by Joellen Sorenson, director Stout What makes one company more valuable than another? A panel of plastics business owners/operators weighed in on this important question during the 2018 MAPP Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference. While demand for plastics continues to surge, the industry’s success also may be its Achilles’ heel. The industry currently has very low … [Read more...] about Strategic Steps to Maximize Business Value for Plastics Processors
Business Planning
Five Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2019
by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers The future of the manufacturing industry will be shaped by a number of ever-evolving trends and technologies. While there’s no telling exactly how things will play out in the long term, it seems safe to suggest a few will have a profound impact on manufacturers this year. As a result, it’s critically important for those within the … [Read more...] about Five Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2019
What Can Football Teach About Business Success?
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business The college football season has one game remaining, and the professionals are narrowing the field on approach to the Super Bowl. Teams don't make it to the pinnacle games without a significant investment in personnel, equipment and training. And, when an investment is made, results are expected. With expectations so high, what are … [Read more...] about What Can Football Teach About Business Success?
Business: Working In vs. Working On
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business In the month of October, I attended three conferences/tradeshows. That's three terrific events filled with valuable contacts, solid industry data and important updates on technology that impact operations for the readers of our magazine. I came back to a full email inbox, several deadlines to meet and a very long To Do list. I had to ask … [Read more...] about Business: Working In vs. Working On
How to Prepare for the Next Downturn
by Dr. Andreas Reger, researcher All businesses face threats of decline, but none is as great as the threat posed by an economic recession. According to the National Bureau for Economic Research (NBER), the US economy has experienced 11 recessions since 1945 and business failures are disproportionately concentrated during such recessions. Because of the financial … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for the Next Downturn