In the Headlines: Manufacturers investigated for exposing employees to lead and other hazards
The manufacturing industry is in a perpetual state of change. New technologies, policies, regulations, and company initiatives keep altering the role and perception of manufacturing in America. Every day, there’s a new plant, industry acquisition, research report, or law, and staying up to date on the latest information can prove difficult. Here’s what’s happening this week, in case you missed it.
Hyundai Motor Group partners with Georgia Tech to focus on sustainable mobility, hydrogen economy, and workforce development
The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to work together to improve workforce development, make steps toward a hydrogen economy, and build smarter and greener cities.
Silfab Solar to open $150 million solar cell manufacturing plant in South Carolina
Silfab Solar will be leasing the 785,000-square-foot building for its plant, and operations are expected to begin in 2024.
Battery manufacturer fined $160,727 for exposing workers to unsafe levels of lead
This determination was made after monitoring the personal air of workers and examining the lead accumulation on respirators and counters in areas where workers took lunch breaks.
Pratt Industries invests $500 million to increase manufacturing in Pennsylvania, creating hundreds of new jobs
The investment will be used to improve recycling, remanufacturing and clean energy infrastructure.
DOE awards $45 million to improve manufacturing of equipment to strengthen American clean energy supply chains
GE Research was given $15 million for a project to “develop, build, and refine manufacturing practices of large-scale machinery to manufacture hydropower technology using 3D printing.”
Quantum-Systems to open second manufacturing facility in California
The new plant will employ 40 workers and allow Quantum-Systems to increase production capacity to support current and future demands.
DENSO invests $63 million to upgrade Michigan production facility
More than 2,100 employees currently work at the Battle Creek facility, and this investment will propel DENSO’s continued “green mobility transformation” in the state.
Poultry processing plant to pay $1.2 million in back wages and damages for denied overtime
The employers created shell companies in an effort to hide overtime violations, which occurred from 2015 to 2020.
Custom Container Solutions fined $484,401 by OSHA for 30 violations
The company, which manufactures steel containers including dumpsters, has been cited for two willful, three repeat, 23 serious and two other-than-serious violations.
Joby Aviation invests $500 million to build aircraft production facility in Ohio
The company, which develops electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, plans to build a plant that can deliver up to 500 aircraft per year.