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
Culture
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
“Future Proofing” Your Production Workforce – Confidence and Knowledge Are the Keys to Handling Change
By Daniel Stephens, vice president, Routsis Training LLC In production environments, the most important goal is maintaining “productive uptime.” This means that product is being produced at a rate that is profitable, and the customer base is satisfied with its quality level. One of the biggest factors that interrupt productive uptime is change. Examples of change can be new … [Read more...] about “Future Proofing” Your Production Workforce – Confidence and Knowledge Are the Keys to Handling Change
Applying TQM to Sales
by Lewis Yasenchak, senior plastics consultant, P&Y Management Resources On March 7, 2022, 175 countries unanimously agreed on a United Nations framework to fight global plastic pollution from cradle to grave. For contract manufacturers supplying plastic products to OEMS and end users, that framework signals a change in how the industry needs to do business. For … [Read more...] about Applying TQM to Sales