SC Johnson plans to increase automation inside its Waxdale plant, resulting in fewer employees. The good news is that it appears the reductions can be achieved by offering early retirement packages. According to a report in the Journal Times, company officials met Tuesday with employees on all three shifts. When all is said and done, the company reportedly hopes to reduce its production workforce from 600 to a number as low as 400 over the next several years. To accomplish the task, the company plans to modernize its 17 production lines. That means an increase in capital spending by millions of dollars each year.
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Foxconn says it has received 325 entries in its "Smart Cities--Smart Futures" competition. The competition's first round--which had an October 31st deadline--aims to promote ideas that enhance the quality of life, improve working environments, expand transportation networks and living spaces; inspire creative city planning and promote sustainable energy solutions. It was open to students who are enrolled in Wisconsin's colleges, universities and technical schools. Foxconn says it'll provide up to $1 million in awards over a three-year period to help turn the winning ideas into reality. Panels of judges will now review the applications, using six criteria to select up to 100 winners. Each winner will receive $500 and will be invited to move on to the second round.
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