Manufacturing

One month doesn’t make a trend, but for the first time since June, the Milwaukee-area PMI was in positive territory in January.

Kohler Co. has agreed to pay a $20 million federal civil penalty to settle claims the company made and sold millions of small spark-ignition engines that did not conform to emissions standards.

Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based FPM Heat Treating plans to close its facility at 11200 W. Heather Ave. in Milwaukee, putting 27 employees out of a job.

Cargo traveling through Port Milwaukee facilities saw significant year-over-year gains in 2019, led by growth in all major dry bulk categories, according to a news release.

Constellation Brands has acquired a minority stake in Milwaukee-based PRESS Premium Alcohol Seltzer as part of its Focus on Female Founders program.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. is considering a potential asset sale that could cover $195 million in maturing debt while also allowing the company is simplify its business and increase its focus on power application.

Brothers Nicholas and Michael Rivecca have completed the purchase from Brian Ganos of the entire ownership interest in Riv/Crete Ready Mix, according to a Wednesday announcement.

Eastek Automated Circuit Technologies (EACT) LLC plans to eliminate 36 jobs at its printed circuit board assembly and electro-mechanical facility in Menomonee Falls, the company said in a WARN notice to state and local officials.

Sussex-based Quad/Graphics Inc. plans to sell its Omaha packaging plant for $40 million to  Atlanta-based Graphic Packaging International while also continuing investments in other packaging operations.

Chief executive officer Matt Levatich acknowledged during Harley-Davidson’s earnings call Tuesday that the company is far from where it was before the Great Recession, but he also said Harley is not the same company it was three years ago.