Dana Opens New Automotive Systems Technology Center
Today, Dana Corp. unveiled a new Automotive Systems Group Technology Center, located near Toledo, Ohio. The nearly 200,000 square-foot facility features advanced component and system engineering, along with housing testing and purchasing experts. In addition to supporting research and development activities across North America, the new center augments Dana’s technical centers in the Asia-Pacific, South American and European markets, according to Dana CEO and President Michael Burns.
Ontario to Pay to Attract Auto Plants
With automakers bypassing Ontario and choosing instead to build plants in the U.S. and Mexico, the Ontario government plans to spend $500 million Canadian (about $372 million US) over the next five years to entice automakers to invest in the province.
Bank One Sues Venture, Affiliates
Bank One Corp. has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against bankrupt auto supplier Venture Corp. and related companies owned by its former owner, Larry Winget. The bank says it’s not trying to close down Venture or disrupt its operations, but it wants to ensure that the businesses owned by Winget are merged back into Venture. The suit was filed Tuesday.
Goodyear to Close Lincoln, Neb., Belts and Hose Warehouse
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plans to close its warehouse and distribution center in Lincoln, Neb., between July and the end of the year, effectively cutting 160 jobs. According to a company press release, Goodyear will transfer warehouse activities to an undisclosed logistics firm. Goodyear currently operates two large hangars and two smaller buildings in Lincoln, totaling about 290,000 square feet. The company’s new warehouse will be a single, larger building, the release said.
DST Asks: What Factors Do You Look at When Measuring the Cost of Managing Inventory?
Manufacturers and very large distributors have benefited from the productivity- and efficiency-enhancing features of automated warehouses for years. That technology is now available to virtually any size business. What factors do you take into account in measuring the cost of managing your inventory and do you have the data available to make those measurements?
DuPont To Cut 3,500 Positions
DuPont Co. said yesterday that it will reduce its workforce by 6 percent, or 3,500 positions, by the end of the year to save $325 million annually. The Wilmington, Del.-based chemical company, whose products include Corian surfaces, Tyvek house wrap and auto paint, said that about 3,000 positions would be eliminated through severance programs and about 500 through normal attrition. The company also said it would stop using 450 contractors.
Manufacturing Czar Nominated
The Bush administration tapped a California businessman to serve as its manufacturing czar after the first pick withdrew his nomination over criticisms his company cut U.S. jobs and shifted work to China. The administration will nominate California carpet manufacturer Al Frink as assistant commerce secretary of manufacturing and services.
Oklahoma’s Court OKs Bond Issues for 2 Tire Plants
Two tire manufacturers’ expansion plans totaling $450 million got a major boost Tuesday from the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The court approved a $66.3 million bond issue designed to help the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.’s $250 million plant expansion in Lawton, Okla. The bond issue also would help in a $200 million expansion at Michelin North American Inc. in Ardmore, Okla.
Sears Exiting Auto Service
Sears Canada is leaving the vehicle service business, in a move that affects about 775 employees as the retailer licenses three other companies to operate at 36 of its 49 auto centers. The rest of the service centers will be closed or converted to non-automotive purposes, the company announced yesterday.
Panel to Address China’s Effect on U.S. Manufacturing
A panel of industry and trade representatives will address China’s effect on U.S. manufacturing during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, which will be held on Thursday, May 5-6 in Washington, D.C.