Morning Business Report: Kimberly-Clark’s major expansion, Ford’s extended deals, the future of transit
Kimberly-Clark, the maker of household staples like Kleenex, Scott paper towels, and Huggies diapers, announced a $2 billion investment.
(LILAMAX)-Kimberly-Clark, the maker of household staples like Kleenex, Scott paper towels, and Huggies diapers, announced a $2 billion investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing capabilities over the next five years. This marks the company’s largest expansion in three decades. The initiative is expected to create more than 900 jobs focused on industrial automation and advanced manufacturing, primarily in Ohio and South Carolina.
Ford Motor Company is extending its “employee pricing” offer to consumers through Independence Day in an effort to boost sales amid growing uncertainty over new tariffs on imported cars and parts. CEO Jim Farley said the company wants to help ease price concerns but acknowledged vehicle prices could still rise after the offer ends, depending on competitor moves. Ford, which manufactures more vehicles in the U.S. than many rivals, could have an advantage if tariffs escalate.
The stock market kicked off May on a positive note, with strong earnings reports from Meta and Microsoft easing investor concerns over tariffs and artificial intelligence volatility. The S&P 500 has climbed back to levels seen before new tariffs were announced on April 2nd, suggesting renewed market confidence.
U.S. mass transit systems are facing a financial “death spiral,” according to Bloomberg. The $70 billion in federal COVID-era aid for commuter rail and bus lines has been fully spent, and agencies now say they need another $6 billion to stay afloat.While ridership has improved nationwide, it has not returned to pre-pandemic levels — raising questions about long-term sustainability without further support.
Nike is giving its iconic Air Force 1 a futuristic twist. More than 40 years after the sneaker debuted, the brand has introduced a new version that features self-cleaning technology.
