by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business MAPP Completes SMED Cart Contest While the contest is over, the opportunity to learn from the entrants has just begun. Too often, innovation is thought of as the invention of the next big app or a new category of mobile devices. However, MAPP knows that innovation often comes in "little" ways – small improvements suggested by employees … [Read more...] about Designing the Perfect SMED Cart
Articles
Close the Loop: Take Control of Water Efficiency
by Al Fosco, Frigel North America An effective cooling process is vital to production, and nothing is more critical to this process than its efficient use of water. This means utilizing the best auxiliary products and systems available to most cost-effectively control water use, reuse and waste. Mastering this capability not only will boost profitability, but, ecologically … [Read more...] about Close the Loop: Take Control of Water Efficiency
Philosophy of Facility Size
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business As the economy has rebounded and growing consumer confidence has translated into a willingness to spend money, many plastics molders have found themselves in a position where expansion was necessary to meet customer needs. However, according to Gerry Phillips, co-owner and vice president of PRISM Plastics, Inc., bigger isn't always … [Read more...] about Philosophy of Facility Size
Finding a Business Mentor
by Jen Clark, Plastics Business Tom Tredway has grown up in his family's business – a custom injection molding company in Erie, Pennsylvania – and one day will take the helm. To prepare himself, he enlisted the help of a business mentor. While the long-term goal is to be ready when he becomes the president of Erie Molded Plastics, a series of micro goals work not only to make … [Read more...] about Finding a Business Mentor
Using Video Mail for Customer Connections
by Brittany Willes, Plastics Business Nicolet Plastics, a Mountain, Wisconsin-based custom injector molder, is devoted to connecting with its customers in new and personal ways. According to Bob Gafvert, Nicolet's business development manager, "At Nicolet, we're charged with finding remarkable ways to get our message out and to show that we're different. We want to show people … [Read more...] about Using Video Mail for Customer Connections