by William R. Carteaux, SPI While it may still be years before we return to what "normal" used to be, I believe the U.S. plastics industry is in the middle of a rebound from the economic dog days of late 2008 and 2009. Processors have focused on adopting lean manufacturing practices, and many have found that they have had to market themselves like never before in order to find … [Read more...] about Legislative Outlook: End of 2010 Provides Reasons for Optimism in 2011
Business Planning
The Economy and Plastics Processors: Cultural Shift Remains Key to Survival
by Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc. It's been two years since the economy encountered one of the worst crashes in history. Where are plastics processors now? Many more than expected survived the crisis by going into hibernation and changing the way they worked and lived. In hibernation, processors were forced to use fewer resources. Necessities such as people, equipment, … [Read more...] about The Economy and Plastics Processors: Cultural Shift Remains Key to Survival
Priority Federal Legislative Issues in 2010
by William R. Carteaux Staying competitive in a constantly changing business environment has been a challenge for plastics processors in recent times particularly during the relentless 2009 economic slump that is (hopefully) beginning to appear in the rearview mirror. As our industry attempts to work its way out of the worst economic downturn our nation has experienced since … [Read more...] about Priority Federal Legislative Issues in 2010
Plastics Markets: The Road Ahead
by Dr. Peter Mooney Over the past few years, the U.S. economy has encountered the most serious downturn in overall economic activity since the Great Depression, resulting in destructive repercussions throughout Wall Street and Main Street. As we slowly, tentatively emerge from this cathartic experience, embarking upon a new year and a new decade, plastics industry participants … [Read more...] about Plastics Markets: The Road Ahead
Investing in Energy-Saving Improvements
by Ryan Thompson, Murphy Company As more corporations respond to an anemic world economy by putting capital improvement programs on a starvation diet, the age-old question asked in every cyclical downturn surfaces anew: "Is cutting capital improvements now the right decision?" In some industries, it is. In others, like the plastics industry, it isn't. Right now, there is a … [Read more...] about Investing in Energy-Saving Improvements