Upside/Downside: Future of Brook Park plant uncertain, by Eric Wellman, WCPN/ideaStream, November 6, 2009 (Audio report)
Brook Park, Ohio—Now that UAW members have rejected Ford's proposed contract changes, the future of the company's Brook Park engine complex is uncertain. WCPN's reporter spoke with auto industry expert Susan Helper, a professor at CWRU's Weatherhead School, about what might lie ahead.

WNEO/WEAO business news program spotlights NEO economy, by Rich Heldenfels, Akron Beacon Journal, November 6, 2009
Akron—CoolCleveland.com founder Thomas Mulready will host and produce a new Friday-night business series aimed at a young audience called NEOtropolis on WNEO/WEAO (Channels 45/49). MAGNET is one of a number of organizations providing partial funding for the new series.

2011 Ford Explorer to offer air bags in its rear seat belts, AP via Toledo Blade, November 6, 2009
Detroit—Ford Motor Co. plans to introduce seat belt-mounted air bags in the back seat of the 2011 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which will hit the market next fall. Ford says it's the first automaker to mass produce the technology.

US hits China pipes with tariffs, BBC News, November 6, 2009
Washington—The US Commerce Department has imposed anti-dumping tariffs of up to 99% on imports of Chinese tubular goods. The department alleged China had been selling its oil well pipes at prices that were much lower than normal.

• China protests U.S. steel duties, starts probe on American cars, Bloomberg News, November 6, 2009
• China: Started investigating some US auto imports, by Patricia Jiayi Ho, Dow Jones Newswires via Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2009

Alcoa to proceed with $110 million investment in Cleveland Works, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 5, 2009
Cleveland—Alcoa said it has lined up the financing for the complete repair and refurbishment of its 50,000-ton forging press at the company's Cleveland Works. The aluminum giant said the project will make its Cleveland Works “the world's premier producer of large aluminum and titanium forgings for the defense, aerospace and industrial markets.”

• Alcoa to rebuild 50,000-ton press in Cuyahoga Heights plant, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009

Little Tikes staying in Hudson, by Betty Lin-Fisher, Akron Beacon Journal, November 5, 2009
Hudson, Ohio—Earlier this summer, the state of Ohio and city of Hudson approved a package of loans, grants and incentives totaling $4.3 million to persuade California-based MGA Entertainment to keep Little Tikes and its approximately 400 jobs in Hudson and add jobs. It worked.

GM wants to dump leases on equipment at Parma stamping plant, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
New York—In filings last week in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, GM said it would cost more money to disassemble three presses in Parma, one in Mansfield and four others in Missouri and Michigan than it could make selling the equipment.

Jump in productivity puts job creation in doubt, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
Washington—Companies across the economy are finding ways to do more with fewer workers, dimming hopes that hiring will take off anytime soon.

U.S. and EU file case over China's tariffs, by John W. Miller, Wall Street Journal, November 5, 2009 (Subscription)
Brussels—The U.S. and the European Union filed a formal complaint at the World Trade Organization over China's steep export tariffs on strategic raw materials, further ratcheting up pressure on China's trade policies.

Federal court orders Tyson Foods to pay $250,000 in labor suit, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
Birmingham, Ala.— A federal court has ruled that Tyson Foods Inc. violated federal labor standards for not paying production line employees for the time it takes them to put on and remove protective and sanitary gear.

Changes coming to Chrysler's Jeep line, including Toledo-made Wrangler 'derivatives', by Larry Vellequette, Toledo Blade, November 4, 2009
Auburn Hills, Mich.— Michael Manley, president and chief executive officer for the Jeep brand, said that the Toledo-born and made Wrangler will remain "the anchor" of the iconic brand, and that Wrangler offerings will be expanded from the current offerings and trim levels.

• Chrysler to overhaul faltering Dodge cars, AP via Akron Beacon Journal, November 6, 2009
• Chrysler: Cash up more than $1 billion from June, AP via Akron Beacon Journal, November 6, 2009
• Chrysler not running in the red, CEO says, Reuters via Toledo Blade, November 5, 2009
• Chrysler has big plans with Fiat, AP via Youngstown Vindicator, November 5, 2009
• Chrysler broke even in September, by Jeff Bennett and Kate Linebaugh, Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2009 (Subscription)
• As Chrysler sits on blocks, what will Fiat do to fix it? by James R. Healey, USA Today, November 3, 2009
• Cooper returns to profitability, by Lou Wilin, Findlay Courier, November 3, 2009

Advocates say new climate-change policies will create thousands of jobs; opponents: not, by John Funk, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 4, 2009
Cleveland—A report by the Blue Green Alliance says a comprehensive set of federal policies could create 850,000 jobs, including 50,000 in Ohio. That would put Ohio in the top five states benefiting from a massive switch away from coal to renewable energy technologies, according to Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.

Delphi Automotive creates new board of directors, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 4, 2009
New York—Delphi Automotive LLP, which exited bankruptcy protection last month, said Wednesday that it has created a new board that will be led by former DuPont Chairman John Krol.

Putting green technology into bricks, by Cari Tuna, Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2009 (Subscription)
New York—Some start-ups hope to use "green" technology to reinvent mundane products like bricks and cement. CalStar Products Inc. plans to open a factory next month to make bricks from fly ash, a byproduct of coal burning. Cement maker Calera aims to capture carbon-dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

Opinion: Coaxing auto makers to go electric, by Joseph B. White, Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2009 (Subscription)
New York— The U.S. government has committed billions in taxpayers' money to the proposition that American consumers will embrace electric vehicles in substantial numbers if car makers can just overcome the high start-up costs to build them. The long-term question is whether a market dependent on government subsidies—financial and regulatory—can sustain itself without them.

Nordson Corp. to expand roles of two executives, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 4, 2009
Cleveland—Following the previously announced retirement of vice president Michael Groos, Nordson Corp. announced an expansion of duties for senior vice president John J. Keane and vice president Peter G. Lambert.

PNC V.P. sees slow recovery, by Larry P. Vellequette, Toledo Blade, November 4, 2009
Toledo—Stuart Hoffman, chief economist and senior vice president for Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group, told a large crowd of Toledo-area civic and business leaders that the economy is improving, and the private sector should start adding jobs again early next year. Hoffman predicted a modified "U"-shaped recovery, with a sharp decline, a rounded bottom, and a long, drawn-out recovery.

Honda's new model rolls off Ohio line, by Dan Gearino, Columbus Dispatch, November 4, 2009
East Liberty, Ohio—The newest Honda went into mass production yesterday as new Accord Crosstours began rolling off the assembly line at the automaker's plant in East Liberty.

Ohio's business climate earns a lofty ranking, by Tom Breckenridge, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
Cleveland—Ohio's success in fostering new and expanded plant projects helped it land fourth place in Site Selection magazine's state-by-state survey of business climates.

Two northwest Ohio manufacturers to receive state grants, Toledo Blade, November 3, 2009
Columbus—The Ohio Controlling Board Monday approved two state grants for Roppe Corp. and Dow Chemical Corp. that total $75,000 and are expected to create 54 jobs and retain 70 others in northwest Ohio.

Napoleon inventor to tell how his V8 gets 109 mpg, by Larry P. Vellequette, Toledo Blade, November 3, 2009
Napoleon, Ohio—Inventor Doug Pelmear plans at an automotive products convention in Las Vegas Tuesday to reveal how the custom engine he built and installed in a Ford Mustang has averaged 109.7 miles per gallon for 22,000 miles.

• Engine can run on just 1 cylinder, Toledo Blade, November 3, 2009

GM delays launch of Chevrolet Cruze, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
Cleveland—General Motors plans to start making the Chevrolet Cruze in Lordstown in July, about three months later than initially planned. A company spokesperson said certain engine and transmission combinations would not be available this spring.

Two senior Ford executives to retire, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
Dearborn, Mich.—John Parker, 62, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa, and Phil Spender, 55, Ford vice president and executive vice president, Mazda Motor Corp., will step down from their posts at the start of the new year.

Chrysler's new owner, Fiat, is introducing European style, by Tom Krisher, AP via Akron Beacon Journal, November 3, 2009
Detroit—CEO Sergio Marchionne's five-year plan for Chrysler Group LLC, to be unveiled Wednesday, calls for deep discounts across many models over 18 months. The goal is to lift sales, generate cash and keep the automaker going.

AK Steel gets $30 million grant to build Ohio power plant, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
Middletown, Ohio—The U.S. Energy Department is giving a $30 million grant to a Pennsylvania company to construct a power generation plant at AK Steel Holding Corp.'s Middletown Works.

GM board decides to keep European Opel unit, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
Detroit—General Motors Co. said Tuesday it will keep its European Opel unit and restructure it instead of selling a 55 percent stake to Canadian auto parts maker Magna International and its partner, Russian lender Sberbank.

• GM may save an Opel plant, by John D. Stoll, Marcus Walker and Vanessa Fuhrmans, Wall Street Journal, November 5, 2009 (Subscription)
• U.S. aid can be used to fix Opel if needed, says GM's Fritz Henderson, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
• GM throws Opel deal into reverse, by John D. Stoll, Sharon Terlep and Christoph Rauwald, Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2009 (Subscription)
• GM board decides to keep European Opel unit, AP via Toledo Blade, November 3, 2009
• GM decides to keep Opel, its European unit, by Bill Vlasic, New York Times, November 3, 2009
  

Ford, GM report sales gain in October; other car makers struggle, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
Cleveland—Ford's numbers were up in all product lines except trucks and commercial vehicles, usually the company's greatest strengths. General Motors posted its first monthly sales gain in 21 months with October's sales up 4 percent from a year ago.

• Car sales, good will positive for Ford, by Dee-Ann Durbin, AP via Akron Beacon Journal, November 4, 2009
• Opinion: Ford wins election, Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2009
  New York—Voting with their wallets, U.S. car buyers pushed Ford's sales up 3.3% in October from a year ago and 21% from September's levels, the company announced yesterday.
• Auto sales show industry beginning to stabilize, AP via Toledo Blade, November 3, 2009

Auto makers face a long ride in low gear, by Mark Gongloff, Wall Street Journal, November 3, 2009 (Subscription)
New York—After a "cash for clunkers" buying frenzy and a postclunkers hangover, auto sales are stabilizing. But as with the rest of the economy, their new level represents a downshift from faster times.

Manufacturing at a 3-1/2 year high, by Ben Rooney, CNNMoney.com, November 2, 2009
New York—A key index of U.S. manufacturing activity jumped in October, reaching its highest level in three and a-half years, a purchasing managers' group said Monday. Experts say the results suggest inventories are balanced and that manufacturing is in a sustainable recovery mode.

• U.S. Economy: Manufacturing expands faster than anticipated, by Shobhana Chandra, Bloomberg News, November 2, 2009
  New York—The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index exceeded every estimate of the 70 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.
• U.S. manufacturing activity expands, by Michael S. Derby, Jeff Bater and Meena Thiruvengadam, Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)
• Auto makers in Japan raise their forecasts, by Yoshio Takahashi, Wall Street Journal, November 3, 2009 (Subscription)
• Manufacturing grows most since April '06, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 2009
• Factory orders rise 0.9 percent in September, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009

Ford workers soundly reject contract changes, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 2009
Cleveland—Ford workers around the country have soundly rejected proposed changes to their contract with the automaker, throwing into doubt plans for new work at the company's Brook Park engine complex. The United Auto Workers said two of three locals representing Ford workers in Northeast Ohio voted against changes in the union's contract with the automaker.

GM uses $2.8 billion in government funds to buy part of Delphi, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 2009
Washington—General Motors Co. said it has received permission to use $2.8 billion of its government aid to help buy part of troubled auto parts supplier Delphi Corp., the automaker's former parts division.

Timken workers approve contract, by Jim Mackinnon, Akron Beacon Journal, November 2, 2009
Canton, Ohio—The new contract approved by more than 1,300 of the Timken Co.'s Canton-area Steelworkers should help the company remain competitive while also addressing workers' current needs, the company and union said today.

Bridgestone to stop making race tires for Formula One, by Jim Mackinnon, Akron Beacon Journal, November 2, 2009
Akron—Bridgestone announced Sunday it will stop supplying Formula One race tires by the end of the 2010 season. It will not renew a three-year contract that currently makes it the open cockpit/open wheel sport's sole tire supplier.

Metalformers dubious; large manufacturers upbeat on future economic prospects, by Dan Shingler, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)
Independence, Ohio—According to the Precision Metalforming Association's latest survey, its members have experienced a recent rebound, but have real concerns about its staying power. However a survey of 60 large U.S. manufacturers by PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that 57% expect to see positive growth over the next 12 months.

Akron-area leaders say potential from biomedical push is high, by Joel Hammond, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)
Cleveland—There seems to be some slight disagreement along Interstate 76 about what will drive redevelopment and bring new business to the area first: multimillion-dollar upgrades at the headquarters of Akron's two big tiremakers, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Bridgestone Firestone, or the rapidly building momentum to transform the area around I-76 into a top high-tech corridor.

Liquid crystal niche grows, by Paula Schleis, Akron beacon Journal, November 2, 2009
Kent, Ohio—A modern twist to liquid crystal display technology, invented by a Kent company, is finally creating some manufacturing jobs here. AlphaMicron recently moved into 30,000 sq.ft. in KSU's Centennial Research Park. The company invested $1.7 million in turning the former KSU bus garage into labs, a processing line, assembly room and offices.

Myers Industries finalizes sales of two business units, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 2, 2009
Akron—Net proceeds from the sale of the Buckhorn Rubber Products Inc. and Michigan Rubber Products Inc. businesses to Zhongding Sealing Parts (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of China-based Zhongding Sealing Parts Co., were about $10 million.

Ford has suffered less than rivals, AP via Youngstown Vindicator, November 2, 2009
Detroit—How has Ford managed to outperform its Detroit competition — and what challenges lie ahead? Here are some questions and answers.

NAM publishes updated edition of "Facts About Modern Manufacturing," Manufacturing Institute, National Association of Manufacturers, October 2009
Washington—In October, the Manufacturing Insitute (an arm of the National Association of Manufacturers) published an updated edition of its survey of the manufacturing sector in the U.S. The 64-page publication contains statistics, charts and graphs setting out the strengths and challenges manufacturing faces today and clearly demonstrates the central place manufacturing holds in the nation's economy. It can be downloaded for free here (PDF, 3M).

Spending bill includes Great Lakes cleanup, Willoughby News Herald, November 2, 2009
Willoughby, Ohio—U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette announced that the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior and Environment spending bill contains $475 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and eases fuel emission rules for Great Lakes shipping.

• President Obama quietly signs landmark Great Lakes cleanup bill, by Stephen Koff, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 2009
  

Full recoup of government auto investment unlikely, GAO says, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 2009
Washington—Taxpayers are unlikely to recover their full investment in General Motors or Chrysler, U.S. government investigators said Monday in the latest review to cast doubts that the government will recoup the $80 billion it poured into the two automakers.

Manufacturing in Asia-Pacific continues to grow, by Enda Curran, Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)
New York—Manufacturing in China picked up to its fastest in 18 months, while the pace of expansion eased last month in Australia and India.

Chinese-made turbines to fill U.S. wind farm, by Rebecca Smith, Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)
New York—While the U.S. has poured money into renewable energy through tax credits and other subsidies, China has positioned itself to reap many of the benefits by ramping up its export machine.

Timken Steelworkers overwhelmingly approve new contract, by G. Patrick Kelley, Canton Repository, November 1, 2009
Canton, Ohio—A new labor contract went into effect Sunday night as Steelworkers overwhelmingly ratified a four-year agreement with Timken Co. The contract was approved by an almost 5-to-1 margin.

Next word in cars: plastic, by Don Sherman, New York Times via Akron Beacon Journal, November 1, 2009
New York—A New Jersey engineer has been working for 30 years to replace metal engine blocks with plastic ones. Matti Holtzberg recently partnered with auto industry supplier Huntsman Corp. of Houston hoping to move plastic engines out of the laboratory and onto the proving grounds, where auto engineers are searching for ways to meet the next round of fuel economy targets.

Industry signs point to solid future for Toledo area Chrysler plants, by Larry P. Vellequette, Toledo Blade, November 1, 2009
Toledo—On Wednesday, Chrysler Group LLC will announce details of its plan to quickly revamp the automaker's moribund lineup. It is likely that the Toledo area's Chrysler plants will get new products with probably hundreds of additional good-paying jobs for the regional economy.

McDonald company to launch pollution-control technology, by Larry Ringler, Warren Tribune Chronicle, November 1, 2009
McDonald, Ohio—Steel & Alloy Utility Products Inc., already known for making pollution control equipment for coal-fired power plants, plans to build a system that will virtually eliminate the gas that creates acid rain.

Chamber reps ready for overseas marketing trip, by Larry Ringler, Warren Tribune Chronicle, October 30, 2009
Warren, Ohio—Regional Chamber officials plan to bring up the future of the idled Severstal Warren steel mill on their first-ever business development trip to China and Taiwan this month.

Ford hopes dim as workers veto changes, AP via Toledo Blade, October 30, 2009
Detroit—Ford Motor Co.'s hopes for a cost-cutting labor agreement grew dimmer, with two more United Auto Workers locals in Chicago rejecting the changes. Key local unions were scheduled to vote later Friday.

• Ford suffers setback as union rejects changes, by Matthew Dolan and Jeff Bennett, Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)

Beijing plans tariffs on an industrial acid, Dow Jones Newswires via Wall Street Journal, October 31, 2009 (Subscription)
New York—DJN reports that an unidentified source says China's Ministry of Commerce will make a final ruling to take effect Monday, that foreign companies are guilty of dumping the organic compound in China and will order antidumping duties of 5% to 35% for five years.

Ford nears deal with Canadian union, by Matthew Dolan and Jeff Bennett, Wall Street Journal, October 30, 2009 (Subscription)
Detroit—Canadian Auto Workers Union President Ken Lewenza said voting would begin this weekend on the ratification of the new deal, which would extend the current contract through 2012.

MAT Holdings signs on as Glenwillow industrial park's first tenant, by Michelle Jarboe, Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 30, 2009
Cleveland—The Diamond Business Center industrial park in Glenwillow has snagged its first tenant—MAT Holdings Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of brake components, power equipment, building supplies and home and garden tools.

• OM Group reports sharp drop in third-quarter earnings, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 5, 2009
• OM Group sales, profits drop, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
• Nacco Industries' loss narrows in third quarter, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
• Toyota surprises with profit, boosts forecast, AP via Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 5, 2009
• Diebold reports loss for third quarter of 2009, by Janet Cho, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
• Diebold reports revenue dip, by Jim Mackinnon, Akron Beacon Journal, November 4, 2009
• PolyOne Corp. reports third-quarter profit vs. year-ago loss, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 4, 2009
• Dana Holding’s quarter ends in loss, lower sales, Toledo Blade, November 4, 2009
• Cooper Tire swings to profit in the 3rd quarter, Toledo Blade, November 3, 2009
• Steris Corp. posts higher second-quarter earnings, raises full-year guidance, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 3, 2009
• Park-Ohio Holdings sees third-quarter loss narrow, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 3, 2009
• Park-Ohio Holdings sees third-quarter loss narrow, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 3, 2009
• Ford sales up 3 percent in October, Chrysler numbers plunge, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2009
• Ford earns $1 billion in 3rd quarter; first gain in more than a year, by Robert Schoenberger, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 2, 2009
• Ford posts first North American profit since 2005, by Jeff Bennett, Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2009 (Subscription)
• Ford surprises with $1B profit; sees profit in '11, by Tom Krisher and Dee-Ann Durbin, AP via Google News, November 2, 2009
• Preformed Line Products sees third-quarter earnings fall slightly, by Scott Suttell, Crain's Cleveland Business, November 2, 2009
• Cooper Tire & Rubber Company reports significantly improved third quarter results, PR Newswire via Reuters.com, November 2, 2009