Industry Trends Page 160

$85M Plan Reflects New Focus for U.S. Manufacturers

The investments are representative of what manufacturers are trying to do in addressing two key challenges.

Ford Embraces a New (Virtual) Reality

The company's designers can see holograms in photo-quality backdrops with wireless headsets.

Changing Consumer Preferences Drive Packaging Growth

While there are a number of trends which are impacting packaging equipment purchases, the key takeaways reflect how end-user preferences continue to change.

GE's Transformation Continues as Legacy Businesses are Sold Off

Over the last five years, GE has undergone a tremendous transition, the latest example being the $3 billion sale of a core business unit.

Two Automakers Investing Billions in U.S. Manufacturing

Despite the headwinds facing the American auto industry, two luxury brands are bullish – probably because they’ve both experienced significant success.

Bees Manufacturing More Than Honey

In looking to address concerns over the need of a stronger treatment against bacterial infections, scientists have looked to nature.

UK Manufacturer Comes to the U.S.

Supporting the company’s recent growth and product demand, the $5.2 million plant will create dozens of new jobs in the area.

GM Switches to Wind Power

It will take an entire wind farm to meet half of the company's new demands.

Robots With More Common Senses

A new stretchable electronic skin could be used for advanced prosthetics, wearable electronics and human-machine interfaces.

Spider silk has long been investigated due to its natural tensile strength and toughness. Researchers are now looking at ways to build more strength into this silk to mimic man-made polymers and synthetic fibers like Kevlar at the molecular level.