by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business For blow molders and injection molders whose businesses are outgrowing their available space, building an additional facility is not a new project to be taken lightly. Molders invest countless hours in analysis, research and planning to inform a wise decision. They then expend more energy to choose a site, spec out the details, … [Read more...] about New Facility Construction: Designing for the Future
Financials
What’s Up with Inflation These Days?
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence By now every commodity category one can think of has been experiencing dramatic price hikes. Oil is trending above $80, natural gas prices surged by over 500%, steel was up by 216% and during the summer the price of lumber hit record levels. To some degree this surge was anticipated but the extent of the price … [Read more...] about What’s Up with Inflation These Days?
The Complexity of Machine Rates in the Plastics Processing Industry
by Ian Gjertson, analytics director, MAPP To maintain profitability and strategic advantages in an increasingly competitive industry, it is critical for injection molders to determine machine rates, track labor costs and govern markup and adjustment opportunities. However, because the plastic injection molding industry manufactures an impressively diverse volume of parts for … [Read more...] about The Complexity of Machine Rates in the Plastics Processing Industry
State of the Plastics Industry: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Thunderstorms
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc. In 2020, if processors asked, “What would the state of the plastics industry be in 2021?” the sentiment would have been pessimistic. Many predicted the COVID-19-spurred recession to last 12 to 18 months and shutdowns and drop in consumer spending would result in many distressed businesses and industries. Business … [Read more...] about State of the Plastics Industry: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Thunderstorms
Blast from the Past: A Return to 1990s Economics
by Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Remember grunge? Did you once sport a look featuring Doc Martens, dark flannel shirts and torn jeans while listening to Pearl Jam and Nirvana? If so, you are right in style for the return of 1990s economics. It has been almost 20 years since we have had to deal with anything approaching real inflation, and now it … [Read more...] about Blast from the Past: A Return to 1990s Economics