Ideas

American manufacturing has had great success in automating factories with robots and computers in the last 50 years, and computers are now eliminating many service jobs. This has caused a lot of speculation about how far artificial intelligence can be developed.

Companies interested in investing in energy efficiency and waste reduction projects can apply for low interest financing by Monday, Dec. 8. The funding is available from the new Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Manufacturing Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF), a program jointly managed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Milwaukee-based Brady Corp. reported fiscal 2015 first quarter net earnings of $13.6 million, or 25 cents per share, down from $24 million, or 44 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2014.

Milwaukee-based Douglas Dynamics Inc. announced it has agreed to acquire Manchester, Iowa-based Henderson for about $95 million.

Sussex-based Power Test Inc. is holding its third annual tree lighting celebration on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Open to the community and local businesses, it will take place at its location at N60 W22700 Silver Spring Drive.

Shorewood-based Northwoods Web Solutions is offering a free web strategy workshop for manufacturers on Thursday. Called “Successful Manufacturing Websites & Online Catalogs,” the workshop will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Northwoods Web Solutions, 1572 E Capitol Drive in Shorewood.

Milwaukee-based Prolitec Inc., which manufactures ambient scenting and odor remediation solutions, has been granted a technology patent for its AirQ ambient-scenting systems.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM)-Milwaukee Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for November has been revised to 70.25, up from the previous estimate of 68.93, indicating continued robust growth for manufacturers in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. is reducing the use of metals in vehicle seat structures by replacing them with multi-material systems in its CAMISMA (carbon-amide-metal-based interior structure using a multi-material system approach) research project.

Fairchild Equipment, in conjunction with the Waukesha County Business Alliance, will celebrate today the opening of its new Menomonee Falls facility and expansion into southern Wisconsin with a ribbon- cutting ceremony. The ceremony will take place at Fairchild Equipment’s new facility located at N52 W13821 North Park Drive.