Mercedes Has Growth Challenges
Mercedes-Benz is completing a decade-long rejuvenation with the new E-Class sedan this month, capping an unprecedented flurry of fresh models that have brought rapid expansion but will make future growth tougher to deliver. The overhaul of Mercedes’ bread-and-better business sedan marks the last major model to get a technology and design upgrade until the next-generation A-Class hatchback rolls out in 2018. By that time, Mercedes will...
Jobs Numbers Help to Dispel Recession Fear
Washington — A robust February jobs report showcased a resilient U.S. economy just as fears of a new recession had begun to surface. Economic reports in recent weeks had fueled anxieties about a looming downturn: Manufacturers were slumping. Stocks had plummeted. China was slowing sharply along with other emerging markets. The rising dollar had crushed exports. But last month, U.S. employers sent a clear message of confidence. They...
Business Notes: Feb. 14, 2016
Bethel — GW Plastics last week announced the completion of a major expansion of its Dongguan, China, facilities. The project more than doubled the size of the plant, and the new 125,000-square-foot facility will permit the company to streamline its tooling, molding and medical device assembly operations while leaving room for contract manufacturing growth, the company said in a news release. The company plans to enhance its Asia...
Novo Nordisk Plans Growth in West Lebanon
Rufus Gifford, the U.S. ambassador to Denmark, addresses employees and guests at Novo Nordisk’s 170,000-square-foot facility in West Lebanon on Wednesday. In a news release, the Bagsvaerd, Denmark-based health care company said the event was designed to showcase its “commitment to maintaining a site in this rural community while ensuring a future medicines supply for serious diseases like hemophilia and growth disorders.” Novo Nordisk...
U.S. Consumers Appear to Thrive as Companies Struggle
Call it a tale of two economies. Consumer spending grew last year by the most since 2005, in spite of a slight slackening in the fourth quarter. Nonresidential business investment, meanwhile, rose at its slowest pace since 2010 as oil and gas companies sharply curtailed spending. The key theme for the economy “is the stark contrast between the fortunes of the household and business sectors,” and how that plays out going forward, said...
