Manufacturing
U.S. Factories Buck Decline
U.S. manufacturing, viewed as a lost cause by many Americans, has begun creating more jobs than it eliminates for the first time in more than a decade. Government data show that as the economy recovered and big companies began upgrading old factories or building new ones. Manufacturing should be at least a modest contributor to total employment in the next couple of years, these economists say. Full article.
Durable goods orders rise; business spending cools
The Commerce Department says orders for durable goods rose 3.3% in September. Overall, it was the best showing since January. Spending by companies on capital goods excluding aircraft dropped after rising n August. The new report suggests manufacturing, one of the bright spots in the current lackluster economy, is moving forward but at a slower pace. Full article.
Manufacturing: The Misunderstood Industry
According to a 2009 survey, Americans believe that manufacturing is the most important industry for a strong national economy. Yet only 17 percent said their schools encourage manufacturing careers, and only 13 percent said their own parents encouraged them to pursue a career in manufacturing. The disconnect between these two views—that manufacturing is critically important, but not as a career—has dire implications for the U.S. since now, more than ever, competitive manufacturing rests on employee quality. Full Article.
Job-centric leadership and incentives needed to expand U.S. domestic employment
Today, manufacturing employment in the U.S. computer industry is about 166,000, lower than it was before the first PC was assembled in 1975. Meanwhile, a very effective computer manufacturing industry has emerged in Asia, employing about 1.5 million workers. Since the early days of Silicon Valley, the money invested in companies has increased dramatically, only to produce fewer jobs. Full Article.
Federal Reserve Bank: LA Pulling Through Recession with Little Pain
At the beginning of last year the question was, to what extent will the national recession hit LA? The answer, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta: not much. Full Article.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership of LA (MEPOL) To Offer ExporTech Seminar
MEPOL, U.S. Comm. Svc., Dist. Export Council, & Small Bus. Dev Ctr. will offer ExporTech, a three-part seminar to help companies develop an international sales plan & sell overseas. Full Article.
La., Miss., Ala. Governors Launch Aerospace Alliance
LA, AL, MS governors announced the launch of an alliance designed to create an aerospace and aviation corridor from Panama City, Fla., to LA. The alliance would allow business, economic development, government and civic leaders to combine resources, funds and manpower for lobbying efforts, according to organizers. Full Article
Partner Buyout Raises Hope at Gramercy Alumina Plant
Workers at the Gramercy Alumina plant in St. James Parish are excited about a partner buyout and plans to ramp up production to full capacity by the end of the year. "We're very excited about this…We believe this to be our best shot at growth and sustainability…" Full Story
New Gardner Denver Thomas operations will quadruple company's employment in Monroe
Today Gov. Bobby Jindal, Monroe Mayor James Mayo and Monroe area economic development leaders joined Gardner Denver Inc. (NYSE: GDI) CEO Barry Pennypacker to break ground on Gardner Denver Thomas', or GDT, new 80,000-square-foot facility expansion.
