ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom - Industrial Market Trends

China's Machine Tool Industry Coming of Age

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:44:10 -0500

China's machine tool industry seems to be coming of age globally, driven in large part by the country's rapidly rising machine tool investment, output and export.

Sweepstakes Science: Prizes for Breakthroughs

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:14:06 -0500

The prize-inspired breakthrough is a concept that goes back hundreds of years. Yet this notion of using prize money to spur innovation has become a particularly booming trend in recent years.

9 Oddities in Discovery and Invention

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:12:55 -0500

While necessity may be the mother of invention, its paternal roots can be traced to accidents and eccentricity. IMT contributor Ilya Leybovich looks at the unexpected sources of some of today's most common inventions, plus some unusual proposals for products yet to find a niche.

Ridiculous Government Purchases

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:10:04 -0500

Gambling, iPods, lingerie, Internet dating sites - if you've ever filled out an expense report, you know these just won't fly as "business transactions." Shouldn't the government be held to the same standards?

Transportation: Did You Know?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:08:03 -0500

Ever wondered when the first auto race was? Wish you had your own submarine? Here IMT contributor Susannah Nevison offers some offbeat auto facts and a few just-for-fun vehicles.

The State of Machines Talking to Machines

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:06:21 -0500

Although M2M technology has seen steady growth in recent years, it hasn't been an easy journey. As more businesses look to design wireless into their processes, perhaps M2M technology will be reevaluated.

Whatever Happened to. . . ?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:04:17 -0500

In what could be called "The Future of the Past," IMT contributor Brian Lane looks into the future that never was and asks, "Whatever happened to all the cool stuff promised to us?"

Minneapolis' New I-35 Bridge Nearly Complete

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:02:45 -0500

Though it won't be open by the first anniversary of the tragic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis, Minn., a new $234 million bridge is on track to open in its predecessor's place as early as September.

How Prepared is Your Supply Chain?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:21 -0500

Recent studies uncover how some companies are struggling to configure their supply chains to meet and exceed global goals in the near and long term.

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Eurozone Trade, Global Air Freight and Orders for U.S. Jets...

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:20:05 -0500

... The WTO Rules Against China and MORE.

Light Friday: Indignation Within Organizations and the Next Big Bubble Burst...

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:42:37 -0500

...."Flat is the New Up," a "Ramen Moment" and MORE.

U.S. Industrial Output Rebounds in June

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:34:26 -0500

Production at U.S. factories, mines and utilities rose in June after two straight monthly declines, according to the Federal Reserve's latest data.

Manufacturing Tech Consumption Remains Healthy

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:47:35 -0500

Energy prices and commodities costs, not to mention an overall uninspiring economy, have many businesses cutting back on spending. Nonetheless, a new report suggests manufacturing industries are investing in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

Are TVs the Real Environmental Threat?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:39:53 -0500

As the manufacture of flat-screen televisions to meet consumer demand continues to rise, so too does the threat to our environment, according to a new study.