IndustryNet Blog

The Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced the launch of an important new patent for the metalworking industry.

The trucks and trailer industry has recently experienced explosive growth, thanks in part to domestically focused economic policies that encouraged the return of manufacturing to the United States. Researchers at MNI have compiled statistics for those manufacturers. The truck and tractor trailer industry consists of 1,958 companies together employing 76,489 workers.

U.S. manufacturing activity continued to sputter in July as production and employment grew at a slower rate according to the Institute for Supply Management's July survey of manufacturing executives. And while many responses to the ISM's survey are mostly positive, tariff concerns continue to cast a shadow on an otherwise robust sector, as many businesses grapple with uncertainty and supply disruptions.

Truck and trailer manufacturers are closely related to the steel industry, so as the steel industry grows, more trucks are required for transportation. Much of the increased transportation demand is for products made of steel or required by industries that use steel. In addition, trucks and trailers use significant amounts of steel in their own structures, adding to the demand for steel and eventually, more trucks. For those reasons, a healthy steel economy generally results in a healthy truck-and-trailer economy.

China's economic growth hit a 27-year low as a result of the trade war this past year. With tariffs as high as 25% on certain goods, the cost for U.S.-based manufacturers that build in China has increased to the point that many are opting to reduce their footprint there. That, in turn, provides an opportunity for domestic companies to fill the gap in the production supply chain.

Many industries, including transportation, defense, aerospace, oil and gas, plumbing and construction, use fabricated metal products. They are largely responsible for the continued growth in the industry that makes those products. They're created by taking simple parts and forming them into another shape or assembly. An example is taking a metal sheet and creating a hubcap by pressing it into the right shape and punching bolt holes in it.

New data released July 16th by the Federal Reserve finds U.S. industrial production was flat last month, with gains in manufacturing and mining compensating for a decline in utilities. The Federal Reserve's latest release on U.S. industrial production showed manufacturing output edged up 0.4%, following a 0.2% increase in May. Mining increased 0.2%, and utilities decreased 3.6%. The Fed noted that the drop in utilities was largely due to cooler June temperatures reducing the demand for air conditioning. Overall, manufacturing output has fallen at a 2.2% annual rate in the second quarter.

The White House unveiled a new plan this week to boost U.S. procurement of American-made products. During the annual "Made In America" showcase at the White House July 15th, President Trump signed an executive order vowing to enforce and maximize the 1933 Buy American Act to the greatest extent of the law.

The metal fabrication products industry continues to evolve as technology advances, incorporating new advances in automation. The trend toward automation simplifies the production process and allows for reduced reliance on humans and human resources. 3D printing is another trend, allowing for precision and ease in creating prototypes.

Across the U.S. a number of new plant openings and expansions were announced, some of which we will take a closer look at today. Spanning seven states and representing multiple industries, billions in investments and thousands of new jobs, these are just a few of the major manufacturing announcements made in recent weeks.

Regardless of its origin, a large percentage of food consumed in this country and in most parts of the world has been packaged, processed or prepared by specialized machines. Food processing machines may not command as much of the economy as other types of industrial equipment, but their importance cannot be denied.

U.S. manufacturing expanded at its slowest rate in three years, according to the Institute for Supply Management's June survey of manufacturing executives. Factory activity in the U.S. now stands at 51.7%, down 0.4% from May's reading of 52.1%, and its lowest reading since October 2016.

The food processing machinery industry is a crucial part of food production, allowing for processing, packaging and more. The market currently focuses on optimizing supply lines and plants, and overcoming the disconnect between operations and procurement. Experts predict market growth in food processing machinery caused by dietary shifts and health-consciousness. The industry also expects market growth as a result of government organizations encouraging food processing machinery manufacturers to step up their research and development.

As IndustryNet reported last month, tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods was raised from 10% to 25% current 10% effective Friday, May 10th and has also threatened to raise tariffs on another $325 billion more. Many manufacturers are seeking exemptions to the tariffs. But how successful are they?

We've all had our share of high maintenance costs, high downtime, and performance issues with our vacuum pumps in the past and no doubt we expect them to occur again tomorrow. This doesn't need to be the case.

During the past two decades, local sourcing has been eschewed in favor of outsourcing to find the lowest possible prices for manufacturing, processing and production. In that time, however, that practice has experienced changes brought about by the implementation of tariffs on China, one of the United States's largest trading partners.

The U.S. metal stamping industry has seen rapid job growth despite relatively stagnant sales numbers the past year. Using the latest reliable industry data, let's take a look some of the statistics.

New data released June 14th by the Federal Reserve finds U.S. industrial production regained lost ground in May, with increases reported across the board for manufacturing output, as well as mining, utilities and capacity utilization.

According to new data collected by MNI, researcher and compiler of the U.S. manufacturing data that powers IndustryNet, manufacturing companies in Michigan added jobs for an eighth straight year, creating more than 10,000 positions. Over the past several years, Michigan has added manufacturing jobs at an unparalleled rate, rebounding by more than 100,000 jobs since the recession. This article will take a closer look at Michigan's industrial sector, exploring top industries, growing companies as well as city and regional factors. We'll also examine why the state is a top destination for industrial companies and look at some of the challenges faced by the state's manufacturers currently.

A number of new economic reports out this month indicate the U.S. manufacturing sector is headed toward a slowdown. So what challenges, exactly, are industrial executives facing? Today, we're taking a look at how industry executives are navigating this new economic landscape as they look toward the future.

With tariffs and trade policy changing recently and a potential for future changes, industrial buyers of automotive parts and accessories must remain informed and up to date. With the proper background knowledge, the process of procuring U.S. auto parts can go more smoothly, keeping your company's production on track.

One of the topics we get asked frequently is when to use metal hose. There are many different types of hose available on the market. They include metal, rubber, composite, PTFE and fabric. Typically, metal hose is used when no other (non-metallic) construction will successfully work in an application.

A gauge of U.S. manufacturing activity slipped to its lowest level since October 2016, according to the Institute for Supply Management's May survey of manufacturing executives. U.S. manufacturing activity now stands at 52.1%, down 0.7% from April's reading of 52.8%.

Olympia Lighting recently announced it has won EC & M Magazine's "Product of the Year" Award in two categories. Olympia, which provides smart indoor and outdoor LED lighting for a wide range of settings, including sports arenas, resorts, factories, hospitals and parking lots, won the esteemed award in two categories: Outdoor and Replacement Lamps. Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine, published monthly since 1901, is the technical authority for 130,000+ electrical professionals.

The White House recently announced plans to impose new tariffs on imported goods from Mexico in response to immigration issues effective June 10th. In a statement posted on Whitehouse.gov, president Trump stated that an initial 5% tariff would be established June 10th. If the crisis is not resolved, the White House goes on to say, the duties will be raised to 10% July 1st, 15% August 1st, 20% on September 1st, culminating in a whopping 25% tariff on imports from Mexico effective October 1st.

The automotive parts industry affects nearly everyone in the country, at least indirectly, since eventually there is an end-user at the end of a long supply chain. Here, we explore the top 12 auto parts manufacturers in the United States. But first, it helps to get an overall feel for the industry.

The motor vehicle parts market is a massive economic engine for the United States, which has a supplier or manufacturer in all fifty states. But, tied to the fortunes of the auto industry, the suppliers that build components are easily affected by new vehicle sales and international trade turmoil. Despite what could have been a disastrous year, those companies have done quite well. Let's take a look at the industry and some of the new creations on the horizon.

Regardless of the application, metering pumps performing to specification is a critical factor for producing end products that fall within specification. This might range from correctly dosing treatment chemicals in wastewater plants through to a constant nutrient feed in antibiotic manufacturing, to adding anti-icing additives to jet fuels. Regardless of the process, it is critical that the metering of additives be within allowable tolerances so that the end-product passes quality control.

Multiple new U.S. manufacturing plants and expansions were announced in May, including an increasing number of high-tech enterprises. From Detroit to Baltimore to Augusta, Georgia, here are just a few of the major manufacturer announcements made in May.

According to new data collected by MNI, publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustryNet, manufacturing employment in North Carolina climbed over the past year, with the state adding nearly 5,000 jobs -- its eighth straight year of gains. Although the state's steady growth is welcome news, it is worth noting that 2018's gain fell slightly short of the 9,000 jobs gained in 2017. For the first time in several years, transportation equipment did not lead North Carolina's gains. Growth in the auto industry has slowed, both in North Carolina and across the nation.