General Motors and Samsung SDI have committed to a $3.5 billion electric-vehicle battery plant in Indiana but say the production date will be moved back a year to 2027, Reuters reports. The plant will be located between New Carlisle and South Bend, with earlier reports noting that site work would begin this year with most construction planned for 2025 and 2026.

Manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region stalled in August, with the composite manufacturing gauge falling from -17 in July to -19 in August, according to The Richmond Federal Reserve's manufacturing survey. Firms reported being less optimistic about local business conditions, with vendor lead times, backlogs and prices paid all falling. However, manufacturers still expect shipments and new orders to improve in the coming months.

Philip Morris International is investing $232 million to expand Zyn nicotine pouch production in Owensboro, Ky., to meet the growing demand for the product. The expansion is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year and follows a recent $600 million investment in a new Colorado facility that produces the pouches.

AI has shown promise in optimizing quality control by improving inspection procedures while boosting speed and avoiding the possibility of human error. Automated inspection systems, equipment monitoring to improve predictive maintenance and process optimization are among the areas that can be addressed.

Companies are often overconfident in their ability to prevent and recover from cyberattacks, according to a survey commissioned by Cohesity. About 80% of respondents expressed confidence in their resilience strategies, but almost 70% stated that their company had paid a ransom in the past year, while nearly half said it took more than six days to reinstate core business processes following a cyberattack.

Manufacturers who prioritize collecting, interpreting and leveraging data will thrive in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, writes Rockwell Automation solution consultant John Clemons. Data is the bedrock of a resilient manufacturing operation where it can ignite technological innovation, empower people and improve decision making in an increasingly unpredictable world, Clemons writes.

Companies should develop structured career pathways to aid in talent acquisition and retention by using data from applicant tracking systems to identify potential career progressions, implementing corporate mentorship programs and setting clear role-specific qualifications, writes Stephanie Sparks, the director of content marketing at Employ. Regularly revisiting and updating career pathways ensures they align with business objectives and employee aspirations, Sparks notes.

Professional etiquette is crucial for improving workplace culture and resilience, which is why Pamela Eyring, the president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington, recommends leaders teach soft skills, model desired behaviors and set clear expectations to enhance team cohesion and productivity. "Leaders should foster an environment of frequent appreciation and feedback, emphasizing the impact of professional etiquette on client satisfaction and company growth," Eyring suggests.