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.
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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 -
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 Kate Magill • June 1, 2023 -
Ford inks long-term lithium supply contracts
The automaker announced deals lasting through at least 2034 in three different countries.
By Kelly Stroh • May 30, 2023 -
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 -
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 Sarah Zimmerman • May 22, 2023 -
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 Kate Magill • May 18, 2023 -
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 Kelly Stroh • May 17, 2023 -
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 -
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 -
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 Megan Ruggles • May 15, 2023 -
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 -
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 -
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 Kelly Stroh • May 9, 2023 -
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 -
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 Kate Magill • May 4, 2023 -
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 Ben Unglesbee • May 2, 2023 -
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 Kate Magill • May 1, 2023 -
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 Kelly Stroh • May 1, 2023 -
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 -
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 Kate Magill • April 24, 2023 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 Kate Magill • April 14, 2023 -
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