Thursday’s business headlines

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Here’s a look at Thursday’s business headlines.

Manufacturing jobs

Companies across the state are reporting a serious shortage of skilled and unskilled laborers as they move rapidly toward smart manufacturing.

That’s according to the 2019 Indiana Manufacturing Survey by Indiana University.

It says many are finding it difficult to attract younger generations of skilled and unskilled workers who are able to replace the wave of retiring baby boomers.

Respondents say current shortage areas include production, such as machinists, craft workers and operators; unskilled production; and supporting roles, such as engineers and planners.

St. Elmo’s bourbon drink

St. Elmo Foods has launched its own bottled bourbon whiskey based on its most popular drink – Elmo Cola – allowing patrons to have a taste of the eatery at home.

Bottles are now available in local stores.

It’s 88 proof and is made with dark cherry and bourbon vanilla beans.

It cost between and $35 and $40.

Apple Beats

Apple unveiled Beats Solo Pro headphones with noise cancellation and 22 hours of battery.

The power switch is embedded in the actual frame so that folding or unfolding them powers them off and on.

Sprint, T-Mobile

The FCC has voted to approve the T-Mobile-Sprint $26 billion merger.

But the carriers are still facing opposition from 17 state attorneys general.

Under the deal, the carrier will deploy a 5G network that provides fast speed to 62% of the state’s urban and rural population; cover 92% of the population and 88% of it rural population within six years of merging.