Latest Manufacturing Headlines

All the headlines from our Manufacturing Topic Page, ordered by recency.

VW’s Keyless Entry Systems Vulnerable to Hacking: European Researchers

Aug 12 2016 // Tens of millions of vehicles sold by Volkswagen AG over the past 20 years, and some current models, are vulnerable to theft because keyless entry systems can be hacked using cheap technical devices, according to European...

Texas Manufacturer Faces $99K in Penalties Over Workplace Hazards

Aug 5 2016 // A Texas-based pre-cast concrete structure manufacturer has been cited by federal safety officials for 17 repeat, serious workplace safety violations and faces penalties totaling $99, 248.The Turner Company LLP was cited by...

Houston Tortilla Factory Fined Nearly $107K for Workplace Hazards

Aug 4 2016 // Federal safety officials have proposed penalties of $106,700 against a Houston tortilla factory over unsafe conditions at the company’s workplace.The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health...

Wal-Mart Says Move to Label, Reduce Unhealthy Chemicals Affects 700 Manufacturers

Jul 22 2016 // Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is asking suppliers to remove formaldehyde, triclosan and six other substances from their products, part of an effort to eliminate controversial chemicals from household goods.The chemicals on the list...

Motor Insurers Need to Adapt to Ward Off Competition from Car Manufacturers

Jul 20 2016 // As internet-connected and, eventually, driverless vehicles roll off production lines, traditional motor insurers need to adapt to ward off competition from car manufacturers.Insurers have struggled for years to make a...

Mississippi Tractor Wheel Factory Gutted by Fire

Jun 27 2016 // A fire at a factory in Tupelo, Miss., that makes lawn tractor wheels may have caused millions in damage.Local media report no one was injured by the fire at Custom Engineered Wheels, which broke out late Thursday....

Orlando Victims Watching Sandy Hook Gun Manufacturer Liability Case Opening Today

Jun 20 2016 // A case in Connecticut state court could help victims from mass shootings — including the recent massacre in Orlando — sue manufacturers of military style assault rifles used in the attacks, despite state and...

Update: Skuld to Acquire SMA/Gerling Norway and Its Hull & Machinery Book

May 20 2016 // Skuld, the Oslo, Norway-based marine insurance provider, announced it has signed a letter of intent to purchase SMA/Gerling Norway.The transaction includes the acquisition of the renewal rights of the hull & machinery...

Conn. Court: Law Doesn’t Bar Suits Against Cigarette Manufacturers

Apr 27 2016 // Cigarette manufacturers aren’t immune to lawsuits by smokers who get sick, Connecticut’s highest court ruled Monday in a decision that bolsters the case of a smoker who was stricken with laryngeal cancer and...

Michigan Manufacturer to Pay $187.5K to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit

Apr 26 2016 // A paper and packaging manufacturer with a facility located in Battle Creek, Mich., will pay $187,500 to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).The EEOC...

Where Prescription Drug Prices Are Headed in U.S.

Apr 15 2016 // Spending on medicines increased by double digits for a second year in 2015 and reached $425 billion based on invoice prices. After adjusting for rebates and other price concessions by manufacturers, net spending was $310...

Sony’s Camera Chip Factory Halts Production After Japan Temblor; AIR Comments

Apr 15 2016 // The earthquake in southern Japan that killed nine people, damaged buildings and derailed a bullet train also halted production at a Sony Corp. camera-chip factory, a key part of the global smartphone supply chain.The plant...

Louisiana Food Manufacturer Fined $124K for Workplace Hazards

Apr 12 2016 // The U.S. Department of Labor’sOccupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a Louisiana food manufacturing company for 25 serious and one other violation for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals,...

Court Orders Michigan Cheese Manufacturer to Stop Distributing Products

Apr 6 2016 // A federal court in Detroit, Mich., has entered an injunction against a suburban company to prevent the distribution of adulterated cheese products.The Justice Department says the injunction follows a court ruling last year...

British SME Owners Develop Contingency Plans for Potential ‘Brexit’

Mar 29 2016 // Above a factory floor of machines carving metal to within a millionth of a meter, Stephen Cheetham is preparing his company for the unknown: a British exit from the European Union.Since the government announced a...

Steps to Prepare for the Worst and Best Outcome in Recalls

Mar 21 2016 // Product recalls are on the rise. Last quarter alone, there were dozens of recalls, including peanut butter, cars and bicycles. As consumer safety concerns come under greater regulation and scrutiny, recall risks are not...

Despite Energy Job Losses, South Central States Report Some Employment Gains

Mar 21 2016 // While oil and gas industry job losses had an impact in the South Central states over the last year, Arkansas, Louisiana Oklahoma and Texas still saw decreases in unemployment rates in 2015.Year-over-year from 2014 to 2015,...

General Star Adds Product Liability Coverages for Manufacturers, Distributors

Mar 18 2016 // General Star Management Co. has launched a trio of specialized product liability coverages called “Encore!” designed to protect manufacturers, importers and distributors from product liability exposures arising...

Tech Firms Warn of Growing Cyber Risks: From Medical Devices to Sex Toys

Mar 17 2016 // It’s not just computers and mobile phones that are vulnerable to cyber attack, according to software firm Trend Micro. As more devices are hooked up to the internet, it could be anything from medical equipment to...

CNA Appoints Dieter Korte VP Underwriting, Manufacturing

Mar 16 2016 // Chicago-based CNA has appointed Dieter Korte as vice president, Underwriting for the company’s Manufacturing Segment. He will report to John Tatum, senior vice president, Commercial Segments. Dieter joins CNA from...