Deep Dive

Industry insights from our journalists

  • Workers manufacturer shoes in a factory.
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    Adam Glanzman via Getty Images
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    De minimis: Helping or hurting U.S. manufacturers?

    While groups like the National Association of Manufacturers claim the exemption benefits domestic production, others say it erodes the U.S. industry’s competitive edge and forces factory closures.

    Philip Neuffer • Sept. 12, 2024
  • A person sweating and wearing protective goggles, gloves and orange vest in a factory.
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    coffeekai for iStock via Getty Images
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    How OSHA’s proposed heat rule could impact manufacturers

    Companies should prepare now to offer employees additional breaks and increased air conditioning, as global temperatures continue to rise. 

    Sara Samora • July 26, 2024
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    What employers can expect following the end of Chevron deference

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s regulations may not fare well under federal courts’ scrutiny post-Chevron, a former official said.

    Ryan Golden • July 24, 2024
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    Courtesy of Thermo Fisher Scientific
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    Embracing continuous manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry

    Drugmakers have been slow to adopt the production process, which experts say can streamline operations, boost data quality and reduce time to market.

    Joelle Anselmo • May 17, 2024
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    Retrieved from IAM District 751.

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    Why Boeing’s back is ‘against a wall’ in its labor negotiations

    The aircraft maker is in the midst of bargaining with two of its unions. Experts say the company's litany of quality problems give unions the upper hand.

    Sara Samora • May 10, 2024
  • Two people reading a document in an industrial workplace setting.
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    Permission granted by JBM Packaging
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    Second chance hiring can bridge manufacturing labor gaps

    Although some companies say they initially hire formerly incarcerated individuals to overcome a labor shortage, these programs can lead to less employee churn, lower recidivism and life-changing impact, advocates say.

    Katie Pyzyk • May 1, 2024
  • A woman engineer uses a digital tablet to work on car design and improvements.
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    gorodenkoff via Getty Images
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    Why aren’t more women joining automotive manufacturing?

    As gender diversity remains an industry challenge, experts say companies can help tackle the problem by expanding childcare options and prioritizing career development and mentorship. 

    Megan Ruggles • April 17, 2024
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    Retrieved from Food and Drug Administration on February 23, 2024
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    How the FDA traced the WanaBana lead outbreak to a single food processor

    The investigation into the applesauce pouch maker highlights efforts to tighten lead regulation in food production.

    Joelle Anselmo • Feb. 26, 2024
  • A Ford F-150 Lightning being assembled.
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    Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
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    The UAW won big for future EV battery plants

    The United Auto Workers agreements with GM, Ford and Stellantis will likely increase labor costs for the Big Three as more EV battery plants open.

    Kalena Thomhave • Jan. 19, 2024
  • A drone view of a train passing alongside Puerto de Anapra town at the border between USA and Mexico.
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    THEPALMER via Getty Images
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    Mexico’s nearshoring wave is years in the making

    Decades of investments in logistics infrastructure, trade deals and becoming a manufacturing hub are paying off as shippers look to nearshore production.

    Alejandra Carranza and Edwin Lopez • Dec. 18, 2023
  • The skyline of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at sunset
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    Khoa Nguyen via Getty Images
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    As manufacturers turn away from China, Vietnam lures investment

    The country has become home to a growing number of factories thanks to its increased use of free trade agreements, tax incentives and competitive labor costs.

    Kate Magill • Dec. 14, 2023
  • U.S. President Joe Biden, President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau hug each other.
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    Hector Vivas via Getty Images
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    6 reasons why global supply chains are shifting

    A desire to reduce costs, lead times, political risk and emissions are just some of the reasons behind onshoring, nearshoring and friendshoring decisions.

    Edwin Lopez • Dec. 13, 2023
  • Destination XL storefront
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    "DXL Men's Apparel store located in Natick, MA." by JCarnellDXLG is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Nearshoring apparel: Inside DXL’s pivot to Central America

    The clothing maker is one of many eyeing the region, but economic and policy barriers could stand in the way of greater investment.

    Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 12, 2023
  • A massive gray storm cloud gathers on the horizon over a placid body of water.
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    petesphotography via Getty Images
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    ‘Rough ride’: 5 CFO tips for cutting insurance costs amid climate change

    CFOs facing more destructive weather and soaring insurance costs can take five steps to hold down premiums.

    Jim Tyson • Dec. 8, 2023
  • An aerial view of a industrial plant that sits along a river with a smoky horizon.
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    E. Jason Wambsgans/TNS/Newscom

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    The history of PFAS: From World War II to your Teflon pan

    How DuPont and 3M turned a 1930s lab accident into one of the century's most controversial chemicals.

    Sara Samora and Shaun Lucas • Dec. 6, 2023
  • A bulldozer getting land ready for a semiconductor plant
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    Permission granted by Texas Instruments
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    US manufacturing boom unlocks ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for construction firms

    Private companies have spent more than half a trillion dollars since 2021 to onshore facilities back to the U.S., according to the White House.

    Sebastian Obando • Nov. 22, 2023
  • Hyundai vehicles displayed for sale at a new car dealership.
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    Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images North America via Getty Images
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    EV sales are rising. So why are automakers nervous?

    Slower sales growth, lower prices and growing inventories have spooked EV manufacturers, leading some to reconsider their plans and finances.

    Michael Brady • Nov. 17, 2023
  • A man in a blue blazer speaking with a active duty service member in a green camouflage uniform.
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    Courtesy of RecruitMilitary.

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    How military veterans can fill the manufacturing labor gap

    As the industry pushes to fill more than 600,000 open roles, veterans offer unique skillsets and leadership qualities to step into manufacturing careers.

    Sara Samora • Nov. 10, 2023
  • Ai laboratory equipment sterilizes items.
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    XH4D via Getty Images
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    How AI is changing drug manufacturing

    How artificial intelligence is moving into pharmaceutical production and what the FDA is doing about it.

    Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Nov. 8, 2023
  • Aerial view of the new computer chip factory that's being built by The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Arizona on the North side of Phoenix.
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    Skyhobo via Getty Images
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    Manufacturing megaprojects gobble up workers

    From Taylor, Texas, to Licking County, Ohio, multibillion-dollar factory projects are magnifying labor woes and driving up costs.

    Sebastian Obando • Aug. 16, 2023
  • A group of industrial workers walk across a bridge.
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    sculpies via Getty Images
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    Second chances: How one Indiana program is breaking down employment barriers in manufacturing

    Delaware County’s Jump program connects people in the criminal justice system with local companies in an effort to reduce recidivism and fill labor gaps.

    Megan Ruggles • June 8, 2023
  • Image of an old fax machine, circa 1980.
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    luoman via Getty Images
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    Out of fashion: Apparel manufacturing needs a tech update

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

    Krishna Thakker • May 15, 2023
  • Person holding hamburger in a wrapper
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    hapabapa via Getty Images
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    Paper manufacturers struggle to phase out PFAS

    "Forever chemicals” have long been used in the packaging sector. But as regulators push for their elimination, companies find it difficult to fully rid their supply chains of the toxic chemical.

    April Reese • April 4, 2023
  • A row of electric vehicle chargers in a parking lot.
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    Aranga87/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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    To spur Biden’s ‘EV revolution,’ carmakers await IRS guidance on Inflation Reduction Act

    The law’s EV ecosystem rules need clarity for charger builders, global supply chain providers and customers, analysts said.

    Herman K. Trabish • March 24, 2023
  • A hand wearing a safety glove gives a paper-wrapped ice cream sandwich with round cookies and pink ice cream to another hand.
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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    From science to CPG: New ventures create opportunities for startups

    While more established food tech companies had to design and build manufacturing facilities from scratch, entities are working to give those starting out now a smoother beginning.

    Megan Poinski • Nov. 15, 2022