By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Not that manufacturing has avoided talking about international issues in the past, but there have been new developments that have been pushing these issues to the forefront – especially for the plastics industry. There is an old adage that asserts, “When elephants fight it is the mice that suffer.” The US and … [Read more...] about A Collision of the Global Supply Chain: Politics, Inflation and Alternative Sources
Business Planning
New Tax Law Rewards Manufacturers for Going Green
By Teri Samples, partner and CPA, Wipfli The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) gave a boost to the manufacturing industry. Specifically, the new law rewards plastics processors for various investment initiatives to either incentivize or reward taxpayers who engage in a variety of clean energy practices. Many times, these investments make good business sense, with shorter than … [Read more...] about New Tax Law Rewards Manufacturers for Going Green
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to Lead with Empathy
Summarized by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Gains in efficiency, quality, throughput and profit can be realized by immersing oneself in the day-to-day activities of one’s team. Jeff Ignatowski, president of Champion Plastics, Auburn Hills, Michigan, walked through a real-world case study during the 2022 MAPP Benchmarking Conference in Indianapolis, sharing steps and … [Read more...] about Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to Lead with Empathy
Crisis Communications: Adjusting the Marketing Message
By Teresa Schell, president and owner, Vive The role of a marketer typically focuses on all the positive elements of a company’s brand; new investments in equipment, expansions, added capabilities, etc. However, unlucky situations can strike an organization without warning, leading to the necessity for public communication. In the fog of sadness or frustration, it’s critical … [Read more...] about Crisis Communications: Adjusting the Marketing Message
Looking Ahead to 2023: Markets, Staffing and Investments
By Maggie Taylor, writer, Plastics Business Coming off three very unpredictable years, the plastics industry is gearing up to enter 2023. Many manufacturers report coexisting sentiments of optimism and realism as they navigate the uncertain waters of economic change, supply chain issues and more. “The past two years have been tough, and I don’t see it getting any easier,” … [Read more...] about Looking Ahead to 2023: Markets, Staffing and Investments