Everyone who has faced a production problem with a need to solve the problem by using production data can relate to the notion of a brain teaser.

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) has successfully tested new technology that allows automakers and suppliers to share previously incompatible product data files used to design auto components.

ANN ARBOR, MI—Faced with the growing costs of sales incentives and pension liabilities, automotive OEMs are demanding that their suppliers reduce their 2003 prices by 2% to 10%.

WASHINGTON—Congress has voted to restore funding to the federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.

MCLEAN, VA—Sales of machine tools in the United States totaled $198.19 million in December 2002.

CHAPEL HILL, NC–Managers can raise profit margins by implementing Six Sigma initiatives to cut costs, according to a report by consulting firm Best Practices LLC.

ITHICA, NY—At one time, most manufacturing jobs that left the United States for China were concentrated in relatively low-skill, low-wage jobs in light manufacturing industries, such as apparel and textiles.

ROYAL OAK, MI—Integral Solutions Inc. has merged with ASI DataMyte Inc. (Plymouth, MN).

LONG BEACH, CA—The Boeing Co.’s operations have won two quality awards from the California Council for Excellence.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA—The emerging calibration services industry will continue to experience growth from 2003 through 2007.