by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Business For plastics processors and the companies that provide auxiliary equipment to them, 2020 was the year that was… was a challenge, was an opportunity, was a reminder that we work better together and was definitely not business as usual. This article takes a look at how new technology has helped auxiliary equipment suppliers … [Read more...] about Technology Trends in Auxiliary Equipment
Process Improvement
Program Launch Best Practices in a Pandemic-Pressed World
by Cynthia Kustush, contributing writer, Plastics Business Plastics processors are accustomed to pressures of new program launches and meeting customer expectations. Whether the program launch entails implementing production using new molds or transferred molds, there are processes to follow and deadlines to meet. But today, processors are approaching program launches a bit … [Read more...] about Program Launch Best Practices in a Pandemic-Pressed World
Nationally Funded Program Offers Assistance to Manufacturers
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor Plastics Business Fighting global competition requires resources that may be beyond the reach of small- to midsize manufacturing companies. As far back as 1962, the US government attempted to level the playing field with the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program. According to a 2017 Congressional Research Report, “The Trade … [Read more...] about Nationally Funded Program Offers Assistance to Manufacturers
Workstation Innovation Results in Safer, More Efficient Organizations
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer Plastics Business The Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors (MAPP) presented the MAPP Innovation Awards for the fifth year in 2019. The awards, established to recognize innovative solutions to common issues, focused on the following question, “How has your company instituted systems in your facility to make workstations safer, … [Read more...] about Workstation Innovation Results in Safer, More Efficient Organizations
Home-Based Assembly at Vital Plastics
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer Plastics Business Aregular flow of vehicles approaches the roll-up door at Vital Plastics throughout the course of every work week. The volume varies – some weeks, there may be 125 vehicles, and other weeks may bring as many as 200. Each vehicle disappears inside, and 15 minutes later, it emerges and drives away. This volume of traffic is … [Read more...] about Home-Based Assembly at Vital Plastics