Plastics Business Manufacturing has changed dramatically since Nicolet Plastics was founded in the mid-1980s. That was especially true in 2009 as the American economy faltered and many multi-national firms started moving high-volume production offshore to avoid rising costs. During this time, Nicolet, a Mountain, WI-based custom injector molder, used a system called Quick … [Read more...] about Creating Accountable Teams
Culture
The Real Truth about Safety: Creating a Culture of Buy-In
by Garrison Wynn, CSP Knowing that safety is important clearly is not enough to create (or even put a dent in creating) incident-free environments. Most of us have heard the messages "Safety First" and "Target Zero." I've even heard one earnest, dedicated guy in rural Louisiana put it this way: "We ain't toleratin' any more dead dudes!" As powerful and eloquent as these … [Read more...] about The Real Truth about Safety: Creating a Culture of Buy-In
Get Involved in Your Community
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business The donations you make should have specific and well-articulated benefits associated with your contribution. Chances are your business has been asked to donate to local charity events and activities. Chances are your business has received a lot of those requests. Nonprofit organizations, by definition, have to run a very tight … [Read more...] about Get Involved in Your Community
Waste Eradication Culture Starts with a Toilet Seat: A Conversation with Paul Akers
by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business When Paul Akers steps to the podium as a keynote speaker at MAPP's Annual Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference on October 11th, attendees will be prepared to begin a conversation about waste eradication and lean manufacturing. They might not expect the conversation to start with a bathroom – after six years of writing and editing … [Read more...] about Waste Eradication Culture Starts with a Toilet Seat: A Conversation with Paul Akers
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