The Backbone (and Future) of Wisconsin’s Economy

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

MORE NUTS, BOLTS & THINGAMAJIGS

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

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

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

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

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