinery, pipelines, and other technology sources on a gray hardwood floor
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    Permission granted by ProtoLabs
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    Sponsored by Protolabs

    Manufacturing speed, agility can help solve supply disruptions

    There’s a growing need for companies to find fast and nimble suppliers that can successfully navigate supply chain challenges.

    By Bernie Henderson, Director of Global Procurement at Protolabs • June 5, 2023
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    Phynart Studio via Getty Images
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    Manufacturing needs demand boost to avoid layoffs, economists warn

    May's PMI showed supply chain factors improving in the industry, sparking hopes of a late-year rebound.

    By • June 1, 2023
  • A 2022 Mustang Mach-E premium ice white edition
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    Courtesy of Mustang Ice White Appearance Package
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    Ford inks long-term lithium supply contracts

    The automaker announced deals lasting through at least 2034 in three different countries.

    By • May 30, 2023
  • To the right of a mall store entrance, a minimalist gray granite facade features the red and white Lululemon logo and white lettering.
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    Daphne Howland/Supply Chain Dive
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    Lululemon inks multiyear partnership to recycle nylon, polyester

    The deal will allow the activewear brand to scale its circular efforts through textile-to-textile recycling.

    By Laurel Deppen • May 23, 2023
  • The Toyota logo is displayed on the exterior of City Toyota
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    How Toyota is rethinking its supply chain for a post-pandemic world

    The automaker’s well-insulated supply chain wasn’t enough to weather the COVID-19 storm.

    By • May 22, 2023
  • An overhead view of The Smart Factory at Wichita State University.
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    Courtesy of Deloitte
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    How Siemens and Deloitte are using digital twins and 3D models to advance smart factories

    Tech companies are collaborating on the latest innovations in manufacturing at a warehouse in Wichita State University.

    By • May 18, 2023
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    Victor J. Blue via Getty Images
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    AMC will make its own candy as brands hike prices

    The movie theater chain will launch a sweets line by early next year in a bid to lower costs.

    By • May 17, 2023
  • "Do the right thing" sculpture at the Nike headquarters in 2018
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    Natalie Behring via Getty Images
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    Nike sued for ‘misleading’ claims about its sustainable materials

    A Missouri plaintiff said that 90% of the products Nike advertises as using recycled materials don’t, and that some of the recycled materials are environmentally harmful.

    By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2023
  • A factory with rows of Bangladeshi garment workers behind their sewing machines working on fashion garments
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    Allison Joyce / Stringer via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Apparel makers must reform purchasing practices that hurt workers

    When suppliers are squeezed on price, workers feel the greatest pain, writes a program manager at the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights.

    By Natasja Sheriff Wells • May 15, 2023
  • An employee works on a Cisco product.
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    Courtesy of Cisco
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    Cisco to diversify supply chain with India manufacturing

    The telecommunications firm said its new operation will support customer demand in the country and across the globe.

    By • May 15, 2023
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    luoman via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Apparel suppliers out of vogue as they resist tech investments

    Tied to fax machines and Excel spreadsheets, many companies are resistant to change and slow to adapt to new ways of doing business.

    By Krishna Thakker • May 12, 2023
  • Jean-Christophe Flatin, in a navy blue sweater, stands next to Toni Peterson, in a black sweater, with an open office in the background.
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    Courtesy of Oatly
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    Oatly names new CEO

    Global President Jean-Christophe Flatin, who spearheaded a push to an asset-light production model, will take over as chief executive June 1.

    By Megan Poinski • May 9, 2023
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    Nestlé closes 2 Pennsylvania plants

    The company's heath science division will lay off more than 300 workers as it consolidates its supply chain.

    By • May 9, 2023
  • An engineer checks and controls welding robotics automatic arms machine in intelligent factory automotive industrial with monitoring system software.
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    ipopba via Getty Images
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    How manufacturers are using AI to improve worker safety

    The technology is helping some companies limit employees' exposure to often risky tasks like equipment maintenance and enhanced safety training.

    By Michelle No • May 8, 2023
  • The exterior of a TSMC semiconductor facility.
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    Courtesy of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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    TSMC struggles with inventory glut

    The semiconductor producer struggled to lower stock levels in the past quarter, but says AI-related customer demand is helping with “inventory digestion.”

    By • May 4, 2023
  • The Tesla gigafactory in Nevada.
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    Courtesy of Tesla
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    Tesla details its supply chain emissions for the first time

    The EV maker released an estimate of its Scope 3 footprint, while also delving into its efforts to source mineral responsibly. 

    By • May 2, 2023
  • Modern car production line with robotic arms welding components 3D render and two workers with yellow helmets blurred in the background.
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    studio-fi/iStock via Getty Images
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    Manufacturing industry performance holds largely stable in April

    S&P Global's PMI index registered growth for the first time since October 2022, but economists remain uncertain about the future.

    By • May 1, 2023
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    Stephen Brashear / Stringer via Getty Images
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    Boeing sends cash, resources to supplier to fix 737 quality issue

    The aircraft company is providing Spirit Aerosystems with manufacturing and engineering resources after being notified of a quality issue on some fuselages.

    By • May 1, 2023
  • 3M Monument in St. Paul, Minnesota in the dusk.
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    Courtesy of 3M

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    3M to restructure, lay off 6,000 worldwide

    The news follows the 2,500 jobs the company cut in January.

    By Sara Samora • April 25, 2023
  • The Tesla gigafactory in Nevada.
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    Courtesy of Tesla
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    Tesla says lack of lithium refining capacity will become EV production ‘choke point’

    The EV maker is expanding its lithium production capacity in the U.S. and calling on other companies to do so, too.

    By • April 24, 2023
  • Piles of unsold multi-colored clothing in a large heap
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    Spencer Platt/Getty via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    An unglamorous solution to fashion’s sustainability problem: make less stuff

    Industry players are shifting to new strategies amid corporate responsibility pushes and efforts to stop the destruction of unsold goods.

    By Lauren Schenkman • April 20, 2023
  • A factory with rows of Bangladeshi garment workers behind their sewing machines working on fashion garments
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    Allison Joyce / Stringer via Getty Images
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    Labor watchdog backs increased minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh

    Activist groups have called out major fashion companies — including Adidas, Gap and Nike — for their role in declining wages. 

    By Natalie Schwartz • April 18, 2023
  • Lee jeans in Kohl's
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    "Lee Jeans" by https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/49502074256/ is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Wrangler parent takes steps to cut emissions from supply chain

    Kontoor's new design standards include tools to select materials with lower climate impacts and assess the water and chemical use of manufacturing processes.

    By Natalie Schwartz • April 17, 2023
  • An H.B. Fuller production site in China.
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    Courtesy of H.B. Fuller
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    HB Fuller shutters 2 facilities as it restructures manufacturing network

    The adhesive maker’s production overhaul is part of a broader cost-cutting plan that included 300 layoffs and sourcing shifts.

    By • April 14, 2023
  • A store display with a red Levi's sign includes jeans in various shades of blue, folded on shelves and hanging on racks.
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    Daphne Howland/Supply Chain Dive
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    Levi’s gets a grip on inventory as denim rebounds

    Promotions helped ease a surplus struggle for the clothing company.

    By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2023