Training System Creates Advantages for Plastics Processors
To Train or Not to Train?
When harried plastics employers contemplate the challenges of implementing technical training programs into their manufacturing plants, the training “solutions” sometimes appear to be as daunting as the challenges presented by untrained employees. Employers wade through a maze of buzz words like ‘Teambuilding’, ‘Total Quality Management’, or ‘Advanced Manufacturing’ and […]
Plastic Components, Inc.: Making the Customer Part of the Equation
by Dianna Brodine
Some companies talk about customer service. Plastic Components, Inc. has taken steps to move beyond the words, connecting with its customers in a way that is rewarding for both the company and the people it serves. Using non-traditional marketing techniques, hands-free production processes, and an innovative customer advisory council, Plastics Components is thriving […]
Lean Manufacturing or Operations Transformation … Which is it?
by Laurie Harbour-Felax, ASG Renaissance
Any business professional who reads the newspaper, watches the news, or pays attention to industry trends is familiar with lean manufacturing and its great success for companies that dedicate themselves to improvement. Conversely, you can find companies that did not implement lean or continuous improvement strategies and have since either gone […]
Inject Cash Into Your Bottom Line with the Research and Experimentation (R&E) Tax Credit
by Adam J. Herman, CPA/ABV, CVA, ASA and Michael J. Devereux II
The Research & Experimentation (R&E) tax credit - also known as the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit - is now available to plastic molders and processors for such activities as designing molds or parts to meet customer specifications, improving customer designs, and refining […]
Customized Solutions in Auxiliary Equipment Provide Maximum Efficiencies
When setting up the most efficient plastics processing operation, careful consideration, design, and implementation of auxiliary equipment that will support the entire production line can mean the difference between marginal profits and over-the-top results. Gone are the days when auxiliary equipment was treated as a mere ‘sidebar’ to the overall molding or extruding operation. In […]
Building Your Pentad for Partnering Success
by Ed Rigsbee, CSP
Are you tired of adversarial business relationships draining your energy? Is it time to look at a new way of conducting business–one that empowers all to be more productive and profitable?
If the pain of where you are is greater than the perceived pain of the unknown, you might be ready for partnering. […]