By Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc. Capacity constraints are one of today’s biggest challenges for any supplier. Although there is still a lot of uncertainty in the economy, customers are demanding higher and higher volumes, while also launching new products. Plastics processors are working long hours, trying to hire new people and contemplating new equipment with … [Read more...] about Capacity Constraints: The New Norm?
Business Planning
The Operational Impact of the Morning Huddle
An ownership transition at SPI Industries, South Bend, IN, triggered a re-evaluation of operational methodologies throughout the plant. With a desire to "turn the culture and turn the ship," President James Doster implemented a morning meeting to share critical benchmarks and process updates with his staff. Previously, the management team would review metrics once a month — … [Read more...] about The Operational Impact of the Morning Huddle
Plastics Industries Opportunities for 2012
by Laurie Harbour and Scott Walton, Harbour Results, Inc. Plastic processors live in an industry that changes day-by-day or even minute-by-minute, so as December fades into the distance, many companies will look to the past and attempt to project into the future to see what is in store. Has the end of the economic turmoil been seen? Has this been a temporary dip, or is … [Read more...] about Plastics Industries Opportunities for 2012
Legislative Outlook 2012: Even in an Election Year, Plastics’ Progress Will Prevail on Federal Issues
by William R. Carteaux While there are some legislative prognosticators who believe the plastics industry should patiently wait out 2012 due to next November's presidential election, I respectfully disagree. Though our resilient industry fared significantly better than other US manufacturing sectors during the tough economic times of the past few years, we cannot afford to … [Read more...] about Legislative Outlook 2012: Even in an Election Year, Plastics’ Progress Will Prevail on Federal Issues
Medical Injection Molding: Is it the future for your molding operation?
by David Lessard, Cook Polymer Technology During the past decade, many injection molding companies, large and small, have been exposed to a rapidly changing business climate. The economic effects of a changing automotive market, electronics movement to the Far East and continued cost pressure from the current industries we all serve have us looking at ways to improve our … [Read more...] about Medical Injection Molding: Is it the future for your molding operation?