Hyundai rolls out new auto plant

Hyundai’s new $1.1 billion automotive plant in Alabama got off to a clean start Friday, just like this new Sonata, above, that recently rolled through the plant’s shower.

The plant – covering 2 million square feet on a 1,744-acre complex in Montgomery, Ala. – formally opened for business Friday. The new plant is big enough to produce 300,000 vehicles a year for the South Korea-based automaker.

The additional capacity opened up room for Laird Noller Automotive to add a Hyundai dealership in Lawrence. The Hyundai dealer, at 2829 Iowa St., opened this week and is one of 30 expected to open this year in the United States.

Cellophane

Innovia Films spares Tecumseh plant

A cellophane plant between Lawrence and Topeka has been spared closure, as its British owner announced Friday that it would close another cellophane plant in England instead.

Innovia Films Inc. had said it would close one of its three plants to cut overhead expenses and boost productivity. It settled Friday on closing its plant in Bridgewater, England, where about 250 people will be put out of work.

Innovia opted to keep its Kansas operation open. It will retain its nearly 200 employees, with plans for adding another 20.

Earlier this year the Kansas Legislature and Shawnee County officials approved economic incentives, valued at $2 million, to keep the Tecumseh plant open.

United Airlines

Judge delays union ruling until May 31

United Airlines dodged the immediate threat of a strike Friday when a bankruptcy judge gave the carrier more time to negotiate an agreement with its machinists union before he decides whether a new contract can be forced on the workers.

Judge Eugene Wedoff’s decision to put off a ruling until May 31 came with United still deadlocked with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers over a proposed five-year contract, despite three days of intensive bargaining.

Trade

Fed chair weighs China currency change

America’s bloated trade deficits probably wouldn’t be helped by China revamping its currency system as the Bush administration has been pressing Beijing to do, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Friday.

A move by China to revalue its currency “does not follow that that will lower our overall trade balance,” Greenspan said. “Indeed, it’s probably quite unlikely.”