by Gene Mussel, director, Harbour Results, Inc. Today, plastic processors have many challenges to manage to maintain a successful business – from raw material price increases to labor shortages – and, several of these issues are out of leadership’s control. However, one opportunity to drive efficiency and profitability improvement – and can be controlled – is the relationship … [Read more...] about Techniques for a Successful Mold-Building Partnership
Benchmarking
Processors Increase Wages Amid Historically High US Inflation Rate
by Marcella Kates, marketing director, MAPP Manufacturers have faced historically challenging issues in the past three years, including a chaotic and unpredictable supply chain network, increasing resin prices and lead times, a national labor shortage, an unpredictable international pandemic that disrupts the global economy and the highest inflation rate since November 1981 … [Read more...] about Processors Increase Wages Amid Historically High US Inflation Rate
What’s Up with Inflation These Days?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence By now every commodity category one can think of has been experiencing dramatic price hikes. Oil is trending above $80, natural gas prices surged by over 500%, steel was up by 216% and during the summer the price of lumber hit record levels. To some degree this surge was anticipated but the extent of the price … [Read more...] about What’s Up with Inflation These Days?
The Complexity of Machine Rates in the Plastics Processing Industry
by Ian Gjertson, analytics director, MAPP To maintain profitability and strategic advantages in an increasingly competitive industry, it is critical for injection molders to determine machine rates, track labor costs and govern markup and adjustment opportunities. However, because the plastic injection molding industry manufactures an impressively diverse volume of parts for … [Read more...] about The Complexity of Machine Rates in the Plastics Processing Industry
State of the Plastics Industry: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Thunderstorms
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc. In 2020, if processors asked, “What would the state of the plastics industry be in 2021?” the sentiment would have been pessimistic. Many predicted the COVID-19-spurred recession to last 12 to 18 months and shutdowns and drop in consumer spending would result in many distressed businesses and industries. Business … [Read more...] about State of the Plastics Industry: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Thunderstorms