U.S.-based executives at large companies remain bullish on American manufacturing, and their actions are beginning to show it, according to recent research.

AkzoNobel N.V. recently reported positive volume growth and, for the fifth consecutive quarter, an improvement in return on sales—from 8% to 9.1%.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz recently announced more than $53 million for 40 innovative research and development projects that aim to drive down the cost of solar energy.

3M recently reported third quarter earnings of $1.98 per share, an increase of 11.2% vs. the third quarter of 2013.

Sika Industry and Region NA Automotive recently announced that Ronald Beaudrie has joined Sika Corp. as product engineer for Industry and Region NA Automotive.

AkzoNobel recently announced the €5 million (~ $6 million) divestment of its 50% share in non-consolidated joint venture Eka Synthomer Oy to Synthomer.

In another strong quarter, Chromebook shipments increased by 67% quarter-over-quarter and are projected to double in size year-over-year.

Celanese Corp. recently announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Cool Polymers Inc.

PPG Industries recently announced it has expanded the ability for its Central Europe application support center.

Maroon Group LLC recently announced it has acquired Addipel LLC, a custom blender and re-packager based in Avon Lake, Ohio.