The words "Made in New Zealand" will disappear from Bic ballpoint pens if the company's cost-saving proposal to shift manufacturing overseas goes ahead.

US factories expanded last month at the fastest pace since June 2011 on a jump in orders. And a new report signals that manufacturing output could strengthen in coming months.

Many workers are struggling to understand health and safety documents used in their workplaces, a new study has found.

Sixty-four Dunedin manufacturing workers will have their working week reduced by a day, following KiwiRail's decision to award a manufacturing tender offshore.

The changes being proposed to our employment laws clearly stand to benefit many more employees than the small number who may find aspects of them a challenge.

Methven's purchase of a Chinese manufacturing facility will give the company a competitive edge and full control over its supply chain.

New Zealand honey manufacturers are confident the quality of their products will be proven after Hong Kong testing found additives in some "pure" products.

Competitive car prices and the relatively strong Australian dollar are tempting more Australians to upgrade to a new set of wheels.

Business remains upbeat in the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's quarterly business opinion poll.

The dollar has dropped on news the economy limped along in the first three months of the year, thanks largely to the North Island drought.

The inquiry's report was predictably dismissed by National. But it makes some valid points about the plight of manufacturers, writes John Armstrong.

V8 Supercars Australia will discuss capping the number of manufacturers in the championship following Volvo's decision to join the competition next year.

The "killing" of New Zealand's manufacturing industry can be stopped if the Government makes a series of sweeping policy changes, a new report into the sector has concluded.