Imports, exports keep falling due to energy, automotive

OTTAWA -- Declines in the energy sector in May, was one of a handful of factors leading to a fourth drop in exports in five months. But merchandise imports decreased at a rate higher than that of exports, resulting in an increase in Canada's merchandise trade surplus, reports Stats Canada.

Up and Away: Aerospace spike keeps manufacturing steady

OTTAWA -- A weak manufacturing month this past May was overshadowed by a big boost in aerospace products production, Stats Canada reports in its monthly survey on manufacturing.

Caterpillar records highest profits ever

PEORIA, Ill -- heavy-duty enginemaker Caterpillar Inc. has reported a 41 percent increase in profit per share on a 13 percent increase in sales and revenues compared with the second quarter 2005.

TransForce scoops western LTL fleet

MONTREAL -- After a short hiatus from fleet buying, TransForce has announced the acquisition of Edmonton-based Byers Transportation System and all its divisions. Financial conditions were not disclosed.

Mullen expands specialized oilfield services segment

CALGARY -- The Mullen Group Income Fund, parent of Mullen Transport, has acquired Canadian Dewatering Ltd., a private corporation based in the B.C.

Bendix urges feds to get tough on knock-offs

ELYRIA, Ohio -- A North American OE leading the fight against counterfeit truck parts and components appealed to a Senate subcommittee hearing on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.

Profits 101: Paccar breaks sales records

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Paccar reported the highest revenues and net income in the company's entire 101-year history for the first half of 2006, said Mark C. Pigott, chairman and chief executive officer.

Manufacturers’ outlook up in face of hurdles

OTTAWA -- Even with the highest Canadian dollar in almost 30 years, manufacturers remain resilient in their expectations for the balance of 2006.

Daimler-Freightliner marriage celebrates silver anniversary

PORTLAND, Ore. -- It's been more than 65 years since the Freightliner nameplate first saw the light of day.

Cummins leaving bigger footprint in light-duty market

CHICAGO -- Truck engine maker Cummins said this week that it signed a partnership with a major unnamed car manufacturer to produce light-duty diesel engines for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Series 60 named No 2 on ‘Best Engine Ever’ list

DETROIT -- Engine maker Detroit Diesel's flagship Series 60 heavy-duty truck engine was recently recognized by Diesel Power Magazine as the No. 2 ranked "Best Diesel Engine Ever" on a list compiled by the publication.

ON plant closure costs ArvinMeritor, but future still looks strong

TROY, Mich. -- One of North America's leading truck components manufacturers reports a 57 percent drop in third quarter earnings because of a week long labor disruption at a Tilbury, Ont. heavy-duty brake plant last month.

’07 downturn may spark layoffs at Navistar’s Chatham plant; Over 800 jobs on the line

CHATHAM, Ont. -- Navistar International's announcement that it may have to slash jobs from its Canadian heavy-duty assembly plant doesn't mean workers will most likely be sent home, says the truckmaker's chief spokesman.

ArvinMeritor shifts out of manual tranny business

TROY, Mich.-- ArvinMeritor has seen the future of heavy-duty truck transmissions -- and it is automated.

Tremcar breathes new life into tanker maker

TORONTO -- Eighty-eight year-old Toronto tank trailer manufacturer Hutchinson Industries reopened for business this sunny August morning after a two-week shutdown,