Manufacturing

U.S. factory orders rose for a third consecutive month in April, adding to evidence that manufacturing is regaining momentum after a harsh winter, according to the latest report by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. is growing its presence in China by opening a new automotive battery manufacturing plant that will produce 6 million automotive batteries per year in the world's largest new vehicle market, where 22 million new vehicles are produced annually.

Waukesha-based DUECO Inc., the largest privately owned provider of Terex Utilities and Terex Hi-Ranger bucket trucks, digger derricks, cranes, stringing and tension equipment and utility trailers in the nation, has named president Judie Taylor as president and chief executive officer.

Racine-based Modine Manufacturing Co. reported fiscal fourth quarter net earnings of $119.7 million, or $2.49 per share, up from a loss of $1.6 million, or 4 cents lost per share, in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Hyvinkaa, Finland-based Konecranes has moved its Oak Creek offices and 105 employees to West Allis.

The Milwaukee 7 region was named one of the first 12 "manufacturing communities" in the federal Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative, which will give the region an opportunity to apply for a share of $1.3 billion in federal economic development funds, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced Wednesday.

Milwaukee-area manufacturing activity increased significantly in May after faltering in April, according to a new report from the Institute for Supply Management-Milwaukee.

Kenosha-based tool manufacturer Snap-on Inc. has acquired substantially all of the assets of Pro-Cut International Inc. for about $42 million in cash.

Waukesha-based Hydro-Thermal Corp. recently received the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Fontarome Chemical Inc. is now Apiscent Labs.