Robert Brooks
IndustryWeek
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Past articles by Robert:
Rolls-Royce Doubling Engine Production, Expanding MRO
Most of the capital will be directed to build a new test bed for large jet engines like the Trent XWB. → Read More
US Cutting Tool Consumption Dropped 16% in April
It was the first decline in cutting-tool consumption since November 2016. → Read More
Steel Output Down in April, but Recovery is On Track
The positive global results are largely the result of improved activity in China, by far the world’s largest steelmaking industry. → Read More
Cutting Tool Consumption Rose Again in February
Through two months of activity for 2017, U.S. cutting tool consumption has risen to $348.02 million, up 4.5% versus the comparable figure for 2016. → Read More
Global Steel Production Up 7% in January
Global production of raw steel totaled 136.5 million metric tons during January 2017, a 1.75% rise from the previous month’s total and a 7.0% increase over the January 2016 total. → Read More
GE Aviation Vows to 'Blueprint' CMC Material Production
GE Aviation is promising to develop a ‘blueprint’ for industrialized production of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components, the advanced-material parts it is relying on to reduce weight and improve performance characteristics for its jet engine and land-based gas turbine systems. → Read More
Double-Digit Increases for Service Center Steel, Aluminum Shipments
North American service centers’ shipments of steel and aluminum products rose significantly during January 20176, with double-digit increases from December’s results and narrower but still notable year-on-year rises from January 2016. Inventory levels also rose, slightly. → Read More
US Cutting Tool Consumption Fell 4.3% in 2016
U.S. manufacturers consumed $176.04 million worth of cutting tools during December 2016, +4.4% from November, +12.5% than December 2015, and bringing total 2016 consumption to $2.042 billion, 4.3% lower than the 12-month total for 2015. → Read More
The Bell Tolls for 450-Year-Old Foundry
One of the world’s oldest operating metalcasting businesses, indeed one of the oldest manufacturers of any type, will cease operations next spring. Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd., in London, last week it plans to close in May 2017. → Read More
Software Deal Tied to Smart Manufacturing Strategy
Hexagon AB is buying MSC Software for $834 million in a debt-free transaction that the Swedish high-tech group claimed will strengthen its “smart connected factory strategy,” supplying enterprise “solutions” to vertical manufacturing sectors. → Read More
Third Straight Quarterly Decline in Machine Tool Orders
Italian manufacturers’ new orders for machine tools fell for the third consecutive quarter during Q4 2016, though the trade association representing that industry described the situation as “stationary,” with demand from foreign buyers showing notable strength. → Read More
Humtown Adds Large-Scale 3DP for Sand Molds, Cores
Humtown Products subsidiary Agile Casting Solutions in Leetonia, OH, cut the ribbon on its new ExOne S-Max printer, one of the largest in the U.S. producing sand molds, cores, and patterns. → Read More
$2.1-Billion Award to Boeing for 15 Refueling Jets
Boeing Defense has drawn a U.S. Air Force contract worth $2.1 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, spare engines, and wing air refueling pod kits, representing the third low-rate initial production lot for the refueling aircraft. → Read More
Ford is Rolling Out a New Line of Auto Parts
Ford Motor Co.’s Customer Service Division is establishing a new brand for a line of replacement automotive parts that will be supplied to Ford dealers, allowing them to offer a new option to customers for Ford and non-Ford vehicles. → Read More
Lockheed Promises to Meet F-35 Cost Targets
Lockheed Martin CEO Hewson indicated the group would meet the U.S. Department of Defense’s 6-7% target for cost-containment on the critical F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. → Read More
Boeing Set for New Organizing Battle in South Carolina
Boeing is preparing for a new battle with the International Association of Machinists, the labor union that represents hundreds of Boeing workers in Washington State. The union petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to hold a secret-ballot election for approximately 2,850 production workers to organize and affiliate with IAM at the Boeing assembly plant in North Charleston, S.C. → Read More
Service Center Steel, Aluminum Shipments Fell in December
North American service centers registered some sharp declines for steel and aluminum shipments during December, though inventory levels continued to fall during the same period. → Read More
New Plant May Follow Stanley Black & Decker, Craftsman Deal
Stanley Black & Decker Inc. reportedly will build a new manufacturing plant in the U.S., a $35-million capital investment, though its location, schedule for development, and the products to be manufactured are unknown. → Read More
Cutting Tool Consumption Dropped Again in November
Domestic manufacturers consumed $168.69 million worth of cutting tools during November 2016, slightly less (-0.2%) than during October but 9.3% more than the November 2015 figure. → Read More
Dana, Navistar Expand Supply for Driveline Parts
Dana Inc. and Navistar International reached a new, multi-year commercial sales agreement for driveline parts for trucks and buses, and vocational vehicles. The two manufacturers did not report the terms or value of the deal. → Read More