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The article discusses the issue of accommodating older workers in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 1 million assemblers in the country wherein majority of them are between 45 to 64 years old. It also highlights the importance of ergonomically designed work areas to accommodate the workers with physical limitations and in allowing them to remain productive as their younger counterparts.

This article discusses how U.S. automakers are turning their manufacturing facilities into a zero landfill as part of their green manufacturing practices. At the Subaru Indiana Automotive (SIA) Inc. plant, solvent-soaked polyester rags from the paint shop are treated onsite by a recycling company. General Motors for its part has continually increased its commitment to green manufacturing since 1995 while BMW's Greer, South Carolina plant employees are making its assembly facility zero landfill.

The article discusses the trend of applying laser marking in the manufacturing processes, initiated by medical device manufacturers in the U.S. It states that the process will mark codes directly on medical devices to improve traceability. The author relates that the implementation of the Unique Device Identification (UDI) system by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will increase the application of this method.

The article reports on the possible increase in demand of self-tapping screws for plastic assembly which are the favored fasteners of many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the U.S. The author discusses the two types of the self-tapping screws, the thread-forming and the thread-cutting, which are made of steel. He presents the screws developed by some companies including Infastech, Semblex Corp., and ITW Shakeproof Industrial Products.

The article offers information on the Star or Merit award for the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for manufacturers in the U.S. It notes that VPP requires cooperative and proactive efforts from the management, labor force, and OSHA to focus on hazard prevention to avoid fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. It adds that the VPP Star is awarded to a manufacturer that has implemented effective safety and health management systems.

The article offers information on several product offerings from different robot and screwdriver suppliers in the U.S. that would help manufacturers to assemble more product with less labor. It states that some robot manufacturers like Janome Industrial Equipment USA Inc. have equipped desktop Cartesian systems to perform screwdriving. Additionally, other companies standardized its workcells, used C5OS system controller, and DTI 2000 to promote productivity and improve quality.

The author reflects on two topics affecting the engineering profession in the U.S. One concerns salaries and sustainable structures. Strategic business futurist Joyce Gioia notes that engineering offers the highest starting salary and this was supported by the findings of the 2009 Salary Survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Also noted is the construction of a new engineering school which will accommodate the growing number of engineering students. Another issue is the effect of stimulus funds on the engineering industry.

The author discusses the prioritization of water quality in the U.S. in 2009. He reflects on his experience of attending a show of the Water Quality Association (WQA) that featured seminars on water purification and water hardness. He also highlights the effort of the Global Water Research Coalition and the Water Environment Research Foundation to research energy management in the water industry.