Bethlehem’s St. Luke’s and Filament Innovations of Coplay, as well as 3D manufacturer ProtoCAM of Upper Macungie Township, have teamed up to produce 3D printed masks and face shields for health care providers to help protect them from COVID-19.

Robesonia-based Reading Alloys has been sold by its parent company for $250 million.

LifeAire Systems, an Upper Macungie Township company that creates in-duct air purification systems that remove airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, is looking to produce more. The company developed the technology for the in vitro fertilization industry and installed it in its first hospital a couple years ago.

Bethlehem’s Just Born has now decided to close its production facility through at least April 7 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

A former local startup is expanding once again. EcoTech Marine, which began in Bethlehem as a small operation selling high-end aquarium pumps, is moving back to Bethlehem for its third expansion.

Just Born, which manufactures PEEPS and Mike & Ikes in Bethlehem said it will continue operations, while adjusting to extra precautions because of the coronavirus.

To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close their physical locations late yesterday, and offered a comprehensive list of those types of businesses affected.

As companies look to the Lehigh Valley to move or expand headquarters and manufacturing operations, a key part of their decision-making is the question of workforce. If the workforce exists, that’s where they will go, and it’s a top reason many major companies recently announced plans to build in the region.

The auto industry has seen a lot of changes in technology as vehicles become more advanced, safer, and fuel-efficient. And it’s an industry that’s not without its challenges – from finding new skilled mechanics to adapting to changing consumer tastes, such as ride-share services and the nascent model of consumers buying cars from online businesses.

While cybersecurity is an issue of concern for all companies, manufacturers face a considerable challenge in potentially having their whole production operation shut down because of a hacker.