Manufacturing in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois shrank in July for the first time in three years, with orders from the United States, Europe and China dropping as business seems almost paralyzed until the fall election is over and economic policies are addressed.

Mahindra USA, the number one selling tractor brand in the world based on volume, introduces John Grooms as its Director of Sales and Business Planning

STIHL Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers of handheld outdoor power equipment, believes educating the future workforce now will better equip young people with the right skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

Birkey's Farm Store, Inc., a full-line Case IH dealer, announces the signing of an agreement with Bill, Bob, and Jerry Read, to acquire Read Bros. Inc., in Henry, Ill.

Less than one year after flames decimated the headquarters of Cazenovia Equipment Co. on U.S. Route 20 in Nelson, the family-owned business has rebounded with the construction of a new $3 million facility nearby that officials say will create at least 15 new jobs over the next five years.

Excel Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mowers, has named Brent E. Edmisten as Vice President of Global Supply Chain effective July 16, 2012. Brent will provide leadership in managing the extensive growth of the company as international sales and the Hustler and BigDog product lines continue to increase. Fiscal year sales for 2012 are expected to reach more than $170M, up from 2011 sales of $150M.

Man, it's hot out there. And, dry. And, miserable. This map shows the United States as a big red blob of broken maximum temperatures in June. The U.S. Drought Monitor says the drought covers half of the nation -- and is expanding.

Durability, power, features, warranty what have you found to be the buy now button for lawn tractors this season?

STIHL Inc., which manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America, has announced the appointment of Christian Koestler to the position of vice president of operations for STIHL Inc. effective July 1. In his new position, Koestler will be responsible for directing U.S. activities in the areas of manufacturing, engineering, materials and procurement, logistics, buildings, maintenance and quality assurance. Peter Mueller, who is currently executive vice president of operations, will remain at STIHL until October, when he retires.

Mahindra reportedly interested in purchasing aviation manufacturer, Hawker Beechcraft Corp.