by Michael D. Benson and David M. Evatz, SRR Given the turbulent economic conditions over the last few years and the effect on the plastics industry, many processors are just glad to have survived. As conditions begin to improve, processors are looking to move beyond the survival tactics used over the last few years and are once again considering strategic moves that have been … [Read more...] about Plastics Processor Relative Value Drivers
2011 Winter
Eyes on the Future at i2tech
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business i2tech is hiring eight new employees. They've been in the building for 15 minutes, received a set of ear plugs and safety glasses and have the monthly shift schedule in front of them on the table. In walks Bob Janeczko. He opens his introduction by emphasizing the company's safety record, justifiably proud of its recent celebration of one … [Read more...] about Eyes on the Future at i2tech
Future Markets in Plastics: A Second Look
by Dr. Peter Mooney, Plastics Custom Research Services I contributed an article to the Winter 2010 issue of Plastics Business in which I reviewed the growth of the major plastics industry markets from 2004 through 2009 and then speculated as to likely developments out to 2014. Normally, there are few second chances in life. However, I've been offered the opportunity to revisit … [Read more...] about Future Markets in Plastics: A Second Look
Examining Supplier Partnerships: Focus on Service, Knowledge
Plastics Business In September 2010, KPMG, an international audit, tax and advisory firm, released its Global Manufacturing Outlook: Relationships, Risk and Reach. The report noted that nearly 38 percent of manufacturing executives involved in the supply chain believed long-term relationships had been damaged over the previous year as the downturn forced them to focus on costs … [Read more...] about Examining Supplier Partnerships: Focus on Service, Knowledge
Legislative Outlook: End of 2010 Provides Reasons for Optimism in 2011
by William R. Carteaux, SPI While it may still be years before we return to what "normal" used to be, I believe the U.S. plastics industry is in the middle of a rebound from the economic dog days of late 2008 and 2009. Processors have focused on adopting lean manufacturing practices, and many have found that they have had to market themselves like never before in order to find … [Read more...] about Legislative Outlook: End of 2010 Provides Reasons for Optimism in 2011