Starbucks is rethinking kitchens to be more efficient. In a technology lab, they explore ways to bring equipment closer together, and make syrup pumps, milk dispensers and ice bins that work better. U.S….
Battered by rising gas prices, European manufacturers are shifting operations to the U.S. Lower energy prices and recent incentives for manufacturing/green energy have tilted the playing field toward the U.S. Dutch chemical firm…
INTERPARFUMS LUXURY BRANDS, INC. (IP), a fragrance seller, is moving away from Chinese production. More companies surveyed by McKinsey are also working to manufacture goods closer to home. IP is shifting much of its…
Walmart drone delivery is ready for liftoff. They are expanding drone deliveries across six states with operator DroneUp, bringing the total network to 37 sites by year-end. The retailer said it will be able…
U.S. importers seeking relief from West Coast bottlenecks are causing backups at East/Gulf Coast ports. Dozens of container ships are now backed up in NY, Houston and Savannah. Shippers are diverting goods to…
Per McKinsey & Company’s 2022 Global Survey, the share of companies adopting automation technology is climbing. However, few companies have achieved automation’s full potential. Automation leaders make large changes to their processes/platforms, often building…
Brazil is rushing to roll out high-tech alternatives to fertilizer as global prices surge, impacted by the war in Ukraine. Drones with cameras hover over farms, allowing farmers to use fertilizer only where…
Harley-Davidson’s North American retail sales volume dropped 28% in 2Q22 to just under 35,000 motorcycles. Their U.S. market share dropped to 41% for the first half of 2022 versus 45% at the end…
Rio Tinto built its most technologically advanced mine in western Australia. The Gudai-Darri mine employs 600 workers on site, also >70 in a control center in Perth, but is facing labor shortages. Nearly…
Inflation accelerated to 9.1% in June, the highest rate since 1981. Prices for gasoline, household energy, groceries and shelter rose 60%, 22%, 12% and 6%, respectively. Energy prices were driven by high crude…