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
Business Planning
We Don’t Need to Assess Our Operations – We Are Doing Great!
by Laurie Harbour-Felax The majority of the readers of this publication, along with a majority of other manufacturing companies throughout the country, have probably repeated the title statement far more than one time. In todays environment, many small- to middle-market business owners are struggling with their performance both financially and operationally, but feel they … [Read more...] about We Don’t Need to Assess Our Operations – We Are Doing Great!
Flying Blind? Defining Cost Drivers Leads to Success
by Jeff Mengel When it comes to running your business, how do you gauge conditions? Do you stick your finger out the window - flying blind - or, like a pilot, do you rely on the instruments available to you to ensure your business maintains a consistent altitude and direction? When it comes to quoting - one of the most significant decisions businesses make - many … [Read more...] about Flying Blind? Defining Cost Drivers Leads to Success
Turning Your Plastics Processing Facility Into a Profit Center
by Richard W. Sievert Owners and managers of plastics processing businesses under competitive pressures are searching aggressively for cost effective ways to increase profits and return on assets. The way these companies manage their property, plant, and equipment assets has a tremendous impact on their overall competitiveness and profitability. Since most processing companies … [Read more...] about Turning Your Plastics Processing Facility Into a Profit Center