Elected officials and others representing the region’s defense industry recently crowded around the cockpit of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, waiting their turns to hop in the pilot’s seat, taxi the fighter jet down the runway and launch into the skies on a government mission – all without leaving the confines of the R.I. Department of Administration building, that is. more

Though diminished in size, manufacturing still exhibits a strong presence in the regional economy and in the job-growth policies of political leaders. more

Toray Plastics (America) Inc. on May 2 unveiled new $15 million coating equipment at a ribbon-cutting at its North Kingstown campus. The technology will allow the company to better meet global customer demand for industrial and packaging films made with advanced specialty layers. The investment is part of a technology-integration plan the company, which employs more than 600, expects will create 20 jobs. From left: Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee; Rick Schloesser, president and CEO of Toray Plastics (America); Senate President M.Teresa Paiva Weed and House Speaker Gordon D. Fox. more

The 2013 edition of the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition announced its winners Tuesday afternoon at The Garage, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce’s exposition dedicated to identifying and inspiring high-growth companies in the Ocean State. more

Juvenile health, safety and wellness product maker Summer Infant Inc. posted decreases in first-quarter net revenue, net income and gross margins as it worked to phase out products and licensing agreements, and endured an increase in interest expense, according to quarterly results released Wednesday. more

NEWPORT – The International Yacht Restoration School has expanded its scholarship opportunities for students applying to the school’s three full-time programs. more

After claims that its Warren shipbuilding and ship repair facility had violated the federal Clean Air Act National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Facilities, Blount Boats Inc. has agreed to pay a $24,000 penalty and spend at least $230,000 on a clean air project. more

Nortek Inc., the maker of residential and commercial building products, posted a net loss of $15.1 million, or 98 cents per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2013. more

Officials from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 Lightning II, stopped by the R.I. Department of Administration Thursday afternoon to discuss the need for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft and how its manufacture will benefit Rhode Island’s economy. more

Wearable-technology-maker Kopin Corp. posted a $21.6 million profit during the first quarter of 2013, mostly due to $20.2 million in income from its divested III-V operations as well as an income tax benefit of $13 million, the company announced after close of business Wednesday. more