Today's Manufacturing Pulse
Stellantis to pour $1.08B into next‑gen EV line at Mulhouse plant
President Emmanuel Macron announced Stellantis will invest more than €1 billion (about $1.08 billion) in a next‑generation electric‑vehicle production line at its Mulhouse facility, slated to start in 2029 as part of France’s push to electrify two‑thirds of new cars by 2030.
Also developing:
By the numbers: TIEA Connectors raises $8M Series A
How Michelin Is Shifting Gears
Michelin is redefining its business model, moving beyond traditional tyre manufacturing toward a mobility‑services platform. The French group announced a €5 billion revenue target from services by 2030, backed by a €1 billion investment in air‑less tyre technology and digital sensor integration. It is also rolling out subscription‑based tyre offerings in Europe and North America while trimming its workforce by 3,000 roles to sharpen margins. These moves position Michelin to capture growth in sustainable transport and data‑driven services.
Purafy and Electromaax Announce Strategic Partnership
Purafy Clean Technologies and Electromaax have formed a strategic partnership to produce and distribute the Purafy Portage, a portable water purification and desalination system. Electromaax will handle manufacturing and leverage its global marine distribution network, while Purafy supplies graphene‑enhanced ultrafiltration...
Friday Fun
Manufacturers are increasingly rolling out their own RAMIS (Rapid Automated Manufacturing Integration Systems) platforms, intensifying competition in the industrial automation sector. The surge reflects a broader shift toward modular, AI‑enabled production lines that promise higher efficiency and lower downtime. Vendors...
Alstom and CrossCountry Unveil First Refurbished Voyager
On 10 February CrossCountry and Alstom unveiled the first refurbished Voyager train at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane works. The overhaul delivers a modern interior and exterior, featuring new seats with extra legroom, LED lighting, upgraded tables, power sockets and enhanced CCTV....
James Cropper Unveils an Industrial-Scale Platform for Next-Gen Composites
James Cropper Advanced Materials introduced Vectis, an industrial‑scale aligned fibre platform that produces Unimat, a non‑impregnated nonwoven mat with up to 95% fibre alignment. The system leverages existing nonwoven equipment to deliver widths of 1,200 mm and areal weights from 20‑200 g/m²,...
Why Sourcing Shifts Are Easier Said than Done when Battling Tariffs
Tariff volatility under the Trump administration is forcing U.S. brands to rethink where they source products. Executives like Brooklinen's COO note that shifting production to a new country takes months, not weeks, and domestic cotton supplies are limited. Companies are...
German Navy Orders Four Training Boats From Fassmer
German shipbuilder Fassmer has secured a contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to build four SAMSe (mod) training boats for the German Navy. The vessels will support nautical instruction and the “Überleben...
Asus Introduces Liquid Cooling for AI Data Centers
ASUS unveiled its Optimized Liquid‑Cooling Solutions and a strategic partner framework to tackle thermal, power, and density challenges in next‑generation AI and high‑performance computing data centers. The portfolio spans direct‑to‑chip, in‑row CDU, and hybrid systems, built with partners such as...
Why I Was Wrong About the AMUG Conference
Michael Petch revises his view of the AMUG Conference, arguing it is less an agenda‑setting forum and more a collective reckoning among seasoned additive‑manufacturing practitioners. The event’s dense, experience‑rich environment surfaces real‑world friction points that shape procurement and integration decisions...
Flatbed Trucking Signals Manufacturing Revival Surge
I have zero doubt that we are seeing manufacturing starting to rip. Flatbed is naturally the first mode to signal it, as flatbeds haul heavy industrial raw materials. We talked about greenshoots a few weeks ago, and it was exciting, but...
Textile Exchange Unveils Three-Step Pathway for Action Cohort Members
Textile Exchange launched a three‑step Action Cohort pathway to accelerate responsible raw material production. Step one introduces voluntary data reporting in 2026, becoming mandatory for brands and retailers in 2027; step two pushes members to source more from verified preferred...
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Polysilicon Prices Slide Amid Low Operating Rates
The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association reported polysilicon operating rates fell to just 32% of capacity, extending an oversupply that pushed polysilicon prices lower and softened wafer prices across all grades. Wafer prices dropped 3‑8% after the Chinese New Year,...
Tekna Reaches 1 Million Kgs of Titanium Powder Following a Decade of Growth
Tekna announced it has produced one million kilograms of titanium powder, marking a decade of continuous growth since its plasma atomization debut in 2015. The company expanded from a single line to 24/7 operations and added a second line in...
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Achieves a Record Performance in 2025
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding posted a record FY 2025, with revenue climbing 7.4% to RMB 28.5 billion and gross profit jumping 28.3% to RMB 9.8 billion. The core shipbuilding division generated RMB 26.8 billion, up 6.4%, while the orderbook swelled to $22.4 billion for 245 vessels. Shipping‑related revenue slipped 8.1%...
Flexport Launches AI Technology to Spot Customs Errors and Prepare Tariff Refunds
Flexport unveiled an AI‑powered “Audit Your Customs Broker” agent that scans historical customs entries to spot filing errors and flag potential tariff refunds. The company claims the tool cut its own U.S. customs error rate to 0.2%, a ten‑fold improvement...
ROHM Licenses TSMC’s GaN Processs Technology for Hamamatsu Fab
ROHM Semiconductor announced a licensing agreement with TSMC to adopt the foundry’s 650 V GaN process at its Hamamatsu fab, targeting volume production in 2027. The integration combines ROHM’s device design expertise with TSMC’s advanced manufacturing, creating an end‑to‑end GaN supply...
Electric Vehicles and Industrial Policy Could Transform African Economies
African nations sit atop a critical share of the world’s cobalt and other minerals essential for electric‑vehicle batteries, yet most of the value is still captured abroad. The author argues that proactive industrial policy—mirroring China’s use of special economic zones,...
My Most Successful Tips to Improve Asset Integrity, Reliability, Maintenance, and Turnarounds – Part 2: Asset Integrity Processes
Ricardo Valbuena’s second installment on asset integrity highlights two core pillars: people development and risk‑based inspection (RBI). He advocates establishing a structured inspector career ladder and supporting staff with API certifications to boost motivation, skills, and retention. The article also...
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing as an Alternative to Traditional Radiographic Testing for HRSG Piping Weld Inspection: Triple Wins in Safety,...
Phased‑array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is being promoted as a replacement for radiographic testing (RT) in heat‑recovery steam generator (HRSG) pipe weld inspections. PAUT removes ionizing radiation exposure, delivers instant defect data, and allows real‑time welding adjustments. The technology shortens inspection...
Highlights From the Fall 2025 API SCIMI Standards Meeting
The American Petroleum Institute’s Fall 2025 API Standards Conference, held November 9‑15 in Anaheim, convened the Committee on Refining Equipment to review and advance SCIMI initiatives. Six SCIMI standards were published in 2025, including addenda to RP 574, RP 580, RP 575 and RP 570,...
Guarding the Gate: What or Who Is the Foundation of Mechanical Integrity?
Inspectioneering’s Fall 2025 “Meeting of the Minds” roundtable in Anaheim revisited the core pillars of mechanical integrity (MI). Participants highlighted the Corrosion Control Document (CCD) and Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) as essential data foundations. The discussion warned against the “shiny‑object” trap,...
Laser Surface Ablation for Surface Cleaning with Observations of Its Impact on Corrosion Control
Laser surface ablation is emerging as a precise, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mechanical, chemical, and ultrasonic cleaning methods. By using controlled laser‑material interactions, it can selectively remove rust, coatings, and contaminants while preserving the substrate and eliminating abrasive waste....
Inspection Planning Process for Turnarounds
The article emphasizes that a structured inspection planning process, anchored by a risk‑based planning matrix, is essential for successful turnarounds (TAs). Developing a comprehensive Inspection Test Plan (ITP) early ensures clear communication of scope, methods, acceptance criteria, and hold points...
Asset Integrity Management of High Temperature Equipment Through Effective Thermal Hotspot Control
The Inspectioneering article outlines how thermal hotspots in refractory‑lined, high‑temperature equipment jeopardize structural integrity and operational continuity. It details damage mechanisms such as overheating, cracking, and corrosion that arise when refractory linings fail. The authors emphasize inspection techniques—infrared, acoustic, and...
API Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit 2026 Status Update
API’s Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit (IMIS) is slated for July 20‑23, 2026 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Marking the event’s 10th edition, the summit will convene inspection planners, corrosion specialists, and fixed‑equipment decision‑makers....
Netherlands to Pitch Circular Solutions at Techtextil
The Netherlands will present a cluster of circular textile and digital traceability solutions at Techtextil, the premier international textile trade show in Frankfurt from April 21 to 24. The showcase targets global buyers and technology partners, emphasizing sustainable material loops...
Researchers 3D Print Plug And Play Electrochemical Device
Researchers introduced MICRO, a multimaterial, single‑step 3D‑printed electrochemical device that integrates electrodes, microfluidic channels, and housing in one build. By leveraging dual‑extrusion printing of conductive and insulating polymers, the platform eliminates wiring, sealing, and machining steps traditionally required for screen‑printed...
Application Spotlight: Consolidated Helicopter Intake Duct Yields 80% Cost Saving
An aerospace OEM producing light‑helicopters replaced its traditional machined intake duct with a 3D‑printed carbon‑PEEK component. The additive‑manufactured duct consolidated multiple parts, cutting material and tooling costs by roughly 80% while also reducing weight and lead time. Performance testing confirmed...
Meriton’s New Brand Reflects Long-Term Partnerships in HVAC Industry
Meriton, a national alliance of HVAC manufacturer representatives, unveiled a newly defined brand at AHR 2026 in Las Vegas. The rebrand emphasizes Meriton’s shift from a holding company to a unified partnership network spanning 19 brands across 25 states and over 2,000...
5 Ways to Free Your Manufacturing From Inefficient, Outdated Processes
Manufacturers are turning to integrated ERP systems to break free from legacy, paper‑based processes. By consolidating production data, ERP delivers real‑time visibility, precise job costing, and customizable KPIs that drive faster, data‑backed decisions. The article outlines five pillars—visibility, metric improvement,...
GEARWRENCH Releases 4 New Products for Automotive Diagnostics
GearWrench announced four new automotive diagnostic products, expanding its portfolio with a wireless 10‑inch tablet, a handheld 5‑inch tool, a high‑definition inspection endoscope, and a universal TPMS programmer with sensors. Prices range from $99.99 for the GWSCOPE to $2,249.99 for...
Malaysia’s TTVision Enters India’s Solar Manufacturing Market
Malaysia’s TTVision Holdings Berhad will launch a joint‑venture manufacturing plant in India in the second half of 2026 to produce automated optical inspection and high‑speed processing systems for photovoltaic production lines. The facility will act as a localized integrator linking...
MHI Names 2026 Innovation Award Finalists in Advance of MODEX
MHI announced the finalists for its 2026 Innovation Awards ahead of MODEX, after receiving 220 product submissions. Eight industry judges narrowed the field to three finalists in each of four categories: Best New Innovation, Best Robotics Innovation, Best IT Innovation,...
Vanadium Flow and Lithium-Ion Combine in World’s Largest Grid-Forming Hybrid Storage Plant in China
China’s Inner Mongolia region has commissioned a 300 MW/1,200 MWh hybrid battery energy storage system that blends lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) modules with vanadium redox flow cells. The plant, located in the Kubuqi Desert, uses Sineng Electric’s grid‑forming converters to deliver rapid response, virtual...
Chinese Academy of Sciences Achieves World Record Efficiency of 15.45% for Kesterite Solar Cell
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has set a new world record for kesterite (CZTSSe) solar cells, achieving a 15.45% power conversion efficiency and a certified 15.04% efficiency. The breakthrough stems from an interfacial phase equilibrium strategy that introduces a lithium‑tin‑sulfide...
Arkema Will Highlight Lighter, More Efficient, and Sustainable Innovations in Specialty Materials at JEC World 2026
Arkema will use JEC World 2026 to showcase a suite of sustainable specialty materials, including recyclable Elium® resins, biobased Rilsan® PA11, and high‑performance Kepstan® PEKK and Zenimid™ polyimides. Demonstrations feature a boat hull component and a record‑breaking speed board that...
Chinese Scientists Build ‘Ultra-Stable’ Polymer Solar Cell with 19.1% Efficiency
Chinese researchers at Wuhan University of Technology have demonstrated a polymer solar cell with a record‑high power conversion efficiency of 19.1%. By blending a small fraction of linearly packed small‑molecule acceptors into a polymeric macromolecular acceptor matrix, they achieved ordered...
$6.9M Boost for Australian Manufacturing of Printed Solar and Semiconductors
The Australian Government has allocated $6.9 million through its Industry Growth Program to accelerate manufacturing‑focused innovation. Spark3D will receive $4.8 million to commercialise the Achyon semiconductor packaging tool, while Kardinia Energy secures $2.1 million to launch a pilot printed‑solar production line. Both projects...
Ideal Heating Launches New Monobloc Propane Heat Pump for Commercial Buildings
Ideal Heating has added a 65 kW monobloc air‑source heat pump to its Ecomod 290HT line, targeting commercial buildings that need higher temperature output. The unit runs on propane (R290), delivers up to 70 °C flow temperature and achieves a COP of...
CMMS Deployed to Drive Downtime Reduction, Boost Productivity
DLG Group, a leading Northern European feed manufacturer, has deployed the Fiix cloud‑based CMMS to modernize maintenance across its plants. Within the first month the rollout delivered measurable improvements in mean time between failures and set a target of cutting...
Automated Stochastics Metrology Drives Production Decisions at Top-Five Device Maker
Fractilia announced that its FAME 300 stochastic metrology system is now in‑line at a top‑five semiconductor device maker, marking the first full‑scale deployment of automated stochastic control in production. The solution monitors more than 200 metrology steps, generating real‑time SPC charts...
Methods Machine Tools Appoints VP of Aftermarket
Methods Machine Tools announced the appointment of Jon Casten as vice president of aftermarket, bringing over 25 years of post‑sales leadership to steer its service, parts, warranty and customer support operations. Casten previously drove on‑time delivery above 98% and lifted...
Studer Motion Meeting 2026 Emphasizes Strong Foundations
Studer, part of United Machining Solutions, reported a mixed 2025 performance with a slow first half but a strong Q4 that limited year‑over‑year sales decline. Machine orders rose, driven by 44% first‑time customers, and the service division set new maintenance...
Latrobe Magnesium Hits De-Risking Milestone in Critical Mineral Production Process
Latrobe Magnesium’s demonstration plant in Victoria produced roughly 20 tonnes of magnesium oxide (MgO) over a continuous two‑week run, confirming the viability of its patented low‑carbon extraction process. The achievement de‑risks the company’s transition to full‑scale magnesium metal production, slated for...
Weaker Dollar Raises Import Costs, Boosts Export Appeal
"When the dollar falls in value... it takes more of our dollars to buy stuff from abroad." That’s the basic math of a weaker currency: imports cost more, and so do the everyday items with imported parts. The upside is...
Meet Noah Graff: Used Machinery Expert on Swarfcast
Discover the world of used machinery sales with 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟, a seasoned expert in used machinery and host of 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭! Stream now: 🔗 https://t.co/2CnEZKK8BY 📽️ https://t.co/LgvpTRWoMQ 🔗 https://t.co/DmYp21NDA3 #Manufacturing #UsedMachinery https://t.co/gir47VFgcZ
ARENA Advances Industrial Emissions Cuts with $400M Fund
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched the Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS), a $400 million fund to cut greenhouse‑gas emissions from regional industrial facilities. The program, part of the broader Powering the Regions Fund, supports projects that...
Inside Maintenance & Reliability: Greg Perry’s Expert Insights
A while ago I sat down with Greg Perry, Senior Capacity Assurance Consultant at Excelix, behind microphones, to record an in-depth podcast, to gain valuable insights into the world of maintenance and reliability.. click to press PLAY and tune-in now.. https://t.co/egsCmIjFGs
5 Ways to Make Trusted Data the Backbone of Your Sustainable Supply Chains
Companies face mounting sustainability regulations and consumer scrutiny, yet their legacy supply‑chain systems hold fragmented, inconsistent product data. The article outlines five actions—gaining product visibility, feeding tools with clean inputs, extending traceability beyond distribution, building compliance‑ready data infrastructure, and treating...
CSIRO and AMRF Connect Launch Advanced Manufacturing Program for SMEs
CSIRO has teamed with the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) Connect to launch "Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing," a free eight‑week online program aimed at Australian SMEs. The initiative blends self‑paced learning, expert coaching and peer discussion to help firms...