US Manufacturing Growing More Energy Efficient
Total energy consumption in the manufacturing sector decreased by 17% from 2002 to 2010, according to data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Manufacturing gross output decreased by only 3% over the same period. Taken together, these data indicate a significant decline in the amount of energy used per unit of gross manufacturing output. The significant decline in energy intensity reflects both improvements in energy efficiency and changes in the manufacturing output mix. Consumption of every fuel used for manufacturing declined over this period.
Imports Unusually High in February: Zepol
U.S. vessel imports in February were down 5% from January but up 15% from February of 2012, even with one less day this year, according to Zepol Corp., which tracks U.S. trade data. The total TEU (twenty-foot-container) count was over 1.4 million and total shipments were over 720,000.
February imports have not reached this level for four years, Zepol noted. The company said it appears that import levels are reverting back to the numbers seen before the recession.
Navistar Names Troy Clarke as CEO
Troy A. Clarke has been appointed president and CEO of Navistar International Corp. (IW 500/86), effective April 15, 2013. Clarke, currently the company's president and chief operating officer, will also join the board.
Lewis B. Campbell, who has served as executive chairman and interim CEO since August 2012, will step down from those positions and from the board.
Does Yahoo's Marissa Mayer Have It Right?
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has drawn plenty of flack for a decision to require Yahoo employees to cut down on telecommuting and work from the office. Critics say it will lead to lower productivity and morale, and potentially drive some talent from the company.
But Ben Waber, PhD, president and CEO of Sociometric Solutions, argues that working on site is more productive and Yahoo has it right.
