Business briefs: Ford adds third shift due to demand

Ford Motor Co. said Thursday that it would add a third shift to production plants in Michigan and Missouri to meet increased demand for its F-150 trucks and Escape crossover vehicles. The moves offer specifics about Ford's plan to increase production of cars and trucks in the fourth quarter by 33 percent over 2008 levels to a total of 570,000 vehicles. Two of its vehicles — the Focus and Escape — were among the top-sellers under the Cash for Clunkers program.

— ASSOCIATED PRESS
Solomon Builders has started work on a $6.5 million Nossi College of Art complex. The 400-student college plans to move from Rivergate Parkway to a new facility at Briarville Road and Briley Parkway.

— NAOMI SNYDER

Costs cut Cumberland's net income

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals reported second-quarter net income of $300,000, down 72 percent from $1.1 million a year ago as the company saw expenses go up. Net revenue increased 18 percent to $9.8 million. Costs rose to expand the Nashville-based specialty pharmaceutical company's sales force as well as increased marketing and advertising expense, officials said. Cumberland recently became publicly traded through an initial public offering.

— GETAHN WARD

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