by William R. Carteaux, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association With the November elections fading into a distant memory, Congress and the White House now face the challenge of day-to-day governing – and it will be a challenge. As I talk to plastics company leaders around the country, their frustration over the recent handling of the so-called "fiscal cliff" comes across … [Read more...] about 2013 Legislative Outlook: Uncertainties Mean Plastics Industry Must Remain Engaged on National Issues
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Association News
MAPP, Inc. MAPP Plant Tour Event Comes to Alabama Speed, Speed, Speed... this plant tour event is about one company's quest for increased speed and improved quality. Most executives understand that the goal of reducing cycle time often is accompanied by decreases in product quality. Succeeding in one area, but failing in another is a risk for many, but not for KW Plastics. In … [Read more...] about Association News
Mold Cleaning Technologies Save Time, Money and Aggravation
by Steve Johnson, ToolingDocs As noted in "The Cleaning Culture for Molds" (Plastics Business Fall 2012), the most popular method of cleaning plastic injection molds remains rooted in the antiquated process of scrubbing tooling and plates, one piece at a time. Ask why and the answer will be some form of "This is the way we have always done it," "We cannot cost-justify … [Read more...] about Mold Cleaning Technologies Save Time, Money and Aggravation
Planning for Profitability and Stability in 2013
by Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc. Most companies can look back at 2012 and say it was a good year. In fact, many seem to have forgotten to some degree that the world went through the most significant recession in history. Production volumes were up, quote activity has been higher than normal as companies replenished their product portfolios and product complexity is at … [Read more...] about Planning for Profitability and Stability in 2013
Cliff Notes and Other Tax Changes
by Michael J. Devereux II and Adam J. Herman, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, ASA, CFE, Mueller Prost PC On January 2, 2013, President Obama signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (2012 Act), thereby retroactively averting the so-called "fiscal cliff." Absent any action by Congress, tax rates would have increased for all Americans and many of the tax provisions plastics … [Read more...] about Cliff Notes and Other Tax Changes