CATEGORIES

Issue 2, 2025

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    Chart 1 Annual Cost per Perticipating

    Healthcare and Benefits to Strain Industry Resources at Increased Rate in 2025

    By Andrew Carlsgaard, analytics director, MAPP In the competitive and...
    Falcon Plastics’ High Plains Trays, the same startup discipline still applies

    Building Better from Within: A Lean Startup Mindset for Internal Product Lines

    By Karissa Kopecky, marketing manager, Falcon Plastics Most manufacturers focus...

    The 9 Core Traits of High-Performing Companies

    By Susan Quinn, CEO, circle S studio In today’s business...

    Building Flourishing Organizations

    By Matt Lesser, author, keynote and owner, Uniquely Normal,...

    Recyclability Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Labels on Plastic Packaging

    By Ruben Nance, program director – preferred design recognition,...

    Technology Focus: Monitoring and Simulation

    CoreTech System (Moldex3D) 248.946.4570 www.moldex3d.com CoreTech Systems, through its Moldex3D solutions, Farmington...

    Optimizing a Manufacturer’s Website with Marketing Features

    By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business In 2025, it’s fair...

    Recognizing the Red Flags: When to Consider Changing an ERP System

    By Jake Rohrer, manager, Wipfli Significant decisions rarely happen...

    Automation Rollout: Engineering Industries Thinks Big, Starts Small, Proves Value and Scales Fast

    By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Engineering Industries (EI), Verona,...

    Issue 1, 2025

    More
      Absolute Robot, Inc.

      Technology Focus: Automation Equipment

      A look at automation equipment in manufacturing that employs...

      Don’t Fail with 2025 Business Resolutions

      By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business The second...

      Change the Mindset and Create a Culture That People Don’t Want to Leave

      By Jessica Rector, keynote speaker, founder and CEO, Vitalize...

      What’s AI Doing for the Plastics Industry?

      By Rick Zettler, owner, Z-Comm LLC Talk of artificial intelligence...

      The Evolving Landscape of the Modern Sales Process

      By Keith Bradt, owner and business development director, Kallan...
      Q4 Summary Q4 2024 Increase vs Prior 5-Year Q4 Average

      Plastics Industry Leaders’ Forecast Improved for 2025 in Spite of Challenges to End 2024

      By Andrew Carlsgaard, benchmarking and analytics director, MAPP At the...
      The AMR system provides increased flexibility to the team, eliminating the need for fixed conveyor systems.

      AMR, DFM, EOAT, SCADA: Acronyms that Spell Advanced Manufacturing

      By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Two MAPP member companies...
      Metro Plastics Makes an Impact with Inventory System

      Metro Plastics Makes an Impact with Inventory System

      By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business Business gurus often talk...

      Now Comes the Hard Part… Policy Shifts with a New Administration

      By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence First, the...

      PTXPO 2025 Creates Inspiration, Discovery and Connections

      By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business The Plastics Technology Expo...
      The OEE dashboard is an important component of getting the highest value in a system. Photo courtesy of CyFrame.

      ERP and MES: The Importance of Data-Driven Software in Plastics

      By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business For plastics processors, data...

      Issue 4, 2024

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        The Burnout Battle: Why Leaders Must Lead the Charge

        The Burnout Battle: Why Leaders Must Lead the Charge

        By Jessica Rector, keynote speaker, author and consultant Burnout is...
        Hansen Plastics Corporation’s Innovation Is Up in the Air 

        Two Plastics Companies Counter Workforce Shortage with Automation Innovations

        The MAPP members that earned recognition at the 2023...

        Technology Focus: Inspection and Quality Control

        Canon Virginia, Inc. 757.881.6007 go.cvi.canon.com/Vision-Edition Canon Virginia, Inc., Newport News, Virginia, a...

        Recognizing Safety Excellence at the 2024 EHS Summit

        By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business The 2024 Environmental Health...

        Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference Puts Ingenuity to Work

        “Alright stop, collaborate and listen …,” boomed through the...
        Chart 2, Source: United States Manufacturing PMI

        Third-Quarter Pulse: Processors Increasingly Skeptical Going into the Home Stretch of 2024

        By Andrew Carlsgaard, analytics director, MAPP After what already has...

        Year-End Challenges: Inflation, Labor Shortage and Trade

        By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence J.K. Galbraith...

        Automation for Employee Recruitment and Retention

        By Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer, DELMIAWorks Like manufacturing in...

        Outlook for 2025: Trends, Challenges and Investments in Plastics

        By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business With 2025 knocking at...
        Robots in the Manufacturing Space: 10 Tried-and-True or New-and-Noteworthy Automatons

        Robots in the Manufacturing Space: 10 Tried-and-True or New-and-Noteworthy Automatons

        By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business The robots aren’t coming;...
        Troy Nix

        Viewpoint: Thought Leaders… What They Took!

        Nearly 600 processing executives assembled in Indianapolis during the...

        Issue 3, 2024

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          Do You Know the Markets You’re Working In?

          By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business Plastics molding...

          Embracing the Cactus: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Difficult Conversations

          By Kate Zabriskie, president, Business Training Works, Inc. “I don’t...

          Chase Plastics Shares Strategies to Stand Out at Tradeshows

          By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business The fall tradeshow and...

          Mitigate Risks with a Crisis Plan

          By Shelly Otenbaker, president, WayPoint Marketing Communications “An ounce of...
          Mapp

          MAPP Association News: 2024 Issue 3

          ITR Economics Portal – A Great Benefit for Members The...
          PRO-MOLD-MAINTENANCE-gigapixel-art

          Maintaining Increased Profitability

          By Sujit Sheth, monitoring business manager, Progressive Components Molds are...

          Plastics Executives Report Increased Wages in 2024 with Inflation as the Primary Driver

          By Andrew Carlsgaard, analytics director, MAPP The 2024 MAPP Wage...

          Technology Focus: Material Additives

          Material Additives A look at material additives that are added...

          What Actually is Driving the Economy These Days?

          By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Given all...

          MAPP Innovation Award Winners Put the “Smart” in Smart Manufacturing

          By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business What if? Outside-of-the-box thinkers...

          Legislative Changes to Impactful Employment and OSHA Laws in Manufacturing

          By Alan Rothenbuecher, partner, and Brad Wenclewicz, associate lawyer,...

          Sussex IM’s Brilliant Approach to Retention: “Treat Employees Like People”

          By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business Over the past few...

          Issue 2, 2024

          More

            Top 5 Ways to Turn Failure into Advantage

            By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business “The only real mistake...

            NPE2024 Showcases the Latest in Plastics Industry Technology

            By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business NPE2024: The Plastics Show...

            Reducing Waste and Maximizing Efficiency in Manufacturing

            By Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer, DELMIAWorks When processors...

            Looking for Cost Savings? Start with Energy

            By Sinead Ross, director of marketing, Titan Energy In the...

            Technology Focus: Process Simulation

            Process Simulation A look at process simulation in plastics manufacturing...

            Effective Leadership Planning for NextGen Succession

            By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business “If you can’t be...

            Booklist: Put On Your Oxygen Mask First

            By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Business I’ve been...

            Four Changes That Have Economic Impact

            By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Has it...
            Fig. 1: Annual Cost per Participating Employee for Healthcare Coverage

            US Manufacturers Face Threat of Increasing Healthcare Rates, Seek Answers to Protecting Margins

            By Andrew Carlsgaard, analytics director, MAPP In an increasingly competitive...
            The belief in nurturing talent, fostering growth and empowering the next generation of leaders in the manufacturing industry has been a guiding principle across generations of family leadership. Hoffer Plastics continues to attract, retain and inspire the next workforce.

            Hoffer Plastics Builds Careers Based on the Principle “People Matter”

            By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business Family-owned since 1953, Robert...

            MAPP Association News: Issue 2 2024

            MAPP Plastics Benchmarking Survey Now Open MAPP advocates for the crucial...

            Protecting Plastics Processors from Digital Disruption

            By Tom Wojcinski, principal, and Michael J. Devereux II,...
            Beacon Timeline

            Beacon Engineered Solutions Implements Automation to Ease Labor Crunch

            By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Beacon Engineered Solutions earned...

            Issue 1, 2024

            More

              Technology Focus: Material Handling Systems and Equipment

              A look at material handling systems and auxiliary equipment...

              Throwing a Punch to Break Through Sales Walls

              By Tom Wood, vice president, sales, E-S Plastic Products To...
              Changing landscape of healthcare

              Navigating the Changing Landscape of Healthcare

              By Susan Denzio, captive coordinator, MAPP The healthcare landscape presents...
              Mapp

              Association: 2024 Issue 1

              MAPP Announces 2024 Events MAPP is excited to announce several...

              Does It Matter or Not – It’s Your Call!

              “It’s coming!” I yelled at my teammates as I...

              Improved Methods, Better Parts

              By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Texas Injection Molding, Houston,...

              Addressing Common Quality Issues

              By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business With thousands of manufacturers...

              Why Leaders Struggle to Build a Culture of Accountability and How They Can Do It

              By Tramico Herman, MBA, BSN, RN A company’s success is...
              Mixed Reviews for 2024’s Economy

              Mixed Reviews for 2024’s Economy

              By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence There always...

              Partnership with ITR Economics Enhances Member Benefits

              By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business On the rise and...

              Viking Plastics Builds Successful Employee Referral Program

              By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business Business gurus often talk...

              NPE2024 Delivers the Latest Technology

              After a six-year hiatus, one of the plastics industry’s...

               


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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

              Association News


              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.

               

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