KINGSBORO, NC—Natron Energy Inc., a manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, is investing $1.4 billion to build a new “gigafactory” here.

Dürr Systems provides automated paint line, final assembly, and inspection and test systems for Turkish EV manufacturer.

TOKYO—Yazaki Corp. and Toray Industries Inc. have developed a new recycled plastic formulated specifically to mold connectors for automotive wire harnesses.

According to Info-Tech, companies should adopt Smart Manufacturing 5.0, which combines the innovations of Industry 4.0 with a focus on human-centric, resilient and sustainable practices.

AKRON, OH—An air intake manifold made of 100 percent recycled nylon has won an Automotive Innovation Award in the Power Train Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers.

TOKYO—Researchers in Japan have developed a new additive manufacturing technology for making high-precision parts with lightweight magnesium alloys.

DEARBORN, MI—Ford Motor Co.’s assembly plants in South Africa and Thailand get a significant portion of their electricity from solar panels mounted to canopies in parking lots.

Engineers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are using robots to improve the consistency of wind turbine blades.

Multimedia Editor and Host Jennifer Pierce shares highlights from the ASSEMBLY Audible podcast.

FREMONT, CA—Bloom Energy Inc. has been awarded up to $75 million in tax credits from the federal government to expand domestic manufacturing of solid oxide fuel cells at its assembly plant here.