by Jeff Bush, author Imagine closing your eyes, throwing a dart at the Wall Street Journal to pick a stock you had to invest your entire savings in. You can't look at the price until the last day of the year; nervous? But yet, this is how most businesses plan. They choose one time a year, develop a plan, put it in the drawer only to review it at the same time the following … [Read more...] about This Year I Hope to (Insert Answer Here)
Business Planning
US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports: Action Items for Businesses
Dave Andrea, Daron Gifford and Bryan Welsh Plante Moran By now, you've heard about the new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum instituted in early March 2018. It's no surprise many businesses have questions and concerns. Here's our overview and key actions to consider. The situation The 25 percent tariff on imported steel and 10 percent tariff on aluminum were based on … [Read more...] about US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports: Action Items for Businesses
Five Industry Trends Affecting Plastics Processors
by Jay Smith, senior manager, and Scott Walton, COO Harbour Results, Inc. As plastics processors look to develop a strategic plan for 2018 and beyond, it’s important to be aware of industry changes that may impact operations. Check out these five industry trends that are affecting or will affect plastics processors in the near future. 1. Automation If plastics … [Read more...] about Five Industry Trends Affecting Plastics Processors
Top 5 Reasons to Invest in New Machinery
by Brittany Willes, Plastics Business You may know the saying "Time Wounds All" – and that especially includes equipment. Even machines that are well-maintained and cared for are subject to the ravages of time and eventually need to be replaced. As inconvenient – and often expensive – as it can be to invest in new machinery, there are several very good reasons for doing … [Read more...] about Top 5 Reasons to Invest in New Machinery
Processors Predict Sustained Growth in 2018
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor Plastics Business In many ways, 2017 has been a year of growth for the plastics injection molding industry and the US as a whole. The S&P 500 is up more than 20 percent since Q3 20161, unemployment is at its lowest since 20002 and manufacturing order activity reached a 13-year high in September3. Third-quarter 2017 merger and acquisition … [Read more...] about Processors Predict Sustained Growth in 2018