ABB and Rolls-Royce Advance Nuclear Small Modular Reactor Deployment
ABB and Rolls-Royce SMR have signed an agreement to explore collaboration on small modular reactors. ABB will evaluate how its automation, electrification, instrumentation, and communications technologies can support Rolls-Royce’s standardized 470-MW reactor design. The partnership aims to improve scalability and project delivery as SMR deployments expand across the UK, Czech Republic, and Sweden, potentially strengthening nuclear manufacturing and local supply chains.
Ford Strengthens Kentucky Manufacturing with Major Investment
Ford is investing $1 billion in a new paint facility at its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, reinforcing its U.S. manufacturing footprint. The project supports production of Super Duty pickups, Expedition SUVs, and Lincoln Navigators, while complementing major investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery production across Kentucky. The expansion highlights continued investment in domestic automotive capacity, advanced manufacturing, and regional supply chains.
GE Aerospace Expands Casting Capacity Through CPP Acquisition
GE Aerospace plans to acquire Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) for $11.75 billion, expanding its access to highly engineered casting capacity. This acquisition is expected to strengthen GE Aerospace’s supply chain for aircraft engines and defense applications while increasing control over critical manufacturing capabilities. The deal reflects growing demand for advanced cast components and highlights the strategic importance of securing domestic aerospace manufacturing capacity.
Siemens Launches Initiative To Accelerate Machine Tool Productivity
Siemens has launched its Meet the Machine initiative to help manufacturers improve machine-tool productivity through greater digitalization and automation. The program connects machine-tool users with Siemens technologies, expertise, and partners to address production challenges and optimize machine performance. By combining automation, digital tools, and real-world applications, Siemens aims to help manufacturers increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Kreate Plans $100M Ohio Facility To Advance Smart Manufacturing
Kreate is investing $100 million in a 542,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Tiffin, Ohio, expected to create approximately 120 jobs. Production is scheduled to begin October 1, supported by 32 ENGEL injection-molding systems, FANUC robotics, autonomous material handling, automated packaging, and AI-powered computer vision. The facility will integrate manufacturing, quality, and maintenance technologies, strengthening production efficiency, automation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities while expanding Ohio’s industrial workforce for consumer and professional products.
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ABB and Rolls-Royce Advance Nuclear Small Modular Reactor Deployment
ABB and Rolls-Royce SMR have signed an agreement to explore collaboration on small modular reactors. ABB will evaluate how its automation, electrification, instrumentation, and communications technologies can support Rolls-Royce’s standardized 470-MW reactor design. The partnership aims to improve scalability and project delivery as SMR deployments expand across the UK, Czech Republic, and Sweden, potentially strengthening nuclear manufacturing and local supply chains.
Ford Strengthens Kentucky Manufacturing with Major Investment
Ford is investing $1 billion in a new paint facility at its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, reinforcing its U.S. manufacturing footprint. The project supports production of Super Duty pickups, Expedition SUVs, and Lincoln Navigators, while complementing major investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery production across Kentucky. The expansion highlights continued investment in domestic automotive capacity, advanced manufacturing, and regional supply chains.
GE Aerospace Expands Casting Capacity Through CPP Acquisition
GE Aerospace plans to acquire Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) for $11.75 billion, expanding its access to highly engineered casting capacity. This acquisition is expected to strengthen GE Aerospace’s supply chain for aircraft engines and defense applications while increasing control over critical manufacturing capabilities. The deal reflects growing demand for advanced cast components and highlights the strategic importance of securing domestic aerospace manufacturing capacity.
Siemens Launches Initiative To Accelerate Machine Tool Productivity
Siemens has launched its Meet the Machine initiative to help manufacturers improve machine-tool productivity through greater digitalization and automation. The program connects machine-tool users with Siemens technologies, expertise, and partners to address production challenges and optimize machine performance. By combining automation, digital tools, and real-world applications, Siemens aims to help manufacturers increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Kreate Plans $100M Ohio Facility To Advance Smart Manufacturing
Kreate is investing $100 million in a 542,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Tiffin, Ohio, expected to create approximately 120 jobs. Production is scheduled to begin October 1, supported by 32 ENGEL injection-molding systems, FANUC robotics, autonomous material handling, automated packaging, and AI-powered computer vision. The facility will integrate manufacturing, quality, and maintenance technologies, strengthening production efficiency, automation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities while expanding Ohio’s industrial workforce for consumer and professional products.
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More Industrial Horizon news
USA Rare Earth Opens South Carolina Magnet Manufacturing Facility
USA Rare Earth has broken ground on an approximately 800,000-square-foot rare earth metal and magnet facility in Blacksburg, South Carolina. The $1.2 billion project is expected to create about 490 high-skill manufacturing jobs, with commissioning targeted for 2028. Once operational, the facility will target annual production of 6,400 metric tons of sintered NdFeB permanent magnets and 5,000 metric tons of strip-cast metal and alloy, significantly strengthening domestic critical-materials supply chains.
Belden Expands IT/OT Connectivity Portfolio with New Products
Belden is expanding its industrial connectivity portfolio with new solutions designed to support IT/OT convergence and smarter manufacturing. The additions include analog-to-IO-Link conversion, Ethernet switching, HART connectivity, wireless management, and fiber networking products. These technologies help manufacturers improve data connectivity, simplify industrial communications, and support more connected operations. The expanded portfolio strengthens Belden’s capabilities for industrial automation, networking, and digital transformation across modern manufacturing environments.
Kenco Opens Chattanooga Automation Lab To Advance Warehouse Innovation
Kenco has opened a 30,000-square-foot warehouse automation lab in Chattanooga, Tennessee, creating a dedicated environment to test robotics and automation technologies before deployment at customer facilities. The lab will allow Kenco and technology partners to evaluate equipment, workflows, and integration strategies in real-world conditions. The initiative aims to accelerate automation adoption, improve warehouse efficiency, reduce implementation risks, and help customers develop scalable, technology-driven supply chain operations.
Europe Targets Record Wind Power Installations Across 2026
Europe installed 8.8 GW of new wind capacity during the first half of 2026, putting the region on track for a record year. Germany led installations with 3.4 GW, while offshore additions more than tripled year over year. WindEurope expects 24.1 GW of new capacity for 2026. However, permitting delays, grid constraints, and project financing challenges could slow future development despite strong demand for renewable energy infrastructure.
China Secures Long-Term U.S. LNG Supply Agreement Amid Global Shifts
Venture Global has signed a 20-year agreement to supply China Gas with 500,000 metric tons of LNG annually from its Louisiana projects. The deal comes as Middle East supply disruptions push Asian buyers toward alternative sources. U.S. LNG remains strategically important, with 132 active projects representing nearly $442 billion in investment. The agreement highlights shifting global energy trade and growing demand for diversified natural gas supply.
Cisco Streamlines Industrial Automation System Design with Networking
Cisco is highlighting new approaches to simplify industrial automation system design by integrating networking and automation requirements earlier in the engineering process. The approach helps manufacturers build more scalable, secure, and resilient industrial networks while reducing design complexity. By improving IT/OT integration and supporting standardized architectures, Cisco aims to help industrial organizations accelerate automation deployments, strengthen connectivity, and prepare production environments for increasingly data-driven operations.
Industrial Horizon Timeline
ABB and Rolls-Royce Advance Nuclear Small Modular Reactor Investment
GE Vernova Expands Pennsylvania Facility Strengthen Grid Supply
White House Coal Push Brings $700 Million Industry Investment
Nvidia and Schneider Electric Unveil Agentic AI for Industrial Environments
Operational Technology Cyber Risks Surge for Industrial Sector
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The Industrial Horizon
ASC Global brings you The Industrial Horizon, a biweekly intelligence report created specifically for industrial buyers, MRO professionals, and plant-level decision-makers. Strategic industrial insights to maneuver the 2026 procurement roadmap.
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