Driven by a 0.7% jump in manufacturing output, the Federal Reserve reported that overall industrial production rose 0.4% in December 2006. “After three consecutive monthly declines, this upturn is a hopeful indication that the recent slowdown in industrial activity may be coming to an end,” says David Huether, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers.

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President John Engler offered praise and gratitude to the 109th Congress for enacting legislation vital to manufacturing as it concluded its recent session.

IBS America announces a strategic partnership with International Quality Consulting (IQC). IQC consultants will work with IBS to provide customers with expert guidance on compliance-related questions and issues.

Despite stepped-up efforts, many manufacturers are throwing away money in their attempts to comply with government product content regulations, according to a study cosponsored by Dassault Systèmes (Paris) and its Enovia MatrixOne product brand. The solution, the study suggests, is working smarter.

The Metrology Division of Leica Geosystems announces Cessna Aircraft Co. (Wichita, KS), a Textron company, has signed a sales contract for eight portable Leica Geosystems coordinate measuring machine systems used for industrial measurement and inspection.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez announced that Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Al Frink, the first to hold that position, has resigned his office effective January 31.

The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT, McLean, VA) Exhibitions Department has named Monica Haley to the new position of marketing administrator. In this role, Haley will be a key member

MILWAUKEE-Rockwell Automation introduced its OEM Accelerator program that provides engineering services and tools to help life sciences machine builders and process equipment providers reduce their development costs and time to market. As a result, OEMs can provide their customers with predefined interfaces that can reduce risk, lower cost and speed integration time.

MCLEAN, VA-October 2006 U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $368.62 million, according to The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT), and the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the United States Manufacturing Technology Consumption (USMTC) program, was down 9.9% from September, but up 41.4% from the total of $260.6 million reported for October 2005. With a year-to-date total of $3,188.07 million, 2006 was up 27.9% compared with 2005.

TOLEDO, OH-Auto parts maker Dana Corp. said it plans to close eight U.S. plants and downsize three others in North America. Dana, which filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2006, also said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission it would eliminate health benefits for retirees and attempt to alter labor contracts at its unionized plants.