How manufacturers are reskilling factory workers for AI adoption

Companies are leveraging the metaverse and augmented reality to train workers to use artificial intelligence for assembly and maintenance tasks.

By Sakshi Udavant • May 28, 2024

HNI to shutter North Carolina textile plant, lay off 221

The furnishing and textile maker is trying to cut millions in costs after its acquisition of Kimball International last year.

By Sara Samora • May 28, 2024

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Top 5 stories from Manufacturing Dive

Check out five of our biggest stories of 2024 so far, including how manufacturers are navigating rising costs and boosting workforce innovation. 

By Manufacturing Dive staff

Deere lowers profit outlook as equipment sales slow

The company is cutting production as high interest rates, weather volatility and other factors weigh on demand for tractors and lawnmowers.

By Nathan Owens • May 23, 2024

Land O’Frost to close Illinois plant, lay off 215 workers

The plant produced the company’s DaBecca Natural Foods brand, and will shift production to other facilities in its national network.

By Joelle Anselmo • May 23, 2024

Deere lays off 190 more workers at Iowa plant

The farm machinery maker has notified 500 employees about job cuts since March as it slows production at its Waterloo facility.

By Nathan Owens • May 22, 2024

Kohler opens bath and shower fixtures facility in Arizona

The company is in talks with the Department of Energy to receive up to $51.2 million for decarbonizing the Casa Grande plant.

By Sara Samora • May 22, 2024

Employers should include workers in AI plans, DOL says

The agency outlined a list of eight “AI Principles for Developers and Employers,” following up on a 2023 directive from the White House.

By Ryan Golden • May 21, 2024

Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama vote against joining UAW

The United Auto Workers did not say it would challenge Friday's election results.

By Haley Cawthon • May 20, 2024

Spirit AeroSystems to cut jobs at Kansas plant

The Boeing and Airbus supplier blamed the cuts on high inventory levels as its deliveries plunged last quarter.

By Sara Samora • May 20, 2024

Shein factory employees work 75-hour weeks for low wages: report

Following allegations from human rights group Public Eye, the fast fashion giant said it invests tens of millions of dollars into strengthening its supply chain governance and compliance.

By Laurel Deppen • May 16, 2024

Cargill sells California beef plant to Central Valley Meat

The state's largest beef producer aims to retain as many of the Fresno facility's 880 employees as possible.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 15, 2024

Deere lays off 34 more workers in Illinois

Hundreds of factory workers across the Midwest have lost their jobs in recent months as the company adjusts to declining equipment demand.

By Nathan Owens • May 14, 2024

Tech skills gaps put pressure on existing IT staff

Technologists surveyed by Pluralsight said workloads have increased and projects have been abandoned as tech proficiency gaps mount.

By Lindsey Wilkinson • May 13, 2024

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.

By Sara Samora • May 10, 2024

How the FTC’s noncompete ban could impact manufacturing operations and innovation

Companies should start preparing now for how to better protect trade secrets, from the factory floor to R&D. 

By Kate Magill • May 8, 2024

Boeing to lay off over 100 at Alabama plant

The aircraft maker is cutting jobs at the Huntsville site due to "decisions external to Boeing," a spokesperson said.

By Sara Samora • May 8, 2024

Avery Dennison leveraged supply chain resilience to navigate Finland port strikes

The adhesive materials maker leveraged supplier diversification and enhanced inventory strategy to avoid disruptions.

By S.L. Fuller • May 8, 2024

Emergent Biosolutions to shutter 2 Maryland facilities, lay off 300

The drug manufacturer's Baltimore and Rockville closures are part of its restructuring to cut costs by $80 million.

By Joelle Anselmo • May 7, 2024

California poultry processors will pay over $5M for overtime, child labor allegations

The U.S. Department of Labor called it “one of the largest wage violation settlements ever reached" for domestic poultry workers.

By Emilie Shumway • May 7, 2024

Boeing acquires GKN Aerospace Missouri facility, prevents shuttering

The company will transition the Hazelwood plant’s capabilities and operations to support its fighter jet programs.

By Sara Samora • May 6, 2024

Airbus Americas taps former JetBlue CEO as new leader

Robin Hayes will join the company June 3 as talks to acquire supplier Spirit AeroSystems intensify.

By Sara Samora • May 2, 2024

Manufacturing demand dips in April as companies remain cautious: PMI

While hiring is beginning to uptick, manufacturers remain uncertain about the fate of interest rates and its impact on business.

By Kate Magill • May 1, 2024

Ion Storage Systems’ opens solid-state battery factory in Maryland

The manufacturing startup is developing a portable battery for the U.S. Army, which it expects to deliver later this year.

By Sara Samora • May 1, 2024

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.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 1, 2024

Workforce shortages? Solve it with partnerships.

Discover how more strategic partnerships with dealers, resellers, distributors and other types of partners are helping manufacturers tackle critical labor shortages and transform challenges into new opportunities for innovation and growth.

By Anson Gessel, Strategic Sales Director, Impartner • April 29, 2024