by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business The plastics industry news has been filled with dire predictions about the future of manufacturing without large-scale investments into the education of skilled labor to replace the aging boomer generation. Countless articles have decried the lackluster attitude of young people – and, just as important, that of their parents and school … [Read more...] about Bringing STEM to Local Schools
2013 Summer
Advancing the STEM Agenda
Plastics Business The manufacturing industry is not alone in its interest in promoting STEM to youth; the educational community also has taken note of the need. In June, a conference on STEM education convened on the campus of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. The event was sponsored by the university's Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and … [Read more...] about Advancing the STEM Agenda
Creating Accountable Teams
Plastics Business Manufacturing has changed dramatically since Nicolet Plastics was founded in the mid-1980s. That was especially true in 2009 as the American economy faltered and many multi-national firms started moving high-volume production offshore to avoid rising costs. During this time, Nicolet, a Mountain, WI-based custom injector molder, used a system called Quick … [Read more...] about Creating Accountable Teams
Wage Survey Results Released for Plastics Processing Industry
by Marcella Kates, MAPP, Inc. MAPP recently completed the 2013 Wage and Salary Report, which has evolved over the last ten years and remains one of the very few reports completely devoted to the polymer manufacturing industry. This year's company participation grew by 20 percent over the 2011 Wage and Salary report. It contains a comprehensive analysis of more than 50 … [Read more...] about Wage Survey Results Released for Plastics Processing Industry