The patchwork deal to prevent the U.S. from going over the so-called fiscal cliff included numerous policy changes and deals that will have a direct positive effect on manufacturing businesses, but manufacturers remain deeply concerned about lingering problems that will need to be addressed in coming months, particularly budget sequestration. Read more

Many states have adopted new right-to-work laws, which prevent workers from being forced to pay union fees. While supporters of these laws claim they are an important step in boosting competitiveness, opponents argue that they hinder a union’s effectiveness. Here we separate the truth from the misconceptions in this controversial debate. Read more

New technology greatly improved industrial production in 2012, as manufacturers focused on non-traditional resources, such as mobile apps, the cloud, and a wide range of sustainable energy sources. As we begin a new year, what are the tech trends we should watch out for in 2013?

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In Makers, author and Wired magazine editor Chris Anderson explores how today’s cutting-edge manufacturers are harnessing high-tech tools, like open source design and 3-D printing, to usher in a new age of custom-made, do-it-yourself production. Read more