Articles

Manufacturing

John Deere Bolsters U.S. Supply Chain With New Distribution Hub, Doubling Down on Domestic Manufacturing
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John Deere Bolsters U.S. Supply Chain With New Distribution Hub, Doubling Down on Domestic Manufacturing

John Deere is expanding its U.S. industrial footprint with a major investment in a new distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, positioning the agricultural and construction equipment maker to sharpen parts logistics and reinforce its supply chain resilience. The facility, announced alongside a new excavator manufacturing plant in Kernersville, North Carolina, underscores Deere’s strategy to bring […]

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Big Brands Push Back: Costco, Revlon, Kawasaki and Others Sue for Tariff Refunds
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Big Brands Push Back: Costco, Revlon, Kawasaki and Others Sue for Tariff Refunds

By Amy Roach | December 4, 2025 A growing number of major importers that includes everyone from retailers to auto suppliers have taken the rare step of suing the U.S. government to preserve their right to reclaim tariffs paid under the controversial trade measures introduced by the Trump administration.  Lawsuits Surge as Businesses Race to […]

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Somewhere Henry Ford is Smiling
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Somewhere Henry Ford is Smiling

Henry Ford revolutionized car manufacturing by inventing the moving assembly line. Besides saving time and money, that new process made the Model T affordable and ubiquitous. Today, thousands of vehicle plants around the world still use that method. Using Ford’s method, modern vehicle assembly lines are a moving and sequential process where a car’s frame—called […]

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Shining a Light on Dark Factories
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Shining a Light on Dark Factories

A manufacturing revolution is underway in factories around the world. “Lights-out” manufacturing is finally being realized in a few highly automated and roboticized locations. This dramatic shift—also known as the “dark factory”—is the ultimate objective of industrial automation: a factory so automated that it requires little or no human presence. Humans need the lights, machines […]

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Just in Case (JIC) Manufacturing: What It Is, Benefits, and Drawbacks
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Just in Case (JIC) Manufacturing: What It Is, Benefits, and Drawbacks

JIC manufacturing focuses on keeping extra stock to prepare for unexpected changes in customer demand or supplier delays. This inventory strategy aims to avoid production delays and ensure smooth manufacturing processes by holding more raw materials and finished goods than usual. Companies rely on just-in-case inventory to protect against supply chain disruptions and maintain supply […]

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IoT Manufacturing: Components, Benefits, and Challenges
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IoT Manufacturing: Components, Benefits, and Challenges

Factories are no longer just metal, noise, and manpower. Smart machines now collect data, talk to each other, and help manufacturers make faster, better decisions. Welcome to the age of IoT manufacturing, where efficiency and insight come from connected technology. Across the manufacturing industry, companies use IoT devices and smart sensors to track machines, boost […]

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Warehouse Vs. Factory: Purposes and Types of Each
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Warehouse Vs. Factory: Purposes and Types of Each

  Warehouses and factories, each integral to supply chains and manufacturing, serve distinct yet complementary functions. To optimize logistics, warehouses focus on efficient storage and distribution centers, often situated near key transport routes. Factory features, such as upgraded interiors, modern amenities, and attractive locations, cater to prospective tenants’ lifestyles. Warehouses and factories are vital components […]

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Takt Time: Origins, What It Is, and Formula
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Takt Time: Origins, What It Is, and Formula

Takt time is a crucial concept in manufacturing. It defines the pace at which products must be completed in the manufacturing process to meet customer demand efficiently. The word takt, which comes from the German word “takt,” means “rhythm. “ Takt time represents the harmony between production and demand, ensuring that each product aligns perfectly […]

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What is MRP? History, Definition, and How it Works
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What is MRP? History, Definition, and How it Works

Running a manufacturing process without an organized system often leads to chaos—too many raw materials or not enough to meet customer demand. That’s where material requirements planning (MRP) comes in. So, what is MRP? It’s a planning system that helps production managers calculate the materials needed, schedule production efficiently, and balance inventory levels with actual […]

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