by Staff How does a plastics manufacturing business maintain profit margins in a marketplace in which nearly 40 percent of its manufacturing costs fluctuate on a daily basis? To gain a better understanding of this question, MAPP was asked by its Members to perform a survey focused on how processors are managing the process of buying raw materials. Based upon a list of 21 … [Read more...] about MAPP Report: 2007 Raw Materials Survey
Articles
Flying Blind? Defining Cost Drivers Leads to Success
by Jeff Mengel When it comes to running your business, how do you gauge conditions? Do you stick your finger out the window - flying blind - or, like a pilot, do you rely on the instruments available to you to ensure your business maintains a consistent altitude and direction? When it comes to quoting - one of the most significant decisions businesses make - many … [Read more...] about Flying Blind? Defining Cost Drivers Leads to Success
Focus on Efficient Operations
by Staff The pressure is on plastics processors to produce low-cost parts for their customers while still maintaining a comfortable profit margin. Energy and materials costs make up a significant portion of the production price for any item. Two U.S. plastics processors are having success in bringing those critical price points down and have shared their … [Read more...] about Focus on Efficient Operations
TEAM 1 Michigan: Forward Thinking for Upward Growth
by Plastics Business Profile Winter 2008 In 1987, three sales engineers saw an opportunity with the Japanese transplant Tier 1 automotive suppliers located in south central Michigan. Six years later, the company they started made the Inc. 500 list as the 101st fastest-growing company. Today, Team 1 Michigan is running 24/7, producing small plastic molded parts in an … [Read more...] about TEAM 1 Michigan: Forward Thinking for Upward Growth
The True Cost of Doing Business in China
by Kym Conis Industry Fall 2007 Open a newspaper or magazine, turn to the business section, and its no surprise that one of the most reported topics of the day continues to focus on the influx of Western companies into China and the proliferation of product going overseas. As the race to produce more for less continues to drive competition across a myriad of industries, … [Read more...] about The True Cost of Doing Business in China