Dalco Talk

In the Media Spotlight

2012-01-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

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"World’s Greatest" could be an excellent description of manufacturing here in the Midwest. But, in this case, Worlds Greatest is the TV series seen on the ION network. On it, they cover ‘the best of the best’ in business, so we have to tip our hat to Waukesha Metal Products in Sussex, WI, featured on the show last month.

Waukesha Metal Products' incredible, 330-ton servo stamping press was highlighted, demonstrating the differences between servo technology and traditional stamping methods, including lower energy consumption. Its something to brag about, for sure.

Click the frame above to watch it for yourself

Manufacturers are Optimistic

2012-01-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

We know that a lot of companies have tightened their belts and have taken extrordinary measures to make it through the downturn, so we don’t want to just talk ‘good news’ while ignoring the negative. But there is a lot of that ‘good news’ and, while its effects will vary, these reports aren’t just for the ‘big guys’ or chosen few. They impact all of us. A good example is the just-released National Economic Trends Survey from MRA-the Management Association.

With respect to Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois manufacturers, findings include:

92% see the economy as the same, or better than 2011

77% expect sales increases

66% plan on making new hires

We all know that short-term stats and one-time bumps aren’t very meaningful. But this survey is based on longer-term projections.

You can read more about it in BizTimes Milwaukee.

The Backbone (and Future) of Wisconsin’s Economy

2012-01-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Is manufacturing “dumb, dirty and dangerous” or is it “smart, safe, sustainable and surging?”

In this month’s “Wisconsin In Business,” Buckley Brinkman, Executive Director and CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, comments on the industry’s old image, the new opportunities, and solutions that are already in the works, like our Wisconsin Working initiative. He cites exports (where Wisconsin has been especially strong) as an indicator of a strong future.

You can check out the complete interview here.

FROM ALL OF US AT DALCO METALS

2012-01-03T08:56:00.001-08:00

MORE NUTS, BOLTS & THINGAMAJIGS

2012-01-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

A while back, we wrote about John Ratzenberger’s “Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs,” a foundation that actively works with today’s youth to prepare and inspire them for futures in manufacturing.

Now, Wisconsin’s own Marcia Arndt, dean of manufacturing technology at Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend, has been elected secretary/treasurer of NBT.

Of course, NBT shouldn’t just be thought of as ‘that Cliff Claven project.’ John Ratzenberger, who found fame as the talkative postman on the TV series “Cheers” was the brainchild of this terrific foundation, but some of industries most creative and progressive minds are heavily involved. It’s great to see Ms. Arndt is now among them.

Check out Nuts Bolts and Thingamajigs here

WHEN SCRAP IS LIKE GOLD

2012-01-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Most indicators of steel price fluctuations come from the markets. But indicators also come from the street.

Case in point: scrap.

Recent increases in scrap metals prices, particularly in metals like copper, have resulted in higher prices. And, in some cases, a rise in theft. Thieves have been targeting old and vacant buildings for their copper wiring and pipes. With scrap prices on the rise, they’ve been hot targets.

Here’s an article with examples and details.

As always, we stay on top of all indicators to make sure you can always buy competitively.

STEEL PRICE VOLATILITY

2011-11-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

In a steadily-improving economy, steel prices have been volatile. That affects you as well as suppliers like us.

So, why the up and down pricing? As usual, it’s not because of any one thing. A report in this month’s Metal Center News points to a series of contributing trends and conditions, including cautious buying and a still-tenuous economy, But prospects for growth continue to look good. Demand is still pent-up and, although slowly, is on the rise.

But always be assured, we’re staying ahead of the curve to provide competitive prices without ever compromising on quality.

You can read the complete article here.

INNOVATIONS IN PLASMA

2011-11-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

Like lasers, plasma cutters are on the cutting edge of simplicity, precision and productivity. Many of our customers have seen how new technologies in high definition plasma has made it even more user-friendly, flexible and productive.

This month, in "Mechanized Plasma Cutting," The Fabricator magazine examines plasma cutting and how it’s helping fabricators attain both tighter tolerances along with greater productivity.

Take a look at the complete article here.

The Impact of Manufacturing

2011-10-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Just how important is manufacturing to the over economy?

Here in Wisconsin, it's vital. Always has been, and will be for years to come. So says a new report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Chamber Foundation and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

In 2001, Wisconsin had a 65% higher manufacturing job concentration than a typical state. Today, it's 88%. But huge challenges, including an aging workforce, remain.

Read more about it in this article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Women in Welding

2011-09-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

While women hold many rules in the steel industry, the lucrative area of welding has been an exception. But that’s changing, including here in the Midwest.

“Welding: a Viable Option for Women,” from The Fabricator magazine, points this out through the eyes of Rachel Koon of Charleston, S.C. She followed her husband into the sheet metal industry and is now a exceptional welder. "A lot of women think it's hot and sweaty and dangerous. It's very safe," said Koon. "It's a great way to support your family,” Read more about it here.

In Cleveland, welding instructor Richard Hart teaches a 3-year arc welding and job placement course called “Project WELD” (worthy employment leadership development). The freshman class is 50% women. The complete article, from Welding Design & Fabrication, is here.

But the best is happening here. This year, alone, Moraine Park, Wisconsin Indianhead, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical Colleges were among those hosting special events and courses specific to Women in Welding.

The future looks bright indeed.

Government Contracts

2011-09-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Doing business with the Federal government can reap huge rewards. Yet, getting there can be a daunting task. Northeast Wisconsin’s Insight Magazine (“connecting business and people in the New North) takes a look at several manufacturers and what it took to get involved.

With time, patience and the right strategy, the projects are a big opportunity for component makers, providers of manufacturing services such as machining or welding, as well as services like painting, electrical or maintenance. More importantly, though, is having a company culture that lets you become a trusted part of one of the supply chain, one that fosters information sharing, continuous quality improvement and cost reductions.

You can read the full article here.

For more, read “What It Really Takes to Do Business with the Federal Government” from the American Express Open Forum newsletter.

RAISING PRICES IN A TIGHT ECONOMY

2011-08-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

We all know that manufacturing costs change rapidly these days, everything from raw materials to equipment, utilities and shipping. That’s where a company’s own fixed prices can easily get them into a bind.

In Production Machining Magazine, business expert, Mitch Gooze, shares some specific ideas that can help fabricators and manufacturers avoid getting trapped in a too-low, fixed-price quandary.

Here’s one example:
A common practice that is more visible these days than in the past is bundling versus unbundling. The simplest example is the airline industry. In the “old” days, you bought a ticket for a price and everything was included: luggage, food, a seat, and so on. Today, depending on the airline you choose, the fare is for the ticket only. Luggage (even a carry on in the case of one airline), food and preferred seating is extra. The airlines have unbundled their pricing to achieve higher prices. This has occurred because their customers focus on the price of the ticket to make their buying decision, not the total cost of travel.

You can read his complete article here

MORE LOCAL MANUFACTURING DATA

2011-08-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Manufacturers in the Milwaukee area continued to increase their production in July, but at a slightly slower pace than June.

The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) Milwaukee’s Seasonally Adjusted Purchasers Managers Index dipped to 59 in July from June’s PMI of 61. (Still, any number above 50 indicates expansion.)

According to the index, new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries and prices increased in July, but at a slower rate than they increased in June. Customer inventories declined, while the backlog of orders improved. Exports were stable with June’s level, while imports increased.

The survey monitors manufacturing activity in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

You can read more from BizTimes here

COMING SOON: SMART MANUFACTURING

2011-08-09T17:46:00.001-07:00

There have been a lot of innovations in manufacturing in recent years. Lean, Kaizan, micro-machining and more. Each of them with a specific set of purposes and benefits.

Here’s another term: Smart Manufacturing. This one is more than an efficiency program. Smart Manufacturing is the convergence of information, technology and human ingenuity applied to the inventing, manufacturing, shipping and sales of an item. It’s been getting most attention in large, global companies, but the same principles will apply to any size manufacturer.

Smart Manufacturing doesn’t replace Lean or any other program you have in place. In fact, those efficiencies will become even more in demand.

You can read more about it in this Special Report from Rockwell International

Check Out Our New Website

2011-07-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Change has become a constant here at Dalco Metals. New customers, new processes, and brand new, industry-leading new equipment.

We want you to tour our facilities for yourself. But, in the meantime, please take a tour of our newly remodeled website.

You’ll see new and improved services, an expanded list of products and a fresh focus on customer service. Not just ‘pretty pictures,’ but a better resource for your constantly changing needs.

www.dalcometals.com

Oh, and we’re serious about having you tour our facilities here in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area. See the “Our Location” tab for details.

What Americans Know About Manufacturing

2011-07-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, Delloitte and The Manufacturing Institute surveyed Americans to find out what they think of manufacturing. The results were surprising, and supportive.

Here are a few samples:

1. Do Americans continue to believe manufacturing is vitally important?

The survey showed that 78 percent of Americans believe that ‘American manufacturing is vitally important to our economic prosperity’ and 76 percent think it is also ’important to our standard of living,’

2. Do Americans think that we have the skills and resources to compete globally?

60 percent said “yes” because they believe we have an advantage in technology, R&D, and skilled workforce.

In Industrial Maintenance and Plant Operation, author Mike Collins comments on the terrific positives uncovered in the survey, but also problems, including ‘image’ (stemming from large corporation layoffs) and lack of consistent workforce development, especially in new technologies.

Check out his complete article, including more from the survey, here.

Job Shop Managers, the Next Generation

2011-07-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

We won’t use the tired phrase “things are changing,” but Tim Heston’s recent Fabricator Magazine article, “Job Shop Managers, The Next Generation,” shows us how the skills and responsibilities of shop managers has shifted in a fairly short amount of time.

He writes that a mere two decades ago “many shops had one or two customers that made up the lion’s share of their work, and people trusted that work would always be there. These days it’s so different. A shop with one or two large customers may have steady work coming in the door, but for how long? Job shop managers know a diverse customer base helps build a stable business.”

Today, even small shops are setting up sales departments and developing comprehensive marketing programs to generate consistent new business. And that’s creating a new breed of manager.

You can read the full article here

Business Forecast for Wisconsin

2011-06-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

We’ve got good friends throughout the Midwest, but let us take a minute to brag a little about Wisconsin. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that a survey of 500 CEOs gave the state a huge ‘thumbs up.’ They graded the states on taxes and regulation, quality of the work force and living environment. Wisconsin made the biggest jump of any state, and one of the largest in the history of the survey, rising to 24th from 41st. While some of the changes being made here are still in debate, they see our “Open for Business” approach as a strong positive. And that’s good for everyone.

You can read the full article here

Dalco Featured in Modern Metals Magazine

2011-04-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

We’re proud that Modern Metals Magazine has featured us again, this time for our latest addition: The Dalco Metals Stretcher Leveler.

Roller leveling is a good choice for most applications, but for manufacturers cutting with laser machines, it’s a different story. They need material that is stress free and remains flat when cut. Although roller levelers will supply an extremely flat product in most applications, they don’t eliminate the trapped internal stresses entirely. This can cause problems, especially when a laser system is running “lights out "over the weekend or at night when nobody is around.

Enter the Dalco Metals Stretcher Leveler.

"Another word for stress free is memory-free," the article quotes our President, Bill Ring. "We receive material in a master coil. It’s a circle, and we’re trying to turn it into a straight line, or taking away that coil memory." The control system on Dalco’s leveler allows the company to ensure that material is memory-free when it leaves the facility, and there’s no guesswork involved.

Call us! We can’t wait for you to see it in action. And you can see the complete Modern Metals article, “Consistent, Reliable Processing” here

What's Driving Steel Prices???

2011-04-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

These days, we’re all facing rapid fluctuations in steel prices. But price changes are one thing. How they affect the supplier – customer relationship is another.

Because nobody has a crystal ball to accurately predict the future, we thought you’d like to hear a no-nonsense explanation from Glenn Kidd, long-time industry expert, who spoke at Fabricator Magazine’s Leadership Summit, “Metal Matters” last month. He explained how the growing demand for both steel and scrap, combined with global demands has created “an extremely volatile” market.

You can hear a brief interview with Mr. Kidd here.

Here at Dalco Metals, we constantly strive to give you the best value, and that’s one thing you can always count on.

This is a Major Recovery Indicator

2011-04-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

In economic growth cycles, hiring usually lags behind. Growth in activity and income are needed to support new jobs. And right now, especially in Wisconsin, manufacturers are hiring. A Journal Sentinel article put it this way:

Wisconsin's status as the leading manufacturing state in the nation, as measured by the proportion of its workforce engaged in manufacturing, has translated into a faster job recovery for that portion of the economy here.

"Our manufacturing sector got hit pretty hard during this recession," said Scott Brave, senior business economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. "The interesting thing is it has also come back much more strongly as well."

You can read the full article here.

MEMORY-FREE STEEL

2011-03-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

We have always reinvested in our business to provide our customers with continuous improvement and the latest in technology, productivity, and service.

Continuing with this tradition, we are excited to announce the addition of our new Dalco Metals Stretcher Leveler!

With new technologies in manufacturing and a greater need for ‘memory-free’ steel, we can guarantee your steel will be of the highest quality and processed precisely to your specifications. It will start flat and stay flat so that your laser and precision plasma processes are worry free. Eliminating coil memory means your equipment can run faster and more consistently because the time-consuming problems of warping or spring-back become things of the past, which means you can run ‘lights out’ with fewer interruptions and:
- Superior Reliability
 -Less Downtime
 -Competitive Cost Advantage

The DALCO Stretcher-Leveler produces ‘memory-free’ sheets up to 0.25" thick, 72” wide, with lengths up to 240”. Let us show you what we can do for you. Call us at 262-275-6175

FRESH TALENT

2011-03-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

As the economy continues to shake off the dust and grow, a lot of manufacturers are seeing a troubling trend. New technologies in manufacturing, and a growing list of alternate career opportunities, have created a void in trained and ready talent.

Fortunately, there are solutions. Programs that recruit and train a new generation of skilled workers are cropping up all over the country. Here is Wisconsin, one of them is Second Chance Partners for Education, a Pewaukee-based nonprofit that operates eight alternative high schools, each of them HQ’d inside a manufacturing facility.

Read the whole story from BizTimes Magazine here.

CONGRATULATIONS PACKERS!!!!

2011-02-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

A MANUFACTURING REBOUND

2011-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

Productivity is up. Profits are, too. And the trend should continue in 2011.

In this weeks BizTimes Milwaukee, Eric Decker has researched and compiled a stream of positive data for Southeast Wisconsin, the State, and the nation. Several high profile surveys of manufacturing leaders show a very strong expectation of revenue and profits growth this year. And beyond the numbers, other factors here, and nationwide, point to consistent growth. “While 2010 has been a year of recovery in manufacturing, our forecast sees improvements in both investment and employment in 2011,” said Robert Ore, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

Take a few minutes to read the full story here.

CULTURE CHANGES SPELL GROWTH

2011-01-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

You’ve read the reports: Ford Motor Company is alive and well, despite not receiving government aid. And, while the automotive industry is still a ways from being back on solid ground, there are lessons to be learned from the dramatic transformation they’ve been striving to make from bloated bureaucracy to a leaner, meaner customer-focused enterprise. Two of the keys, says CEO Alan Mulally, included simplification and communication. Trimming brands and encouraging innovation at all levels simplified the formerly cumbersome process. And communication, at all levels, especially managerial, has helped Ford respond faster to short-term issues while maintaining focus on the future.

Read the complete article at manufacturing.net

BEING GREAT WITH THE BASICS

2010-11-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes putting extra focus on ‘the basics’ goes a long way to boosting productivity and profitability. We came across a terrific case study in Manufacturing Business Technology magazine and an article about Vermont-based Tivoli, Inc. Tivoli makes taps and other precision cutting tools, but it’s their attention to the basics that sets them apart.

Their success is based on two key strategies that the work hard to instill in every one of their employees:
1: Always focus on progress and continuous improvement, and
2: Focus on partnerships both with customers and suppliers.

Sounds basic enough but, when you think about it, these are the elements that can have either positive or negative impact on overall performance. Basic…but great.

You can read the complete article here.

A LITTLE KNOWN FACT FROM CLIFF

2010-10-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

Actor John Ratzenberger, best known as Cliff Clavin on the TV series “Cheers,” is, in real life, a serious guy. These days, he’s busy helping young people discover the potential in American manufacturing.

He explains that while touring America’s factories for The Travel Channel’s “John Ratzenberger’s Made in America,” he kept hearing about (and seeing for himself) the dire need for fresh, skilled workers. So, three years ago, he started “Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs,” an organization that provides summer camps and scholarships to help get youth ‘hands-on’ with well-paying jobs in manufacturing.

Catch up with Ratzenberger, and read more about his plans for “NB&T” in this interview at manufacturing.com

HOG WILD ABOUT METAL

2010-10-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

It’s not every day that METAL is at the forefront of design, but the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee is (like their product) all about the METAL.

In an article in Modern Metals magazine, designers said “most of the metals in the interior were fabricated from standard shapes of rolled, punched and fabricated steel" to give it a true ‘factory feeling.’

So whether you’re into metals, Harleys or just amazing work, it’s definitely worth checking out. Here’s the complete article. And, see more pictures of this steel beauty here

THE CASE FOR OPTIMISM

2010-09-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

News of the state of the nation getting you down? Well, there are some amazing things happening in our country and, while not all rooted in manufacturing, they shine a beacon on the men and women, the opportunity and drive that are helping…no, MAKING us succeed.

M. Robert Weidner III, Publisher of Forward, the magazine of the Metal Service Center Institute, spells it all out in his article “The Case for Optimism.”

You can read the complete article here.

CONSISTENT GROWTH

2010-09-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Institute for Supply Management is reporting manufacturing in the U.S. grew for the 13th consecutive month in August, while the overall U.S. economy has grown for 16 consecutive months. We know that this doesn’t mean the recovery is a sure thing, or that potential down months aren’t ahead. We’ve also got long way to go to reach pre-recession levels. But it does indicate we’ve risen off the bottom and, through innovation and drive, manufacturing is leading the way.

Read the complete article here

TAKE A VIDEO TOUR OF DALCO

2010-07-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

We can't say enough about our business relationship with Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the growth they've help us bring about through Five-S coaching and LEAN training.

Now, you can take a video tour of our facilities in Walworth, as Dalco President Bill Ring highlights some of the customer-focused changes we've made.

MANUFACTURING AND THE RECOVERY

2010-07-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's been slow...but steady. Despite its fluctuations, Amrican manufacturing contiues to grow, and the prognosis is good. Though in the single digits, there have been three consecutive months of growth and, according to Norbert Ore, chair of the Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing Business Survey committee, "the sector appear to be solidly entrenched in the recovery." The same is reflected in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey and trends in the auto industry.

You can read the complete BizTimes article here.

WHOSE INNOVATION IS IT ANYWAY?

2010-07-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

We hear the word ‘innovation’ used a lot these days. But, when it comes to manufacturing, nobody defines it better than Mike Klonsinski, Executive Director of Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

In his recent article, 'Whose Innovation is it Anyway,' Klonsinski compares the conventional wisdom of innovation (research and development from laboratories and universities) with real-world innovation (“…the ability to anticipate customer needs and then deliver products, services, and solutions to meet those needs…profitably, rapidly, continuously.”)

He’s not knocking R & D by any means, but cites examples of Wisconsin companies who are innovating at a basic level, and reaping the rewards!

You can read his complete article here.

DALCO RECOGNIZED BY WMEP

2010-06-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Has your company gone LEAN? If so, you’re more efficient, save money, and can serve your customers better than ever before. These days, you’ve got to keep innovating to stay ahead of change. Here at Dalco, we’re working with some outstanding change agents from Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Their guidance with Lean manufacturing and 5S helped make us more efficient, and gave our employers more control over their jobs. The results have been incredible.

Read more about Dalco’s journey with WMEP here.

MANUFACTURING CONTINUES TO GROW

2010-06-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

This from Milwaukee-based BizTimes Magazine:

Manpower survey shows continued manufacturing, related industry hiring recovery

Employers around the country anticipate more hiring in the third quarter of this year, marking the third consecutive quarter of job growth, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey conducted by Milwaukee-based Manpower Inc.. Manufacturing and related industries are among the industries that anticipate continued job growth, the survey says.
Eighteen percent of the more than 18,000 businesses surveyed plan to hire more workers in the third quarter, while eight percent anticipate a decrease – leaving a net employment outlook of +10 percent. Seventy percent of those surveyed expect no change in employment.
“We have been waiting for the labor market to show signs of sustained recovery,” said Jeff Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower. “The survey results for the third quarter are indicating a trend of hiring retention that has historically proven to be the positive inflection point of accelerated job growth.”
About nine percent of durable goods manufacturers anticipate hiring more workers, while about 12 percent of non-durable goods manufacturers will increase employment. About 17 percent of companies in the mining sector will hire more employees in the third quarter. About nine percent of the transportation and utilities and eight percent of the construction employers anticipate increased employment as well.
“Although we are still facing a difficult labor market, more employers indicate confidence about the direction of their businesses, and with that comes an intention to increase their workforces,” said Jonas Prising, president of the Americas with Manpower. “We are in the early stages of the job recovery, and although we have a long way to go, the job market will continue to improve from there.”

DALCO FEATURED IN MODERN METALS

2010-04-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

You’ll find a terrific article on Dalco Metals in this month’s Modern Metals Magazine.

We’re proud to have been chosen by Modern Metals to talk about our 0.25-inch, 0.25-inch-by-72-inch cut-to-length line, and our 0.187-inch slitters from Braner. Chuck Damore, Executive Vice-President of Braner comments "At Dalco, all of the lines can handle anything from really thin-gauge, soft material to high-strength applications," he says. "[It’s] carbon steel, typically--cold rolled, galvanized, hot-rolled pickled and oiled, hot-rolled black and high-strength materials."

Check out the full article in Modern Metals here.

Jay Talks Welding Opportunities

2010-03-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

With all the attention being given to economic sings, the long term shortage of highly-skilled trades people continues, most notably certified welders.

“Companies are reporting drastic shortages of high-skilled welders, especially those with certifications," said Bob Bernini, Vice President of Academics for the Triangle Tech Group. "In fact, according to regional economic development studies, one of the largest industry needs is in metal working.”

The industry has found an unlikely ally: Jay Leno. In this short video, From his Big Dog garage, Leno talks about the opportunities for welding professionals. Thought you’d like to take a look.

Seven Consecutive Months

2010-03-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to read any single economic report these days and try to draw long-term conclusions from it. Trends matter more than snapshots, and the good news is that the latest Manufacturing ISM (Institute for Supply Management) Report on Business showed that economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in February for the seventh consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 10th consecutive month.

We know that a lot of you are working harder (even putting in non-paid time) to get the job done. It sometimes sounds cliché, but we’re in this recovery together and will do everything we can to make this a strong year.

You can check out the complete Report on Business here.

Purchasing's business conditions index at 35-month high

2010-02-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

From Purchasing Magazine:

Purchasing magazine's business conditions index jumped to 61.4 this month from 51.2 in January, marking the sixth month of the past seven in which the index was above the 50.0 market that signals growth

The Purchasing index is above the 58.4 manufacturing index reading reported in January by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) and the highest since the 62.8 reading in April 2007. "Business is still down considerably from 2007-2008 levels," says the purchasing director of a heavy equipment manufacturing firm in Illinois. "However, many customers are still making inquiries about potential equipment purchases in 2010."

Good News for 2010

2010-01-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Is that a sunrise we see? It IS!

In a recent interview, Steve Jagler, executive editor of Biz Times Milwaukee, lists more than ten concrete examples of growth in the Badger State. His message includes:

"The recovery has begun and will pick up steam in 2010. It won't come easily, and it won't come quickly, but we're seeing some very promising trends: In recent polls, 86 percent of BizTimes.com readers say their company will either add jobs or at least maintain the status quo in 2010, and 76 percent say they are optimistic about how their company will do in 2010."

You can read the full article here.

Global Impact on Prices

2010-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

We often hear things about the global effect on steel prices. Is China buying? Selling? How about freight costs? What is the bottom-line result? At Dalco, we stay on top of prices and trends, both here and abroad. We don't get wrapped up in what 'might happen' or make any knee-jerk reactions. But it helps to know how global markets affect what we all pay for raw materials.

Here's a great example. It's a New York Times report about copper mining entitled "China Willing to Spend Big on Afghan Commerce." We're not reading anything political into it, and we deal in steel, not copper, but it demonstrates that current events can affect pricing and availability in the future. Take a look.

WHAT'S IN STORE NEXT YEAR?

2009-12-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

What will 2010 bring? At this point, nobody can say for sure.

BUT…most indicators are positive. And there are reasons to be very optimistic.

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association economist Chris Kuehl named several factors that should guide the business climate. First is international markets, which are already leading the economic recovery. Next is the U. S. consumer, who will start to relax…and spend. Also, government spending will begin to benefit the shop floor.

There are no guarantees, but optimism fuels confidence, and confidence helps create spending. And those are very good signals.

Read more in “Metal Fabrication in 2010: A Wildcard Year” from thefabricator.com

LASTING CHANGE COME FROM PEOPLE

2009-12-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

When it comes to making manufacturing improvements, getting people involved is what drives long-term success.

At Dalco, we've been involved in Lean, 5S and other quality improvement initiatives and we're proud to say that it's been our people...and not just management memos...that have made those initiatives pay off.

A recent Industry Week article mirrored this, and went into more detail on how every manufacturer, large or small, can make sustainable changes. The focus? People above processes:

It takes your people at their workstations, using the right tools, to make change happen in your organization to achieve the desired results that will be measurable in your company's financial performance. It's only through people that your problems can be identified, and then your people select the appropriate tools to use in deploying countermeasures to correct them.

Here's a link to the complete article.

PARTNERS VS. PEDDLERS

2009-11-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Someone showed us this article from Purchasing Magazine and we thought it was right on target. It illustrates the competitiver advantages that are created when suppliers team up with buyers (and their companies) to find better ways of working together. Real partnerships (which got a lot of lip service back in the 1990's).

One example:
Steve Strongosky, purchasing manager at paint giant The Sherwin-Williams Co. in Cleveland, says that deeper and longer-term relations with suppliers can be an important element in differentiating his company from its competition. Thus, Strongosky, who is an engineer by training, works closely with both R&D internally and outside suppliers to try to spot promising areas of cooperation.
"We look for a robust commercial relationship with our partners focusing on price and quality but we also take into consideration what they have to offer us in terms of product innovation," he notes.

At Dalco, we couldn't agree more. We don't just try to close sales. We try to build a relatuionship that works!
Find the full article here.

CHINA TO CUT STEEL OUTPUT

2009-11-01T12:28:00.001-08:00

From Forward Magazine.....
China's State Council, or cabinet, this week called on local authorities to "resolutely" reduce overcapacity in steel and cement manufacturing. This is not a new idea in China, which for years has been decreeing steel capacity reductions, even as tens of millions of tons of new capacity have been added. Local governments, which often compete with one another in steel production, have been reluctant to close all but the most obsolete and inefficient plants. Further, China's US$586 billion economic stimulus has helped create a capacity glut.

"Overcapacity and redundant projects remain prominent because of slow progress in industrial restructuring...," the State Council said. It plans, this time, to use controls on market access, reinforced environmental supervision and new land use controls to slowly strangle away capacity. Banks were directed to lend money for the targeted sectors only in strict adherence with industrial policy.

But the problem of reducing output is illustrated by the current struggle for control of Rizhao Iron and Steel Group, a privately held steelmaker that produces about 8 million tons annually. The Shandong provincial government wants to build a large steel group, with an annual capacity of 20 million tons, in Rizhao city. Shandong Iron and Steel Group, the provincial government's steelmaker, has been trying to buy out Rizhao, its competition, opposed by Du Shuanghua, Rizhao Steel's founder. To help, the provincial government has applied muscle in the form of special inspections of Rizhao facilities to find environmental issues that would justify its shutdown... unless it merges with Shandong. Local officials say that if Shandong can't buy Rizhao Steel, it may simply build a new plant, thus significantly adding to the area's capacity while achieving the provincial steelmaking goal. Du, who has run a profitable operation through the economic downturn, has been courted by his native Hebei province, which wants him to move his company and production there.can’t see the opportunity.

LEAN MEANS GREEN

2009-10-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

What can going LEAN do for your company? Here at Dalco, it’s helped us focus on every aspect of serving our customers, from order to delivery. And customers who have adapted LEAN for their own businesses can really appreciate the increased efficiency and cost savings.

If you’re leaning toward LEAN, here’s a primer from Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

LASER AUTOMATION VIDEO TOUR

2009-10-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

Laser Automation is one of the innovations changing the face of metal fabricating. Our friend and customer, Fox Valley Metal Tech in Green Bay, is one of the companies at the forefront. To better explain the laser cutting process, they put together a video that walks through the process of their two Mitsubishi lasers running with River System automation. Check it out here.

A CLOSER LOOK AT STEEL ISSUES

2009-09-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

At Dalco Metals, we’re committed to paying close attention to quality control. Of course, we’re also human and occasionally, something slips past….but not often! There definitely are times when out-of-spec steel is the cause of cracking, wrinkling or springback. It’s the first thing we look at.

But…consultant Art Hendrick took a closer look, and uncovered some common causes behind steel issues. Check out his article from Stamping Journal magazine.

NEXT GENERATION MANUFACTURING

2009-08-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

What does the future hold for manufacturing in Wisconsin, and across the U. S.?

The answers are in.

Recently, more than 500 manufacturers responded to the Wisconsin Next Generation Manufacturing Study, conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute. Next Generation Manufacturing refers to a framework of forward-looking strategies that are driving manufacturing growth and profitability in the 21st century.

The study identified key components, including:

*Customer-Focused Innovation;
*Team Hiring, Development and Retention;
*Superior Processes/Improvement Focus;
*Supply Chain Management & Collaboration;
*Green/Sustainability, and
*Global Engagement.

Our good friends at Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) can provide you with a copy of this extensive and exciting report. Click here for details.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF METALS

2009-07-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

The metals industry has experienced - and brought about – some pretty dramatic developments in the past century.

In a nifty timeline chart, Forward Magazine has put together 100 Significant Events, from the minting of the first Abe Lincoln penny in 1909, to the technological wonders that are sweeping the industry today.

Click here for the full chart in PDF

COIL SLITTING IN A CHANGING MARKET

2009-06-27T11:40:00.001-07:00

Here's a terrific article from CoilWorld Magazine on some brand new (and coming in the near future) changes in coil slitting (and how it can affect your business!).

SLITTING GOES STATE-OF-THE-ART

2009-06-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

As the economy improves, the way that steel is bought and processed will take on more exacting demands. Efficiency will be King. To blaze the way, Dalco has installed a new, high-performance Double-Loop Turret Head Slitting Line, equipped with a Shape-Correction Cluster Leveler in our newly-expanded Walworth, WI facility. This new line can slit and shape correct 50,000# x 65" wide hi-strength pickled, cold rolled and galvanized carbon steel coils in gauges from .187" through .010" at processing speeds to 1,000 FPM.