More Manufacturing Jobs Being Imported From China -- I Blame Bush!

A Washington-based brake drum manufacturer is relocating some of its machining work from China to Rockford, echoing a trend that’s becoming more common in North American factories.

The KIC Group is contracting with a new local company, Rockford Automated Machining, to make raw brake drum casings once manufactured in China. Rockford Automated Machining, created by the owners of FAC Consolidated Industries, will employ about 40 people at its 840 Airport Drive location.

John Schneider, vice president of sales for KIC, said multiple factors have eroded the Asian competitive advantage — increased ocean freight charges, the rising price of raw iron ore and the strengthening of the Chinese currency against the U.S. dollar.

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Business Rockford

Chinese Corporation Solar Cell Assembly Plant In The Works For Rockford

Wanxiang Group, the second-largest privately held Chinese corporation, wants to build a photovoltaic solar panel assembly plant at or near Chicago Rockford International Airport. The proposed 40,000-square-foot facility could be operational next year and employ 60 to start. President and CEO Lu Weiding signed an agreement with Rockford, Winnebago County and airport officials today to work out a development deal for the project. Wanxiang officials said they want to move fast, starting construction as soon as possible.
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Wanxiang Group conducted a nationwide search for the site of its assembly plant, said Janyce Fadden, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. 

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RRStar

Beat To Heck -- Update

Hey, following tests I had a change in meds and I have been beat to heck.  Hopefully I will be back to regular posting tomorrow.
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