In 2020, most manufacturers focused on mitigating the impact of COVID-19, but mitigation is too little too late. Many companies learned that lesson after seeing how COVID-19 outbreaks affected either their own facilities or other manufacturing firms.
2020 was certainly an unusual year—for SME, for our industry, and for the world. There is no question that these unusual times will carry over into 2021. Unusual does not necessarily mean bad; it just means different. Often hidden within those differences are opportunities.
Kyocera Corp. said it will begin construction of a new research and development center in January 2021 at its Kokubu campus in Kirishima City, Kagoshima, Japan.
Marposs said its Artis CTM Tool and Process Monitoring System has played a role in a 2020 Henry Ford Technology Award (HFTA) winning program focused on Torque Monitoring of Gear Machining Processes.
The creation of Stellantis through the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler is the newest test of the workforce of the former Chrysler Corp.
Honda Motor Co. this week began production of the 2022 Acura MDX. The company is using virtual reality, in combination with traditional training, to get output up to speed.
Boeing Co. this week said it agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion because of fatal crashes stemming from problems with the 737 Max. The company is looking to the settlement a way to move on from a corporate crisis.
GF Machining Solutions said it will transition in phases to a direct sales and support model in several key states.
The SME Education Foundation has announced a new $2 million diversity, equity and inclusion scholarship to increase awards to underrepresented students, beginning in 2021.
Automating machining operations is at the top of the list of goals for most manufacturers, as needs and capital expenditure budgets allow.