By Shelby Lasley, GPO Director, MAPP In the world of manufacturing, most companies can quickly identify their biggest cost drivers: labor, raw materials and energy. But tucked behind the scenes, in storerooms and tool cribs, lurks a category that often goes unnoticed until something breaks – maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies. More than 40% of MRO purchases … [Read more...] about From Chaos to Control: How MAPP Members Are Taking Charge of MRO Spending with Grainger
Articles
New Year. New Mindset.
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business January 2026 came and went in a blur. I’m sure, like many of you, we have had little time to pause and reflect on what we’d like to accomplish this year – both professionally and personally. Still, I am someone who appreciates a good plan (hello, Type A), loves to learn and strives to be the best version of myself. Rather than set … [Read more...] about New Year. New Mindset.
PTXPO 2026 Returns to Rosemont: Innovation in Molding and Moldmaking
The Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) is a three-day showcase of cutting-edge plastics processing technologies and innovations, presented by Plastics Technology, MoldMaking Technology and Gardner Business Media, Inc. Held in Rosemont, Illinois, PTXPO is strategically located in the heart of the Midwest, placing attendees in the “Golden Corridor of Manufacturing.” Recognized … [Read more...] about PTXPO 2026 Returns to Rosemont: Innovation in Molding and Moldmaking
Mastering the Marathon: Four Strategies for Managing Long Sales Cycles
By Troy Harrison, sales navigator, speaker and author Most people haven’t ever run a marathon. But many salespeople run them every day – the long sales cycle. Salespeople love the quick win – that satisfying moment when a prospect becomes a customer in a matter of days or weeks. Sometimes, it’s even the fabled “one call close.” But what about those industries, or even … [Read more...] about Mastering the Marathon: Four Strategies for Managing Long Sales Cycles
Four Drivers of the 2026 Economy
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence To be fair, there likely are many additional drivers depending on the industry and line of business, but for this article, the focus is on the four drivers that stand out for the economy as a whole. These four drivers include: In many cases, there isn’t much a business can do about these drivers other … [Read more...] about Four Drivers of the 2026 Economy