by Troy Nix Much like the housing market of yesteryear with the always anticipated three percent annual increase in property value, recent trends for compensation and wages have nearly followed that exact path. Wage freezes and compensation decreases during the time periods of late 2008 and throughout 2009 have created many perplexing trends in many different job … [Read more...] about Job Compensation Study Reveals Interesting Trends
Industry Reports
Nanotechnology: Big Problems Come in Small Packages
by Kevin Murch, SZD Although the advantages nanotechnology brings to manufacturing are not often disputed, the risk the proliferation of nanotechnology may pose to human health is still very much in question. Like anything else, the risks associated with nanotechnology will lead to increased regulation and with that, increased litigation. Thus, there is a business risk that … [Read more...] about Nanotechnology: Big Problems Come in Small Packages
State of the Plastics Industry – MAPP’s 1st Quarter Assessment
by Staff MAPP conducted its 1st quarter 2010 economic survey in which data was collected from 141 industry executives via electronic input for a period of approximately 10 business days. Although not a scientific survey, participants were given the opportunity to respond to approximately 34 economic indicator questions covering their 1st quarter performance, along with their … [Read more...] about State of the Plastics Industry – MAPP’s 1st Quarter Assessment
2010 MAPP Engineering Services Report – Offering Engineering Services as a Fee for Service
by Staff Over the last decade, the services that plastics manufacturing businesses provide to their customers have expanded at an exponential pace. Much of this expansion has been fueled by competition; competition that has pushed plastics processors to expand capabilities beyond their core competencies to include secondary services like decorating (in-mold labeling, painting, … [Read more...] about 2010 MAPP Engineering Services Report – Offering Engineering Services as a Fee for Service
MAPP Report: 2007 Raw Materials Survey
by Staff How does a plastics manufacturing business maintain profit margins in a marketplace in which nearly 40 percent of its manufacturing costs fluctuate on a daily basis? To gain a better understanding of this question, MAPP was asked by its Members to perform a survey focused on how processors are managing the process of buying raw materials. Based upon a list of 21 … [Read more...] about MAPP Report: 2007 Raw Materials Survey