Today's Manufacturing Pulse
Algoma Steel invests $987M CAD to electrify blast furnace, slashing emissions
Algoma Steel is spending $987 million CAD (≈$730 million USD) to replace its coal‑fired blast furnace with electric‑arc furnaces, a move that could cut emissions by up to 70 percent. The upgrade triggers a higher carbon tax, with Q1 fees rising to $6 million CAD under Ontario’s new intensity‑based pricing. The investment underscores a shift toward greener steel production in Canada.
Also developing:
By the numbers: TIEA Connectors raises $8M Series A
Viewpoint: Why ‘Always-On’ Environments Break Most Robotics Deployments – and How to Fix Them
Sorting Robotics’ founders warn that most robot failures arise from “always‑on” production environments rather than hardware defects. Lab‑validated robots encounter particulate buildup, temperature and humidity shifts, and calibration drift when operating 24/7, especially in regulated sectors such as cannabis. The authors contend that true uptime is driven by disciplined maintenance, cleaning schedules, and clear operator ownership, not merely oversized components. They advise adopting modular control architectures with integrated monitoring to stay agile amid changing compliance and throughput demands.
How Lilly Used AI To Crank Up Production Of Its Popular GLP-1s
Eli Lilly used an AI‑driven digital twin to dramatically increase manufacturing capacity for its high‑demand GLP‑1 drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro. The virtual factory model allowed real‑time optimization of equipment, process parameters, and defect detection, delivering production volumes the company says would...
Automation Expo in Thailand Concludes with Strong Attendance
The 2026 Automation Expo in Thailand drew a record 11,723 visitors, a 50% year‑on‑year increase, and featured 150 exhibitors across 7,500 sqm. The show highlighted IIoT, advanced robotics, and smart‑factory solutions in dedicated IIoT Ecosystem and Future‑X zones. Organisers Messe Frankfurt...
Pentagon Authorizes $53M Upgrade for LRASM Production Line
The Pentagon approved a $53.1 million contract modification for Lockheed Martin to upgrade the Long‑Range Anti‑Ship Missile (LRASM) production line, adding tooling and test equipment to boost output. The amendment lifts the overall contract value to $462.9 million and extends work through November 2028....
Techman Robot and Tesollo Unveil Adaptive Robotic Gripper Solution for High-Mix Manufacturing
Techman Robot Korea and Tesollo unveiled an adaptive robotic gripper solution for high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing at the 2026 Smart Factory & Automation Industry Exhibition. The system pairs the TM5S collaborative robot with Tesollo’s DG‑3F‑M three‑finger articulated gripper, offering 2.5 kg pinching...
China Doubles Tianyuan TiO₂ Capacity with New Plant
China chlorination titanium dioxide expansion doubles Tianyuan capacity with a new 100,000 t/yr chloride TiO₂ plant. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/03/china-chlorination-titanium-dioxide.html
Agentic AI Redefines Semiconductor Design, Manufacturing, and Testing
#Technology #Thread #Semiconductor #Manufacturing #Agentic The Semiconductor Let Us Explore Agentic AI In Semi: 1/ - Agentic AI Is Emerging As A New Paradigm In Semiconductor Engineering. - Where Intelligent Systems Assist Engineers Across Design, Manufacturing, And Test Workflows.
The Iran War and Global Trade: Will the Cape Route Become the New Normal?
Armed attacks on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early 2026 forced shipping lines to reroute around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. The Cape route, once a contingency, saw usage surge, echoing past disruptions of the...
Innovation Across Borders
Epicor is leveraging channel partners Technology Coast Partners (TCP) and Auros to expand its Kinetic ERP platform across Latin America. TCP helped Mexican water‑treatment firm Impelmex implement Kinetic, SugarCRM and the Fluent platform, delivering faster decision‑making and higher profitability. Auros...
Beyond Mining: Oklahoma Bets on Refining to Anchor US Critical Minerals Supply Chain
U.S. critical‑minerals strategy is shifting from mining to processing, and Oklahoma is positioning itself as a domestic hub for refining, smelting and magnet manufacturing. The state is courting major projects, including a $4 billion aluminum smelter by Emirates Global Aluminium at...
Norgine Announces £23 Million Investment to Expand Medicines Manufacturing in Wales
Norgine announced a £23 million injection to expand its Hengoed, Wales, manufacturing site, taking total investment at the location to more than £50 million since 2022. The upgrade will add high‑speed, energy‑efficient production lines and increase warehousing capacity, allowing the company to...
5 Popular Car Brands That Build Cars In Canada
The piece surveys Canada’s five biggest auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota—and the models they currently assemble on Canadian soil. Ford redirected its Oakville plant to Super Duty trucks, committing $3 billion, while GM’s Oshawa facility now only builds...
Brazilian Steel Slab Exports Double in February
Brazilian steel slab exports more than doubled in February, reaching 835,327 metric tonnes, up 117% year‑over‑year. The United States and the European Union drove the surge, with U.S. shipments rising 54% despite 50% tariffs and EU imports jumping from 50...
Shintech to Invest $3.4 Billion in US Vinyl Chemicals
Shintech, the U.S. arm of Japan's Shin‑Etsu Chemical, announced a $3.4 billion expansion at its Plaquemine, Louisiana complex, adding a 625,000‑ton ethylene cracker, a 500,000‑ton vinyl chloride monomer plant, and a chlor‑alkali unit producing 310,000 t of caustic soda and 280,000 t of...
Trump Claims Defense Firms Will Quadruple Weapon Production, Details Vague
Statement from Trump after meeting with RTX, Lockheed, Northrop, Boeing, L3Harris and Honeywell on munitions. Trump says: "They have agreed to quadruple Production of the 'Exquisite Class' Weaponry" but unclear what is new from previously announced agreements.
Eco-Friendly Cotton that Repels Water and Separates Oil
Researchers at INL have introduced a fluorine‑free technique that coats cotton with hydrophobic nanoparticles and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, creating a water‑repellent, stain‑resistant fabric. The treatment forms micro‑ and nanoscale textures that preserve breathability while allowing oil to pass, enabling efficient oil‑water separation....
Qnity Announces $61.5M Investment in New Advanced Semiconductor Research & Manufacturing Facility
Qnity Electronics announced a $61.5 million investment to acquire a new advanced semiconductor research and manufacturing facility in Taiwan’s Hsinchu Science Park. The site will house state‑of‑the‑art clean rooms, research labs, warehousing and office space to boost advanced‑node and packaging capacity....
CMA CGM Preps for Challenging Year After 2025 Revenue, Profit Decline
Container shipping giant CMA CGM warned that its 2025 revenue and profit will fall, signalling a tougher outlook for the sector. The company projects only moderate growth in 2026, with freight rates likely to be influenced by escalating tensions in the...
Direct Stamping, Infrared Welding Enables 64-Ply Thermoplastic Composite Rib
Daher and partners unveiled a 64‑ply carbon‑fiber‑reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) wing rib that weighs 22% less than aluminum and eliminates rivets through patented infrared welding. The rib’s 12 mm thickness meets high‑load requirements while cutting assembly cost by 15% and shortening production...
Gemini Suspends, Revamps Middle East Services Amid Growing Conflict
Gemini Cooperation announced the suspension of several Middle East services, including routes to Europe and Asia, as well as regional shuttle operations, citing the escalating war in the Gulf. The alliance, which includes Maersk and Hapag‑Lloyd, is launching a new...
China Funds 168 Ports, Reshaping Global Trade
China providing money to 168 ports in 90 countries. Add the very large Chinese Cosco shipping firm. China and control of global trade and international logistics. The silent trade war.
Taxpayers Face
US admin denies refunds on Trump’s illegal tariffs. While interest on refunds grows at $23mil/day. Add legal cost to fight against refunds. Cost to taxpayers could become significant. Importers fighting for their legally entitled refunds.
Smart & Sustainable RTM 4.0 Project Advances High-Rate Production for Large Composite Structures
The SAUBER 4.0 project, a collaboration led by CTC Stade and Airbus, has demonstrated a fully digitalized, high‑rate resin transfer molding (RTM) production line for large composite structures. By embedding high‑tech sensors and using induction heating, the team achieved real‑time...
UK Machine Shop Slashes Cycle Times 21% in One Week
In this podcast episode, we covered how one UK machine shop used optimization tech to cut cycle times by 21% in just one week, and won back a contract from overseas, increasing profits and quality. Stream now: 🔗 https://t.co/qcr2ent2we 📽️ https://t.co/80kIXr8Tg3 https://t.co/yODH1EBpTL
Mastering the Master Plug: A Brief Overview
Master plugs are critical tooling components for large composite structures such as marine hulls, decks, and wind turbine nacelles. The article outlines a multi‑stage production workflow—from CAD file to high‑gloss physical plug—highlighting CNC machining, fiberglass reinforcement, epoxy paste application, precision...
SK Lays Off Nearly 1,000 Amid Cooling Automaker EV Plans
SK Battery America announced the termination of employment for 958 workers at its Commerce, Georgia plant, marking the largest layoff in the facility’s two‑year history. The cuts follow Ford’s December decision to cancel the fully electric F‑150 Lightning, a key...
CK Hutchison Unit Seeks $2 Billion in Panama Ports Dispute
CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports Co. has filed an ICC arbitration seeking at least $2 billion after Panama seized the Balboa and Cristobal terminals in February. The company alleges an illegal state takeover, breach of a bilateral investment treaty, and unlawful seizure...
February Logistics Manager’s Index Heads up to 61.5 as Lean Inventories Tighten Transportation Capacity and Push up Freight Rates
The Logistics Manager’s Index rose to 61.5 in February, the strongest reading since February 2025 and above the long‑term average of 61.3. Inventory levels slipped to 53.8 while inventory cost pressure eased, yet warehousing utilization accelerated and transportation prices jumped...
Logic Robotics Develops a Logistics Operating System for the Space Economy
Logic Robotics unveiled a logistics operating system designed to automate the movement of palletized cargo from terrestrial factories to spaceports and beyond. The platform, called LINK, integrates an AI‑driven digital twin that models facilities, vehicles, and missions in real time,...
Software-Defined Satellite Factory Opens, First Lightspeed Launches This Year
.@MDA_space: Factory for software-defined sats is now open; 1st @Telesat Lightspeed sats expected by year-end; @EchoStar liability for termination of D2D constellation has been paid in full; pursuiing multiple commercial/government constellations.https://t.co/GlbOBv9RT1 https://t.co/kfSe5lSe1k
Qcells Resumes Solar Panel Production in Georgia After Customs Hurdles
Qcells announced that its Cartersville, Georgia plant has resumed solar‑panel assembly after customs‑clearance delays tied to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The facility will expand to integrate ingot, wafer and cell production, targeting a 3.3 GW annual capacity. By the...
Foxboro Control System Updated Information
Schneider Electric introduced Foxboro SDA, a software‑defined distributed control system that decouples control software from hardware. The open architecture offers vendor independence, scalability, and seamless integration with legacy plants. Built on IEC 62443‑3‑3 standards, it delivers cyber‑secure, AI‑ready operations while lowering...
Methanol-Tolerant Microbial Strain Could Make Sustainable Biomanufacturing More Economically Viable
A UNIST research team engineered a methanol‑tolerant *Methylobacterium extorquens* strain that grows 1.7 times faster than conventional microbes at 2.5 % methanol. Using adaptive laboratory evolution, they identified recurring mutations in the metY and kefB genes that boost detoxification and energy...
Global Supply Chains Face Operational and Financial Risks
What would this mean to global supply chains and logistics? The risk—both operational and financial.
Turbulent Insight Into Textile Fibre Shedding
Scientists from Chile and the UK have created a laboratory method that captures real‑time movement and deformation of individual textile fibres under washing‑like conditions. The technique reveals how yarn design, fabric structure and wash parameters affect fibre shedding. Tests show...
US Oil Price Ripple Effects on Transport Dist
What would such a US oil price mean to the prices of distillates used by the various transport modes—and to supply chains?
3D Printed Ceramic Array Converts Water Flow Into Measurable Electrical Signals
Researchers identified that the porous ceramic spines of sea urchins generate millivolt‑scale electrical signals when water flows over them, a phenomenon driven by electrokinetic charge separation rather than biological activity. By replicating the spine’s graded stereom architecture with a triply...
Philippine Factory Output Growth Slows in January
Philippine manufacturing output grew 1.2% in January, a slowdown from the 2% rise in December and the 3.2% gain a year earlier. The deceleration was driven by declines in food products, non‑metallic mineral products and transport equipment. Capacity utilization edged...
Upcycling Waste Glass to Silicon Carbide Nanowires
Rice University researchers led by James Tour have demonstrated a fluorine‑assisted flash Joule heating (FAF) process that transforms waste glass and coal residues into silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires in seconds. By packing ground glass, carbon black and sodium fluoride into...
White Paper: 7 Reasons Security Guards Aren’t Enough Protection
The white paper highlights that relying solely on security guards leaves critical blind spots in trucking yards and terminals, exposing cargo to theft. It identifies seven specific gaps, supported by industry statistics that show rising risk across logistics sites. The...
Maersk Halts Middle East Routes, Heightening Supply Chain Risk
Maersk suspending two-Middle East services with Europe and Asia because of the war. Global supply chains and risk.
Energy Storage Inspection 2026: Fox ESS, SMA, SAX Power, Kostal and BYD Impress with High Efficiency
The Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW Berlin) and spin‑off Aquu released the 2026 Energy Storage Inspection results, testing twelve 5 kW and 10 kW photovoltaic storage systems. Fox ESS topped the 10 kW DC category with a record 97 % System Performance Index...
Digital Twins Key Prosperous Process Control
Digital twins have evolved from simple simulations to comprehensive, living operational assets that mirror plant behavior in real time. By layering process dynamics, control logic, instrumentation, and scenario data, they enable predictive insights, safe rehearsal of high‑risk events, and continuous...
Trucking Jobs Post Slight Decline in Unexpected Total Payroll Drop
The February nonfarm payroll report showed an unexpected 92,000‑job decline, with truck transportation employment slipping by 500 to 1,462,500 positions. This marks a 22,100‑job shortfall compared with a year earlier and a net loss of 4,700 jobs since December. Warehouse...
Pultron Composites Wins $1 Million Australian Ultimate HQ Competition for High-Potential Scale-Ups
Pultron Composites, a New Zealand‑based maker of corrosion‑resistant composite rebar, secured the City of Moreton Bay’s $1 million Ultimate HQ headquarters package after a live pitch at an Investor Safari. The award provides five years of rent‑free space at Moreton Bay Central,...
Iran War Threatens Global Helium Supply
The Iran‑Qatar conflict has forced QatarEnergy to shut down the Ras Laffan helium plant, removing roughly one‑third of the world’s helium supply from the market. Experts warn that if the shutdown extends beyond two weeks, the disruption could linger for months,...
DARPA Seeks Faster Production of Hypersonic Heat Shields
DARPA has launched the Carbon Crunch program to speed up manufacturing of carbon‑carbon aeroshell heat shields for hypersonic weapons. The initiative targets the slow, costly, and hard‑to‑scale production process of existing C‑C composites, not new materials. By encouraging radical process...
Siemens Expands Circuit Protection, Introduces Refurbished Starter
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has broadened its industrial control lineup by enhancing the semiconductor‑based SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device (ECPD) and launching the SIRIUS 3RW5‑Z R11 refurbished soft starter, its first product built on circular‑economy principles. The upgraded SENTRON ECPD now...
Sanmar Delivers Four Electric Tugs to BOTAŞ
Sanmar has delivered four fully electric ElectRA 2500SX tugboats to Turkey’s state‑owned energy company BOTAŞ. The tugs, named BOTAŞ HİLAL, BOTAŞ BAYRAK, BOTAŞ AY and BOTAŞ YILDIZ, will serve the Marmara Ereğlisi LNG Terminal and the Saros FSRU Terminal, providing 70 tons of bollard pull...
McNAIR Center Unveils Roctool Induction-Heated Platen Press Installation
The McNAIR Center at the University of South Carolina has installed a Roctool induction‑heated platen press, integrating a 400‑ton hydraulic press with 150‑kW induction platens. The system can heat to 427 °C, enabling rapid cure of thermoset and thermoplastic composites and...