Manufacturers/End Users
October 25, 2023
Written by Laura Miller
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union and Ford could soon reach a tentative labor deal.
The union has reportedly presented Ford with a counteroffer, according to an Oct. 25 AP News article citing two anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
Metalformers’ economic outlook softened in the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) October Business Conditions Report. Still, the bulk of respondents continued to expect stable conditions. The monthly survey of 80 metalforming companies in the US and Canada provides an economic indicator for manufacturing over the next three months. “While this month’s survey reflects increased caution about the near-term economic outlook, the energy and investment on display at FABTECH this week tell a broader story about our industry’s resilience,” commented Mark Getsay, PMA’s managing director. Participation at the event, Getsay said, “demonstrates metalformers’ continued commitment to investing in new technologies, developing their workforce and strengthening their competitiveness for the future.”
Architecture firms reported weaker business conditions in September, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects and Deltek. The share of firms reporting declining billings was the largest since May. The September ABI fell two and a half points from August to a four-month low of 44.7. The ABI has been in contraction for all but two months since August 2022, indicating continually weakening business conditions following the post-pandemic rally. The ABI is a typical leading indicator of nonresidential construction activity, leading construction spending by approximately 9–12 months.
A steel supply constraint is affecting some production schedules at Nissan North America, the automaker confirmed to SMU. The confirmation followed a Friday report by WLBT3 News that the constraint was affecting production at Nissan’s Canton, Miss., plant. SMU asked whether the issue was affecting other facilities. “Nissan continues to manage a steel supply constraint affecting some of our production schedules,” a company spokesperson said in an email to SMU on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Nissan is working with its supplier and taking steps to limit disruption to employees, dealers, and customers, the spokesperson added. The company provided no further details.
Behlen Mfg. Co. announced the closure of its Behlen Building Systems manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Fla. The company cited high production costs in the Southeast US, higher material and freight costs, and its commitment to operating efficiently and remaining competitive. Behlen expects the closure to be completed by Dec. 18. A Florida WARN notification shows 55 employees will be affected. “This was a difficult decision, particularly because of the impact it will have on our employees in Sarasota,” said CEO Tom Boal in a statement. “We are grateful for the dedication, hard work, and contributions of our Sarasota team.
Nucor Corp. announced a $60 million investment to expand its Towers & Structures facility in Trinity, Ala., to increase production of steel poles and other structures for utility infrastructure. The Towers & Structures manufacturing facility, which began operating in September 2025, is adjacent to the Nucor Steel Decatur flat-rolled mill. The expansion will add production capacity, laydown space, and a dedicated galvanizing inspection area, the company said. "Utilities across the country are making significant investments to strengthen and modernize the nation's power grid," remarked Nucor Chair and CEO Leon Topalian. "By expanding our Trinity facility adjacent to our Decatur sheet mill, we can combine American-made steel with highly efficient manufacturing to better serve our utility customers and support their long-term infrastructure needs. “