factory News Updates

Government, Business, Equipment

Tariffs and Rising Costs Challenge US Factories

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index slipped by 0.6 point in February to 50.3, according to data released March 3. Readings above 50 indicate growth.

March 3, 2025
Government, Business, Equipment

Factory Activity Contracts for a Sixth Month in April

U.S. factory activity contracted for a sixth-straight month in April, the longest such stretch since 2009 and a sign of lingering malaise in manufacturing.

May 1, 2023
Government, Business, Technology, Fuel, Autonomous, TCA

Texas County Gives Thumbs Up to Tesla Factory Tax Break

The prospect of a Tesla Inc. factory in the Austin, Texas, area has moved a big step closer to reality, after Travis County commissioners on July 14 approved tax breaks the electric vehicle maker requested.

July 15, 2020
Business

Capital-Equipment Orders Rise in Sign of Resilient Demand

Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment rebounded in April even as the prior month’s figure was revised downward, indicating resilient demand at the start of the second quarter, Commerce Department figures showed May 25.

May 25, 2018
Business

Factory Production Shows Broad-Based Gain Outside Autos

U.S. factory production regained its footing in April to push capacity utilization to the highest since 2015, indicating the industry will support economic growth this quarter, Federal Reserve data showed Mahy 16.

May 16, 2018
Business

American Factories Struggle to Increase Productivity

The United States has added 1.2 million jobs in manufacturing over the past eight years. Before you cheer for the revival of American manufacturing, consider the reason for all that job growth: abysmal productivity performance.

May 9, 2018
Government, Business

US Factory Managers Concerned About Effects of Trump’s Tariffs

Very concerning. Two products eliminated. Commodity prices rising. Business planning “is at a standstill.” That’s what a few American manufacturers said they’re facing as the Trump administration weighs tariffs on imported metals and Chinese products, creating uncertainty for companies that by most other accounts are going gangbusters.

May 1, 2018
Business

Factory Output Cools After Surging in Previous Month

U.S. factory production cooled in March after surging a month earlier, representing a pause in an otherwise strong manufacturing sector, Federal Reserve data showed April 17.

April 17, 2018
Business

Factory Gains Cool as Inflation in Raw Materials Picks Up

U.S. factories expanded at a slightly slower pace in March, and a measure of raw-material prices hit an almost seven-year high, as manufacturers struggled to keep up with demand, data from the Institute for Supply Management showed April 2.

April 2, 2018
Business

Factory Output Rebounds in February and Exceeds Estimates

U.S. factory production bounced back in February, far exceeding analyst estimates and showing a key part of the economy is on track for steady growth this quarter, Federal Reserve data showed March 16.

March 16, 2018