Latest News

• Jobless Claims Slide in Latest Week
  Updated: 7/29/2010
  The number of Americans filing for initial unemployment insurance fell last week. There were 457,000 initial jobless claims filed in the week ended July 24, down 11,000 from a upwardly revised 468,000 the previous week, according to the Labor Department. full story >
  
• Astoria Industries of Iowa and Amtech LLC Enter Manufacturing Agreement
  Updated: 7/28/2010
  Amtech LLC (Wapato, WA), a Blackford Capital portfolio company and diverse manufacturer of composite-based products and parts, announced a joint manufacturing agreement with Astoria Industries (Osceola, IA). full story >
  
• Quigley Introduces New Lifted Independent Front Suspension System
  Updated: 7/28/2010
  Since Quigley Motor Co., Inc. (Manchester, PA) retired its solid axle 4x4 GM products, the company has been developing, designing and testing a new product to take its place. Quigley now introduces the LIFS (Lifted Independent Front Suspension) 4x4 system. full story >
  
• Firestone Industrial Products Achieves Internationally Recognized TS Certification at Brazil Facility
  Updated: 7/28/2010
  Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC (Indianapolis, IN) announced that its air spring manufacturing plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil has earned ISO/TS 16949 certification. full story >
  
• Del City Now Offers Sperry Instruments
  Updated: 7/28/2010
  Del City (Milwaukee, WI) now offers Sperry Instruments in its line of electrical products. full story >
  
• Suppliers Made Deep Cuts to R&D Budgets
  Updated: 7/28/2010
  After auto suppliers made deep cost cuts to survive the industry's downturn, research and development budgets are looking thin, according to a study by accounting firm Grant Thornton. full story >
  
• Consumer Confidence Falls in July to 5-Month Low
  Updated: 7/28/2010
  Consumer confidence declined this month to its lowest level in five months, according to the New York-based Conference Board.  full story >
  
• Study Forecasts Electric Truck Growth by Weight Classes
  Updated: 7/27/2010
  Light-duty electric vehicles (EV) offer the best opportunity for near-term growth within the U.S. commercial fleet sector, according to a new study by research firm Frost & Sullivan, because of all  EV models, they offer the best fit in terms of life cycle cost and operational capability. full story >
  
• Diesel Prices Back Up After A Month of Declines; Oil Stays Put
  Updated: 7/27/2010
  Diesel rose 2 cents this week, breaking its month-long downward trend, according to weekly figures released by the U.S. Department of Energy. full story >
  
• Senate Passes Advanced Vehicle Technology Act
  Updated: 7/23/2010
  The Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee has passed a bill aimed at helping parts suppliers and vehicle manufacturers develop, implement and manufacture technology for more fuel efficient cars, trucks, and components. full story >