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Why more workers in China are ruling out factory jobs

Apr 17, 2023
Despite high unemployment among young people, most factories are short of workers. It might reflect false promises and poor conditions.
Production in progress at a factory in China's eastern Anhui province. Factory work has lost much of its popularity as a career choice. “The workers just don't trust factory owners,” one former employee said.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

How does a manufacturer for manufacturers view today's economy?

Feb 15, 2023
Blake Moret, chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, says that the manufacturing sector remains strong despite a recent slowdown.
For Rockwell Automation head Blake Moret, the manufacturing sector is remaining strong thanks to order backlogs and government funding from legislation passed during Biden's presidency.
Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images

To make the most of a new Ford electric truck plant, Tennessee neighbors need sewer help

Dec 21, 2022
Ford needed a sewer line to build its $5.6 billion plant in Tennessee. But neighboring communities now have to build their own wastewater system to accommodate new residents who come for the new plant jobs.
The town of Mason has its own utility system including water and sewer. Utilities have been the most difficult hurdle to overcome in developing the West Tennessee megasite.
Blake Farmer/WPLN News

Why manufacturing productivity is on the rise

Sep 1, 2022
Manufacturers are producing more goods with fewer workers, given the tight labor market. But the sector has been hiring more in recent months.
Revised data from the Labor Department show productivity among manufacturers rose almost 5% in the second quarter.
Morry Gash/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Manufacturing employment returns to pre-pandemic level

Jul 8, 2022
Demand for manufactured goods has grown during the pandemic, but new orders have been falling in recent months.
A worker assembles the interior of a safe. Many small business are looking to boost revenues in anticipation of a potential recession.
George Frey/Getty Images

Automation is replacing more workers than outsourcing, study says

Jun 17, 2021
New and better jobs could be created if we invest in breakthrough technologies that generate opportunities.
American workers replaced by automation may not have the same job prospects that displaced workers had in the past.
Dan Kitwood via Getty Images

Manufacturers seeking workers face competition for talent and an image problem

May 4, 2021
People have outdated ideas about manufacturing jobs and facilities, according to an executive.
Workers to fill engineering and welding jobs are in demand.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Manufacturing struggles to find enough workers to meet demand

Mar 4, 2021
There’s a skills mismatch between job openings and job seekers.
Tractor maker John Deere has unfilled openings in some locations, like much of the manufacturing sector.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Manufacturing: The China Inc. model

Feb 2, 2021
Why is it sometimes cheaper for U.S. consumers to buy goods from China than from local vendors?
A worker in a southern China shoe factory. Many Chinese manufacturers say they are making goods Americans no longer want to produce.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

The job market is still in recovery, but it's also still losing momentum

Nov 6, 2020
The decline in unemployment has slowed since an early rebound from the first wave of COVID-19 shutdowns.
The manufacturing and construction sectors have done pretty well throughout the pandemic, but But, jobs in travel, hotels and restaurants are still way down.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images