Lean manufacturing is a fast growing trend in manufacturing production processes. The idea is to consider the expenditures of resources that produce any product and determine how a plant’s practices can be trimmed down to preserve value while eliminating unnecessary work. How this is achieved varies on the specific business and its employees. Ultimately the goal for every business is to increase efficiency, decrease waste and use practical methods to reach a...
On Friday, President Obama signed off on the first three free trade agreements of his administration with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. These agreements will most likely be the first and last made during his current term. The deals have the potential to be worth billions of dollars to American exporters and could create tens of thousands of jobs, including thousands of jobs in the manufacturing industry. The three deals took years...
Industry surveys show that 86% of Americans agree manufacturing is important to their standard of living. 79% are reported saying, a strong manufacturing base should be a top national priority. While many say that if they could create 1,000 jobs in their community, manufacturing would be at the top of their list, only 33% said they could encourage their children to pursue a career in manufacturing. Americans seem to understand the importance...
Experts say that nearly 25% of the 11 million manufacturing workers in the U.S are 55 years of age or older. Just as in any industry, experience brings about the most knowledge. The longer you are in a particular trade the more you learn, whether it is through training, hands on application or trial and error. This group of approximately 2.7 million middle aged workers are a valuable asset to every manufacturing...
The unsteady economy has surely changed the way many businesses operate. From pay cuts to layoffs, many industries have had to adapt and endure, and the manufacturing business is just one of many. During these tough economic times, manufacturers have had to learn to run their business with a smaller workforce. This means having a staff that has the ability to take the lead and execute tasks all across the board. Since...
When it comes to industrial training, to increase your success rate, you must first determine your desired outcomes. More than often businesses train employees when a standard of work is not met, however training workers in advance will allow you to maintain a superior quality of work. To accomplish this you must be able to clearly communicate what your desired standard is as well as assess the level of skill your workforce...
On Wednesday, Aric Newhouse, the Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations of the National Association of Manufacturer (NAM) released a statement concerning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cement MACT and Boiler MACT regulations. Mr. Newhouse stated that the House will have an opportunity to protect manufacturing jobs and economic growth when they meet later this week. They can do so by passing legislation to stop the EPA from executing the...
According to the most recent Beige Book of the Federal Reserve Board, lately there has been more manufacturing activity in the Midwest and West than in the Mid-Atlantic region. While Cleveland reported a decrease in auto production, the decline was not alarming as it is expected this time of year due to normal seasonal retooling for model changes. Chicago reported a leveling off of auto production in August after a great month...
As the last months of 2011 near, many manufacturers have considered what the remainder of the year will look like for their industry. The ups and downs of the economy have surely wearied us all, however things are looking bright for some manufacturers in the United States. With a positive outlook on revenue, employment and growth, industrial manufacturers may be in for a treat. The New York Times article, “Factory Field Trip”...
When it comes to industrial trades, safety should be the number one concern for all employers and employees. Working in plants, on site and with heavy machinery are risky jobs. Often industrial workers come in contact with harsh chemicals, electrical circuits and dangerous tools on a daily basis. Because of the nature of their work relevant safety training is essential to the well-being of your staff and your business. Proper maintenance and...
While training new and existing staff will benefit the output of your employees, the ultimate objective is to maximize your return on investment. In order to do so, your company must assure those being trained understand the goals of your business and how advancing their skill sets will be critical to your company’s success as well as their own. Below are a few tips to enhance the online training experience for your...
As technology continues to evolve the manufacturing industry is sure to follow. Computers and robotics have undoubtedly changed the industry and in some ways made it more accurate and efficient. The Association for Manufacturing Technology and The American Machine Tool Distributors Association reported that in July of this year, manufacturing technology consumption amounted to more than $500 million dollars. The amount shows a 93% increase from July of 2010, when machine tool...
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence has been a driving force behind the Rebirth of Manufacturing Jobs initiative. The project hopes to stimulate the manufacturing job market by reaching out to policy makers locally and nationally. The goal of the program is to get executives and government officials motivated to join and develop efforts to increase awareness of the green movement and manufacturing’s goal in it. It also aims to unite nearby businesses...
On Wednesday, September 7, 2011 the United States House of representatives voted to extend the trade program known as the Generalized System of Programs. The renewed program, which expired last year, allows tax-free entry for approximately 4,800 products from 130 developing countries. The renewal will extend the 35 year old bill through July of 2013 and will reimburse U.S. importers for any levies paid since the beginning of the year. This bill...