In this episode of Assembly Audible, we speak with Douglas Schuster, vice president and general manager for global systems at Johnson Controls International.

Most manufacturers agree that digital transformation is necessary to remain competitive today and thrive tomorrow. Many large companies have already begun initiatives. But, when asked to quantify the impact of those initiatives on the bottom line, they often come up short.

GAINESVILLE, GA— Kubota Manufacturing of America Corp. plans to invest $140 million to build a new assembly plant here, adding 500 workers to the 3,000 it already employs in the region.

Traditionally, tractors and other equipment used on farms and construction sites rely on loud, dirty diesel engines. But, that’s starting to change. A variety of manufacturers are unveiling battery-powered machinery that is energy efficient and powerful, yet quiet and environmentally friendly.

RACINE, WI—Unionized workers of tractor manufacturer CNH Industrial are striking after contract negotiations between the company and the union, United Auto Workers, broke down.

BOONVILLE, MO—Kawasaki Motors has opened a new assembly plant here. The plant currently has one assembly line, but expects to add a second in July and two more next fall. Even with one assembly line, the plant employs some 80 people and turns out 1,200 engines for lawnmowers and other equipment per day.

TOKYO—Kawasaki Heavy Industries is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality at its domestic factories and offices in 2030 by using electricity generated by a 100-megawatt hydrogen-fueled power plant it plans to build.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL—Automation equipment manufacturer Omron Automation Americas has opened a new proof-of-concept center near the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where integrators and manufacturers can develop and test automation before assembly-line implementation.