Plastics Business MAPP Debuts Innovation Award To emphasize and showcase the power of creativity, MAPP conducted its first Innovation Award contest. For its inaugural year, the contest focused on mold change carts (or SMED carts) that often are used on the production floor to facilitate and expedite quick mold/die changeovers. "We received entries from members across … [Read more...] about Association News
2015 Spring
Lawsuits a Wake-Up Call on Proper Use of Background Checks
by Wayne "Skip" Adams III, Ice Miller, LLP Since the start of 2014, the number of lawsuits filed against employers and staffing firms alleging the use of unlawful background check practices has increased dramatically. Many of these cases were class action lawsuits with millions of dollars in potential liability. This sudden surge in litigation underscores the importance of … [Read more...] about Lawsuits a Wake-Up Call on Proper Use of Background Checks
Engaging in 5S
by Jen Clark, Plastics Business Since the 1990s, lean manufacturing has gained a foothold in companies across the US. This methodology provides companies with a means to deliver quality products on time and at least cost. There are several lean manufacturing initiatives, but one of the first business models that companies typically introduce is called 5S – a system designed to … [Read more...] about Engaging in 5S
In-Mold Decorating Project Success: More than Technology
by Dave Schoofs, Central Decal Company There are many articles written about "successful product launches." Most articles focus on go-to-market strategies or on using tools such as APQP, PFMEA and FMEA to identify the feasibility and manage the engineering/developmental portion of the project. While all of these tools are important, innovative solutions require skills, … [Read more...] about In-Mold Decorating Project Success: More than Technology
Effective Inventory Management Adds to the Bottom Line
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business According to a presentation from a Grainger representative at the MAPP Annual Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference in October 2014, more than $110 billion in MRO (maintenance, repair and operating) supplies were purchased in 2013, ranging from light bulbs and cleaning supplies to maintenance parts. Unfortunately for the bottom … [Read more...] about Effective Inventory Management Adds to the Bottom Line