Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as it's often called, is not about to replace mass manufacturing. Even though the technology is improving, the finish and durability of some printed items can still fall short of what producers require.

Export manufacturing has recently become the unsung hero of the U.S. economy. Despite all the public focus on the U.S. trade deficit, little attention has been paid to the fact that the country's exports have been growing more than seven times faster than GDP since 2005. As a share of the U.S. economy, in fact, exports are at their highest point in 50 years.

Where are the most manufacturing jobs? A number of states have plenty. We all know Texas does. But not as much as Michigan does, according to a recent study.

Consolidating multiple shipments of vehicle accessories and replacement parts, some quite heavy, into one movement has saved a U.S. distributor a lot of money and really given the gas to its business growth in Canada.

Italika, the top-selling brand of motorcycle in Mexico, improves on-time delivery of parts sourced from China by changing port-to-port ocean routing and land transportation.

Manufacturing expanded in July at the fastest pace in more than two years, sparked by surges in orders and production that signal companies are growing more optimistic about the U.S. economy's prospects.