Issue 4, 2023
Branching Out with Additive Manufacturing
By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Strategic Planning for 2024: Contracts, Labor Markets, Tax Impacts and Resin Trends
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
How to Get the Most Out of Attending NPE2024
By Greg Hannoosh and Mark Malloy, Next Step Communications, Inc.
Maximizing Website Impact on Sales Funnel, Recruiting Processes
By Sara Melefsky, digital marketing director, WayPoint Marketing Communications
Organized Labor Activities Cause Concern for Plastics Processors
By Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager/analytics director, MAPP
Change Your Perception and Go All In!
By Troy Nix, Executive Director, MAPP
Association News: 2023 Issue 4
Technology Focus: 2023 Issue 4
Issue 3, 2023
Best Practices for New Program Start-Up: The Supplier Perspective
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
It’s Time to Sell
By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
What Recession?
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Contracting in a New World
By Josef Keglewitsch, partner, Ice Miller LLP
Hiring Skilled Labor in an Uncertain Job Market
By Todd Nickerson, recruiting director, MBS Advisors
How to Get the Most Out of Exhibiting at NPE2024
By Greg Hannoosh and Mark Malloy, Next Step Communications, Inc.
Changing Industry Dynamics Crunching Plastics Processors for Higher Wages
By Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager/analytics director, MAPP
Strengthening Plastics Manufacturing Performance via Management by Exception
By Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer, DELMIAWorks
Issue 2, 2023
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to Lead with Empathy
Summarized by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Secondary Education Programs Offer Opportunities in Plastics
By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Leaders Drive Success by Asking the Right Questions
By Jim LeGacy, president and CEO, Orion Performance Compounds
View from 30: CMG Plastics Combines Sight and Sound to Increase Safety
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
New Tax Law Rewards Manufacturers for Going Green
By Teri Samples, partner and CPA, Wipfli
Plastics Executives Report Encouraging Outlook for Automation
By Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager/analytics director, MAPP
A Collision of the Global Supply Chain: Politics, Inflation and Alternative Sources
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Step Back to Let Others Lead
By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Issue 1, 2023
Recycled Resins Fill Sustainability Gaps in Plastics Processing
By Todd Waddle, director, sustainability, M. Holland
Crisis Communications: Adjusting the Marketing Message
By Teresa Schell, president and owner, Vive
The 8 Most Common Efficiency GAPS in Plastics Operations
By Rick Dunne, director of sales, CyFrame
Champion Plastics Innovates with Plasma Treating Automation
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
Design Concerns for Durable Products: IML/IMD/IME
By Paul O’Hearn, engineering manager, Profile Plastics
Looking Ahead to 2023: Markets, Staffing and Investments
By Maggie Taylor, writer, Plastics Business
Plastics Processors Indicate Slower Than Expected Q4 2022, Temper Expectations for 2023
By Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager/analytics director, MAPP
“Future Proofing” Your Production Workforce – Confidence and Knowledge Are the Keys to Handling Change
By Daniel Stephens, vice president, Routsis Training LLC
North American Outlook: Inflation Is the Focus
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Issue 4, 2022
Building Resilience Together at the Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference in Indianapolis!
by Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
Raising the Bar on Recruitment and Retention
by Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
Digital Marketing at iD Additives: Real Results with Quality Over Quantity
by Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
Plastics Business Annual Buyers Resource Guide
Managed Service Providers are Critical to Securing Smart Factory
by Lauren Middleton, content writer and web designer, River Valley Digital
Despite Supply Chain Improvements, Skepticism Remains
by Andrew Carlsgaard, business relations manager, MAPP
Four Steps to Improve Supply Chain Forecasting
by Matt Stekier, principal, and Ryan Muneio, manager, Plante Moran
How Does Healthcare Delivery Differ from Pizza Delivery?
by Susan Denzio, director of information and administrative services, First Resource, Inc.
Employee Benefits: Rising Costs vs. Necessary Incentives
by Maggie Taylor, writer, Plastics Business
Applying TQM to Sales
by Lewis Yasenchak, senior plastics consultant, P&Y Management Resources
What to Make of Recession Angst
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
US is More Profitable Than China for Plastics-Based Manufacturing
by Greg Kozera, director of marketing and sales, Shale Crescent USA
Strategic Alternatives: Insights on Ownership Transitions
by Michael Benson, managing director, Stout
Booklist: I Put the “Pro” in Procrastinate
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Issue 3, 2022
Going for Gold: Safety in the Workplace
by Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business
Reshoring Gains Momentum
by Hallie Forcinio, writer, Plastics Business
What’s New and What’s Possible in Additive Manufacturing for Plastics, Metal and More
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Recruitment and Retention: Ideas from Other Processors
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Why Can’t We Be Like Cars?
by Will Hinshaw, partner/founder, Captive Solutions & Options
Processors Increase Wages Amid Historically High US Inflation Rate
by Marcella Kates, marketing director, MAPP
China’s Threat to Itself and the World
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Techniques for a Successful Mold-Building Partnership
by Gene Mussel, director, Harbour Results, Inc.
Finding and Assessing New Business Opportunities
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business
It’s Time to Intentionally Connect
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Issue 2, 2022
An Effective Approach to Toolmaker Evaluations
by Danielle Sheldon, marketing assistant, Team 1 Plastics, and Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business
Plants Experiment with Alternate Work Schedules
by Hallie Forcinio, writer, Plastics Business
m-hub Connects the Plastics Industry
by Andrea Tellan, co-founder, m-hub
What Are the Real Threats to the Economy?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Five Common HR Challenges in the Plastics Industry
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business
Who Supports the Leaders? The Role of the Business Support Team
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Don’t Take the Medicine Yet!
by Will Hinshaw, partner/founder, Captive Solutions & Options
Plastics Processors Identify Both Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare Landscape
by Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, MAPP
Every Plant Needs to Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Sophisticated Check Fraud Scheme Stopped with Positive Pay
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Booklist: We Already Are Leaders
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Issue 1, 2022
View from 30: A Higher Meaning to Work at Belmont Engineered Plastics
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
New Facility Construction: Designing for the Future
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Q&A: Automation in Plastics Molding Plants
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business
Year-End Tax Thoughts and Policy Outlook for 2022 and Beyond
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Wipfli
What is Going On, and Why?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
When Customers Hold Their Hands Up: Lead Response
by Troy Harrison, author of “Sell Like You Mean It!”
Stress Testing the Business: 5 Lessons from Plastics Molding Companies
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business
Monitoring Health Benefits Costs: What is the Magic Number?
by Will Hinshaw, partner/founder, Captive Solutions & Options
Adapting to and Overcoming New and Recurring Challenges in 2022
by Ian Gjertson, analytics director, MAPP
Booklist: New Year, New Me – and Maybe New You
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business
Issue 4, 2021
What Processors Can Do to Maintain a Healthy Flow in Their Resin Supply Chain
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Tools for Improving Inventory Monitoring and Tracking, and Supply Chain Management
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
View from 30: Going Green is Good for Business at PMT
by Nicole Mitchell, writer, Plastics Business
2021 MAPP Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Sales Strategies to Attract New Businesses
by Todd M. Zielinski, CEO, and Lisa Benson, senior marketing content consultant, Athena SWC
State of the Plastics Industry: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Thunderstorms
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.
The Complexity of Machine Rates in the Plastics Processing Industry
by Ian Gjertson, analytics director, MAPP
Five Key Points CEOs Should Address in Their IT Services Contracts
by Reggie Gresham, vice president of enterprise sales, Matrix Integration
What’s Up with Inflation These Days
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Aftermarket Partnerships Maximize Equipment Performance
by Sukumara Repuri, director, global aftermarket of assembly technologies, and Sophie Morneau, director, global strategic accounts of assembly technologies, Emerson
When You’re Tired
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 3, 2021
MAPP Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference
Plastics Business
Automating Processes Beyond the Production Floor
by Hallie Forcinio, writer, Plastics Business
No-Cost Energy Assessments Offered by DOE’s Industrial Assessment Center
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
The View from 30 Feet: Competitive Nature Improves Quality at Dymotek
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
Leaders Never Stop Learning: The “Building Leaders of Character” Program
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Six Things Manufacturers Should Do with Safety Data Sheets
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business
An Honest Assessment of the CRM Software Utilized in the Manufacturing Industry
by Ian Gjertson, analyst, MAPP
Protecting Workers in a Post-Pandemic Manufacturing Environment
by Angela Courtwright, attorney, Ice Miller LLP
We Got What We Wanted … Now What?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Sharpening Those Leadership Skills
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 2, 2021
15 Years of Plastics Business Magazine
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Additive Manufacturing: Emerging into a Post-COVID World
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Finding Waste on the Plant Floor
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Five Places to be on the Lookout for Fraud
by Christina Solomon, CPA/CVV, CPE, CGMA and Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
View from 30: From Surviving the Resin Shortage to a Zero-Scrap Footprint: What Repelletizing Can Do for Your Company
by Marcella Kates, director of marketing, MAPP
Successful Transition: Leadership Changes in a Pandemic
by Brittany Willes, writer, Plastics Business
A Return to 1990s Economics
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Manufacturers Losing the Battle Against Healthcare Insurance Companies
by Troy Nix, executive director, MAPP
M&A in the Time of COVID-19
by Todd Parsapour, Stout
Understanding Cleanrooms and Their Successful Use in Plastics Decoration
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Booklist: Stay Hip, My Friends
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 1, 2021
A Message of Optimism: Getting Back on Track in 2021
by Maria Nix, contributing writer, MAPP
Use Automation to Monitor Inventory in Resin Silos
by Jenny Nielson Christensen, MBA, vice president of marketing, BinMaster
The Trials of 2020 Position 2021 for Growth
by Hallie Forcinio, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Automation Increases Safety on the Plant Floor
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
View from 30: Bamar Plastics Saves Time, Bolster ROI with STEPsaver Mobile Cart
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Negotiating Customer Supply Agreements
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
When You See a Fork in the Road, Take It
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Building a Culture of Gratitude through Social Media Interaction
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Reduce Electrical Shock Incidents by Relying on Safety-by-Design
by Littelfuse
To Repair or Not to Repair?
by Brett Beardsley, president, Bear Industrial Group
Booklist: Stick to the Vision
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 4, 2020
Benchmarking Conference Goes Virtual
Plastics Business
Are Women the Answer to Manufacturing’s Talent Crisis?
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Regrind, Reuse, Recycle: Plastikos Medical Makes Sustainability a Top Priority
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Technology Trends in Auxiliary Equipment
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
2020 and 2021: No End to Chaos in Sight
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
NPE2021: Opportunities in Virtual and In-Person Formats
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
View From 30: Containing the Threat: Viking Plastics Takes on Cybersecurity during the Coronavirus Pandemic
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Plastics Manufacturers Face Four Priorities in 2021
by Louis Columbus, principal, DELMIAworks
Compensation Amid a Pandemic: Trends in the Plastics Industry
by Ashley Turrell, membership & analytics director, MAPP
Manufacturing Training and Jobs for the Reentry Population
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 3, 2020
MAPP Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference
Plastics Business
Training Matrix: The Roadmap for Employee Advancement
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
The Impact of COVID-19 on Plastics and Parallel Industries
by the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors
Program Launch Best Practices in a Pandemic-Pressed World
by Cynthia Kustush, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Revamping Healthcare at Vital Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Additive Manufacturing’s Vision for Molders
A conversation with Bob Gafvert, production partnership sales manager, Carbon
Applying Industry 4.0 in Plastics Processing
A Q&A with Steve Bieszcat, CMO of DELMIAworks
Training is Essential
by Michelle Parr Paulson, director of marketing communications, Paulson Training Programs
Economic Smooth Sailing or Headed for the Rocks?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
What Manufacturers Should Know About Prescription Drug Use
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Are You Listening?
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 2, 2020
Spring Cleaning in the Tool Room: Five Jobs to Do Now
by Bryan Whitaker, technical manager, iD Additives
The Time to Recruit is Now
by Dan Regovich, owner and operator, AJ Augur
The Importance of Training for Plastics Companies
by Andy Routsis, president, Routsis Training
Cautious Optimism is Overwhelmed by Economic Shock and Uncertainty
by Greg Alonso, principal, Plante Moran
Molding the Market: The Future of Medical Resins
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business
CARES Act Provides Relief to Plastics Processors
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
The COVID-19 Effect: Preparing Your Business for a ‘New Normal’
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results
COVID-19: Business Policies and Best Practices
by Ashley Turrell, membership & analytics director, MAPP
What Will the Economic Aftermath Look Like?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Surviving an OSHA Inspection
Coordinated by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Not Your Typical Business Podcasts
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 1, 2020
Nationally Funded Program Offers Assistance to Manufacturers
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Molders are Looking Forward with 20/20 Vision of the Year Ahead
by Cynthia Kustush, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Using a Web-Based Document Control and Training Platform at Automation Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
Forecasts are Changing for Plastics Manufacturers in 2020
by Ashley Turrell, membership & analytics director, MAPP
Young Professionals Network Fills Leadership Gap
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
Workstation Innovation Results in Safer, More Efficient Organizations
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
Let the Good Times Roll – But, for How Long?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Sales Strategies: Strategic Planning for Greater Sales Success
by Brittany Willes, writer, Plastics Business
Sales Strategies: How to Balance Customer Satisfaction and the Bottom Line
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Grab Customer Attention and Keep It
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 4, 2019
SOLUTIONS: PCI Focuses on Culture through Ownership, Leadership Transitions
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: For the Sake of Clarity: Crescent Industries Updates Job Descriptions
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Businessproductivity
PRODUCTIVITY: Simple and Straight Forward: Four Low-Cost Improvement Ideas
by Ashley Turrell, membership & analytics director, MAPP
REVIEW: Annual Benchmarking Conference Bring the Industry to Indianapolis
Plastics Business
BENCHMARKING: Rising Compensation, Increased Turnover Rates and Slow Hiring for Plastics Companies
by Ashley Turrell, membership & analytics director, MAPP
PERSPECTIVES: Plastics Positively Impacts the World Daily
by Alex Hoffer, vice president of sales and operations, Hoffer Plastics Corporation
STRATEGIES: Recent Acquisition Relied on Relationships, Fit
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
ECONOMIC CORNER: Four Issues Likely to Define 2020
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
BOOKLIST: Let’s Win the Game
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: The Five Myths of Business Strategy
by Rich Horwath, CEO, Strategic Thinking Institute
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 3, 2019
PREVIEW: 2019 MAPP Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference
Plastics Business
OUTLOOK: Plastics Molders Ease Hiring Strain with Apprenticeships, Internships
by Nancy Cates, contributing editor, Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: Maximizing Value and Attracting the RIGHT Acquirer for Your Business
by Jonathan Soucy, president, MBS Advisors
INDUSTRY: EHS Summit Emphasizes Preparedness
Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: MAPP Honors Best Practices in Safety
Plastics Business
PRODUCTION: Training Challenge Ignites Competition
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: Vital Plastics’ Home-Based Assembly
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
FOCUS: Strategic Planning: Setting Your Business Up for Success
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.
BENCHMARKING: What’s in a Machine Rate?
by Ashley Turrell, membership and analytics director, MAPP
ECOMONIC CORNER: Election Watch: It’s the Economy, Stupid
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
MARKETING: How Marketing Impacts Talent Recruitment
by Shelly Otenbaker, president, WayPoint Marketing Communications
MANAGEMENT: Sales Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast
by John Waid, founder, C-3 Corporate Culture Consulting
BOOKLIST: Excellence is a Habit
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 2, 2019
INNOVATION: Collaborative Robot Cleans House at Metro Plastics
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: 5 Steps to Better Supply Agreements
by H. Alan Rothenbuecher, partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
SOLUTIONS: KPI: The Need to Measure
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost
SOLUTIONS: Four Ways Plastics Providers Combine KPIs to Accelerate Growth
by Louis Columbus, principal, IQMS
OUTLOOK: Injection Molders Expand Business Through Proprietary Products
by Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: SEA-LECT Teaches Entrepreneurs to Design for Plastics
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: 3D-Printed Fashion: Makers Push Boundaries
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: 5 Reasons to Hire for Skill Over Experience
by John Carrozza, principal consultant, Riviera Advisors, Inc.
FOCUS: Workplace Implications for Marijuana Use
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
BENCHMARKING: Cost of Benefits Continues to Rise for Manufacturers
by Ashley Turrell, membership and analytics director, MAPP
ECONOMIC CORNER: Global Economy in a State of Flux (Again)
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
BOOKLIST: Find a Way to Be Better
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Association News
Plastics Business
Issue 1, 2019
FOCUS: Strategic Steps to Maximize Business Value for Plastics Processors
by Joellen Sorenson, director, Stout
EDUCATION: Productive Partnerships: What Education and Industry Need to Prosper
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: Integrating In-Mold Decorating into Injection Molding Workflow
by John Berg, director of marketing, Sussex IM
SOLUTIONS: Intralox Builds a Winning Team
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
BENCHMARKING: Steady Not Stagnant: Strong Performance Continues in 2019
by Ashley Burleson, membership and analytics director, MAPP
OUTLOOK: Prepare for Supply Chain Pressures
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: Communicating Ideas for Improvement at Thogus
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
ACTIVISM: Advocacy for Plastics in Legislation
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
ECONOMIC CORNER: Plastics Industry Swings from Free Trade to No Trade
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
INDUSTRY: Five Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2019
by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers
MARKETING: Six Suggestions to Improve Social Media Marketing Efforts for B2B Businesses
by Brenda Eubank, Team 1 Plastics
BOOKLIST: Inspiration from the Sports World
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Issue 4, 2018
FOCUS: Going All In on Manufacturing Day at Crescent Industries
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: Reducing Scrap at Plastech Corporation
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
SOLUTIONS: Learning from the Best: Building a Better Training Program
by Elizabeth Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: Quote, Price and Close Work Orders the Right Way
by Nick Knight, Senior Director of Customer Services, Global Shop Solutions
TECHNOLOGY: Increase Profits and Opportunities for Growth with Data-Driven Process Cooling
by Al Fosco, Marketing Manager, Frigel North America
TRAINING ROOM: How to Become a Plastics Guru: What You Need to Know
by Jeremy Williams, Trainer/Consultant, RJG, Inc.
REVIEW: MAPP’s 2018 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference
Plastics Business
ECONOMIC CORNER: If You Can’t Convince Them, Confuse Them
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
BENCHMARKING: Plastics Processors Continue to Boost Compensation for Workers
by Ashley (Turrell) Burleson, membership and analytics manager, MAPP
OUTLOOK: Year-End Tax Planning Opportunities
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
BOOKLIST: Productivity and Prioritization
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Issue 3, 2018
STRATEGIES: How Digital Strategies are Driving Plastics Manufacturers’ Growth
by Louis Columbus, principal, IQMS
STRATEGIES: Data-Driven Decision Making with Process Quantity Analysis
by Scott Walton and Patrick White, Harbour Results
OUTLOOK: Resin Supply Chain Issues: Suppliers Offer Perspective, Solutions
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
SAFETY: Health and Safety in the Plastics Industry: Processors in the Spotlight with Best Practices
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
ECONOMIC CORNER: Hello Darkness, My Old Friend
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
TECHNOLOGY: Foaming Agents: Impact on Production Efficiency of Custom Closures
by Mike Uhrain, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, and Nick Sotos, iD Additives
BENCHMARKING: Industry Trends in Mold and Machine Maintenance
by Ashley Burleson, membership and analytics manager, MAPP
FOCUS: Brand Protection for Plastics Molders: New Strategies for Anti-Counterfeit Security
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
FOCUS: IMD/IML: Common Performance Considerations and Test Methods
by Dave Schoofs, product development, Central Decal Company
MANAGEMENT: If You Don’t Know How to Onboard New Employees, You’re Not Alone
by Pam Butterfield, Business Success Tools
SOLUTIONS: Hearing Conservation in the Plastics Industry
by Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: Anderson Technologies Offers Success Coaching to Its Employees
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
BOOKLIST: Creating Successful Cultures
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Issue 2, 2018
PROFILE: Opportunities After Acquisition at Met2Plastic
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
BENCHMARKING: Manufacturers Address Drugs in the Workplace
by Ashley Burleson, membership and engagement manager, MAPP
ECONOMIC CORNER: The Economist’s View: Steel Tariffs – Good, Bad, Both?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
OUTLOOK: US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports: Action Items for Businesses
by Dave Andrea, Daron Gifford and Bryan Welsh, Plante Moran
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Implementing Cobots: Working Collaboratively with Robots at Wisconsin Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
MARKETING: LinkedIn Marketing for Plastics Businesses
by Kyle Milan, CEO, 5 Fold Agency
STRATEGIES: Email Marketing for Molders
by Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, Plastics Business
FOCUS: How to Prepare for the Next Downturn
by Dr. Andreas Reger, researcher
MANAGEMENT: This Year I Hope to (Insert Answer Here)
by Jeff Bush, author
BOOKLIST: Goal Setting and Follow Through
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Issue 1, 2018
PRODUCTION: OEE Leads to SMART Solutions at PMC
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
PREVIEW: NPE2018 Brings the Latest Technology to Orlando
by Plastics Business
OUTLOOK: Five Industry Trends Affecting Plastics Processors
by Jay Smith, senior manager, and Scott Walton, COO, Harbour Results, Inc.
BENCHMARKING: First Quarter Gaining Momentum: 2018 Plastics Industry Outlook
by Ashley Turrell Burleson, membership and engagement manager, MAPP
FOCUS: Collaboration Builds Business Relationships: ISO 13485 Standards Adoption
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Business
INNOVATION: The Path to Zero: Intertech Medical Develops Automated Work Cell
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business
PROFILE: Focusing on the Future: Empire Precision Looks to Optics Manufacturing
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: Best Practices in Mold Disposal: A Legal Viewpoint
by H. Alan Rothenbuecher, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, LLP
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Fan Filters Reduce Dust at Toyota Material Handling
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Ransomware Attacks Kentucky’s Par 4 Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: Tax Reform Implications for the Plastics Sector
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost
ECONOMIC CORNER: The Good, Bad and Maybe Ugly Sides of the Tax Cut
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
MANAGEMENT: Ten High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Drive Higher Levels of Employee Engagement
by Curt Redden, Primal Success
BOOKLIST: A Nonfiction Brain Break
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
Fall 2017
OUTLOOK: Processors Predict Sustained Growth in 2018
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
TRAINING ROOM: Four Strategies for Optimizing Production Scheduling in Real Time
by Ed Potoczak, director of industry relations, IQMS
CONFERENCE: MAPP’s 2017 Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference
STRATEGIES: Strategic Alternatives Through an Owner’s Eyes: Ownership Transitions
by Joellen Sorenson, director, Stout
BOOKLIST: Podcasts for Leaders
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: Maintaining Business Stability Amid Political Turbulence
ECONOMIC CORNER: Hurricanes Storm In with Lasting Impact on the Plastics Industry
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
FOCUS: From Melting to Molding – Analytical Techniques to Support Process Optimization and Quality Control in the Injection Molding Industry
by Mettler Toledo
PRODUCTION: 4DX Strategy Pushes Ideas to Goal Execution at GreenLeaf Industries
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: Manufacturing Day: Enhancing the Industry’s Image
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: MAPP Award Honors Outreach Efforts
BENCHMARKING: As Labor Pool Shrinks, Compensation Rises
by Ashley Burleson, membership and engagement manager, MAPP
Summer 2017
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Established Procedures Stop Fraud Attempt at Plastikos
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Look Who’s Talking: Advancing Employee Communication with Falcon Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: Moving on Over: Manufacturing in China Helps Grow US Operations
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Business
BENCHMARKING: Changing Landscape of Sales Management in the Plastics Industry
by Ashley Burleson, membership and engagement manager, MAPP
SOLUTIONS: Part Design Considerations for Manufacturability Optimization
by Drew Rosek, TZERO CAE specialist, RJG, Inc.
FOCUS: Successful Automation Implementation
by Dino Caparco, engineering operations manager, Yushin America, Inc.
ECONOMY: How is the Economy Doing? It Depends on Which One
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
STRATEGIES: Understanding the Flow of Inventory Management
by Grainger Editorial Staff
MANAGEMENT: Building Loyal Relationships in a Disloyal World
by Richard Farrell, president, Tangent Knowledge Systems
BOOKLIST: Motivational Leadership
by Plastics Business
Spring 2017
TRAINING ROOM: Building a Successful Material Handling System
by Doug Brewster, conveying product manager, Conair
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Shedding Light on Mid-Process Quality Control
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
SOLUTIONS: 3D-Printed Plastics Parts: To Weld or Not to Weld?
by Trevor Larcheveque, Branson Ultrasonics Corp.
MANAGEMENT: Three Questions That Capture Your Customer’s Attention
by Stu Schlackman, author and sales expert
INDUSTRY: Challenges in Plastics Industry Education
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: Managing the Supply Chain Squeeze
by Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc.
ASSOCIATION: MAPP Reaches 20-Year Milestone
Plastics Business
FOCUS: Q&A: Developments in Plastics Decoration
by Paul Uglum, technology advocate, fabrication engineering, Delphi
MATERIALS: Liquid Color for Plastics: Friend or Foe?
by Nick Sotos, iD Additives, Inc.
ECONOMY: Outlook: Shifting from Populism to Pragmatism
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
BOOKLIST: Strategic Planning
Plastics Business
Winter 2017
SOLUTIONS: Material Development for 3D Printing
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor, Plastics Business
SOLUTIONS: 3D Printing Takes on a New Shape
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
TRAINING: Preventing Unscheduled Mold Stops
by Steve Johnson, operations manager, ToolingDocs
ECONOMY: A First Economic Look at the Trump Administration
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
INDUSTRY: 2017 Plastics Industry Outlook: Optimistic and Automated
by Ashley Turrell Burleson, operations support specialist, MAPP, Inc.
MANAGEMENT: 21st Century Leadership Intelligence
by Magi Graziano, CEO, Conscious Hiring® and Development
MARKETING: Augmented Reality: Catch Customers, Not Pokemon
by Linda Mallwitz, marketing director, Vive
ASSOCIATION: Association News
by Plastics Business
STRATEGIES: Applying the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 in the Plastics Sector
by Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer, IQMS
FOCUS: People are Not Plastic: Four Challenges Facing the Industry
by Darryl Warren, president, D. Gene Alliance
VIEW FROM 30: Focus on Lead Times: Using QRM to Get Ahead
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
BOOKLIST: Booklist: Telling Your Story
by Plastics Business
Fall 2016
PROFILE: Consistent Processes Lead to Consistent Results at Revere Plastics
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
OPERATIONS: Unexpected Confusion: OSHA’s Proposed Lockout/Tagout Standard Changes
by Phil N. Molé, MPH, VelocityEHS
STRATEGIES: Take Steps to Prevent Workplace Violence
by Van Harp, partner, Harp & Associates, LLC
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Maximizing Mold Changeover Efficiency at Dorel Juvenile Products
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: Election Results Create Path for Tax Changes
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost
REVIEW: MAPP’s Annual Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference: Perseverance, The Secret of All Successby Plastics Business
SOLUTIONS: Bemis Manufacturing Wins Inaugural Educational Outreach Contest
by Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: Using a B.O.L.D. Approach to Succeed in an Unpredictable Business World
by Jill Johnson, president, Johnson Consulting Services
TRAINING ROOM: Advanced Injection Molding Simulation of Fiber-Filled Materials
by Matt Proske, vice president, SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc.
BOOKLIST: Event Speakers Make Recommendations
Summer 2016
STRATEGIES: Don’t Forget About State Income Tax Incentives
by Michael J. Devereux, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost PC
INDUSTRY: OSHA Update: Penalties and Drug Testing
by Joseph N. Gross, Esq., partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
MAINTENANCE: Minimizing Dust and Fines in Granulation and Conveying
by Doug Brewster, product manager-conveying, and Vincent Carpentieri, product manager-size reduction, Conair Group
THE VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Collaboration Strategies for Tool Launches
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
THE VIEW FROM 30 FEET: A Multi-Tiered RFQ Process
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: Is Your Company the Next Blockbuster?
by Steve Blue, president and CEO, Miller Ingenuity
TRAINING ROOM: 4 Variables, 7 Questions: How to Determine What Changed in Your Process
by Chris Nomura, consultant/trainer, RJG, Inc.
BOOKLIST: Creating the Customer Experience
Plastics Business
Spring 2016
FOCUS: Racing to Production with 3D-Printed Insert Tooling
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
OUTLOOK: Eyeing New Opportunities in Cuba
THE VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Game Training: Engaging Employees at Poly-Cast
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor, Plastics Business
THE VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Retooling Attendance, Communication and Morale at PRD
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Business
TRAINING ROOM: The Scientific Molding Plant: How to Get There from Here
by Donald C. Paulson, founder and owner, Paulson Training Programs
STRATEGIES: Don’t End Up with Drones and Clones: How to Really Invest in Your Staff and Future
by Dennis Gros, founder and president, Gros Executive Recruiters
MARKETING: Better Marketing with Video
by Todd Schuett, owner, Creative Technology Corp.
SOLUTIONS: Impact of Material Specification on Operational Efficiency
by Stacy Shelly, regional commercial director, Midwest, AMCO Polymers
BOOKLIST: Tackling Competition in a Global Market
Selections offered by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: Generating Excitement in a Boring Economy
by Robert Fry, Robert Fry Economics LLC
Winter 2016
FOCUS: Plastics Business Celebrates 10th Anniversary
by Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: Strong and Steady: 2016 MAPP Business Forecast
by MAPP
UPDATE: OSHA’s New Scrutiny on Plastics Companies
by Robert Levandoski, CSP, CIH, president, Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions
VIEW FROM 30:Visual Management for Safety in Manufacturing
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor, Plastics Business
VIEW FROM 30: Scholarships Relieve Financial Burden, Encourage Plastics Industry Careers
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor, Plastics Business
OUTLOOK: Tax Legislation Update for Plastics Processors
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner and director of plastics industry services, Mueller Prost
STRATEGIES: Common Pricing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
by Amy Fulford, enlight
SOLUTIONS: Utilizing Personality Tools to Find the Right Employees
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Business
BOOKLIST: Must-Read Books on Employee Motivation
by Plastics Business
MANAGEMENT: Change: Less Management, More Leadership, Better Results
by Randy Pennington, principal, Pennington Group
Association News
by MAPP
Fall 2015
SOLUTIONS: The Culture Shift of the Morning Meeting
by Brittany Willes
FOCUS: Investing in the Tool Room
by Dianna Brodine
REVIEW: MAPP’s Annual Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference: The Power of Influence
by Plastics Business
INDUSTRY: Reducing the Risks of Combustible Dust
provided by Grainger
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: American Export Expertise Leads to Presidential Award
by Brittany Willes
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Molding Millennials: PMC and the Next Generation of Plastics Manufacturers
by Brittany Willes
PRODUCTION: Five Factors to Consider When Adding Robotics
by Jason Holbrook, Krauss Maffei Corporation
PRODUCTION: Robotics ROI: The Bottom Line on Automation
by Ronald K. Bryant, Yushin America
BOOKLIST: Business Books with a Lasting Influence
by Dianna Brodine
STRATEGIES: Year-End Tax Planning for Plastics Processors
by Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
Association News
by MAPP
Summer 2015
PROFILE: More than Molding: OCTEX Aims for Magic
by Dianna Brodine
INDUSTRY: An M&A Market Update for the Plastics Industry
by David Evatz, SRR
MANAGEMENT: Four Insidious Impacts of a Mis-Hire
by Magi Graziano, Conscious Hiring® and Development
PRODUCTION: Monitoring Manufacturing Efficiency with Advanced Auxiliary Equipment
by Dianna Brodine
ASSOCIATION: Association News
by MAPP
VIEW FROM 30 FEET: Casual Fridays Include Fewer Emails at Ice Miller; Taking Tool Return Documentation to the Next Level at Metro Plastics Technologies; Getting on Board with Shift Changes at Crescent Industries
by Brittany Willes
BOOKLIST: Four of the Top Business Books of 2015
by Dianna Brodine
SOLUTIONS: Evaluating Plant Expansion Needs
by Scott Walton, Harbour Results Inc.
FOCUS: Ensuring Product Purity in Plastic Recycling
by Dan Suderman, Bunting Magnetics Co.
STRATEGIES: Benefits that Attract and Retain Employees
by Dan Regovich, AJ Auger Group LLC
Spring 2015
Profile: Quality Mindset at Crescent Industries
by Dianna Brodine
View from 30 Feet: Offering Employee Relocation Expenses
by Brittany Willes
View from 30 Feet: Embracing 2 Second Lean
by Brittany Willes
Production: In-Mold Decorating Project Success: More than Technology
by Dave Schoofs, Central Decal Company
Industry: Lawsuits a Wake-Up Call on Proper Use of Background Checks
by Wayne “Skip” Adams III, Ice Miller, LLP
Solutions: Effective Inventory Management Adds to the Bottom Line
by Dianna Brodine
Outlook: Engaging in 5S
by Jen Clark
Focus: Structuring Sales and Customer Service Teams
by Jen Clark
Management: Nurturing the Work Environment
by Scott Hunter, Unshackled Leadership
Winter 2015
Profile: Automotive Insert Molding Drives Growth at Microplastics, Inc.
by Dianna Brodine
Preview: Make It Count at NPE2015
by Plastics Business
Industry: MAPP Survey Reports on 2015 Business Forecast
by Plastics Business
FOCUS: Change and Opportunity: Focus on Four Areas to Improve
by Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc.
The View from 30 Feet: Philosophy of Facility Size
by Dianna Brodine
The View from 30 Feet: Finding a Business Mentor
by Jen Clark
The View from 30 Feet: Using Video Mail for Customer Connections
by Brittany Willes
Production: Close the Loop: Take Control of Water Efficiency
by Al Fosco, Frigel North America
Outlook: Mobile Emissions and Fuel Economy Rev Up Lightweighting Initiatives
by Suzanne Cole, Miller Cole LLC
Solutions: Designing the Perfect SMED Cart
by Dianna Brodine
Association Development Provides Entrepreneurial Master Class
by Dianna Brodine
Association: Association News
by MAPP, Inc.
Fall 2014
Profile: Employee-Focused, Employee-Owned at Hansen Plastics
by Dianna Brodine
Strategies: Elements of a Successful Training Program
by Melissa DeDonder
Production: Creating Ready-To-Go Molds
by Gary Chastain, RJG, Inc.
Review: Leadership Unleashed
by Plastics Business
Solutions: Planning for a Healthy Workforce
by Jen Clark
Focus: New Repair Regs Impact Property and Equipment Owners
by Teri M. Samples and Michael J. Devereux II, Mueller Prost
The View from 30 Feet: Patent Infringement
by Jen Clark
Industry: ICE Audits ‘Skyrocket’ with Form I-9 Violations on the Rise
by Jen Clark
Association News
by MAPP, Inc.
Summer 2014
Profile: Bhar, Inc.: Driving its Own Recovery
by Dianna Brodine
Solutions: Plastics Bonding Design Considerations for Processors
by Andrew Scott, Henkel Corporation
Strategies: Sales Management: Growing with an Eye on “Fit”
by Dianna Brodine
Strategies: Goal Setting Tactics
by Jack Daly
Industry: Trends in Compensation and Operational Practices for Plastic Processors
by Troy Nix, MAPP, Inc.
The View from 30 Feet: Lockout/Tagout Procedures
by Jen Clark
Focus: Why Veterans are Ideal for Manufacturing Careers
by Rodrigo Garcia, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
MAPP Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference
by MAPP, Inc.
Association News
by MAPP, Inc.
