Six Predictions for Manufacturing

Manufacturers have been through significant changes in the past 10 years, some positive, others not so good. So what can we expect in 2015? Good news, for the most part. Industry Week Magazine has six predictions, some based on current trends, others are the likely outcomes of political and consumer actions.

A few examples:

• Reshoring will continue (but at a slower pace)
• A manufacturing boom will hit the US (great for those positioned to take advantage)
• New technologies will open new doors

Find out more about these and others in this month’s edition here.

Complicated Won't Cut It in 2015

The typical response to a problem is to create a new set of rules. Over time, all these new rules complicate things and start interfering with productivity. The answer, according to senior staff at the Boston Consulting Group, is ‘smart simplicity.’

In a brand new Industry Week article, they tell the ‘Six Rules of Smart Simplicity’ to help manufacturers avoid getting bogged down. The rules include:

• Find out what’s really happening (since performance problems are often the result of people’s actions)
• Identify ‘Integrators’ who tend to make cooperation happen
• Empower people to make a difference
• Find ways to make people dependent on each other
• Don’t punish failure, but punish failure to cooperate

These titles only scratch the surface, so take a look at the complete article from Industry Week here

Solutions for Stamping Issues

Inconsistencies in metal stamping are a common issue and, although they're usually blamed on the material or die, there are more than 50 other elements that could be the cause.

This month’s Metal Forming Magazine takes a look at the most likely suspects: including feeders, press irregularities or buying cheap material.

Tracking down the real villain, and applying the fix, could be a whole lot easier than you'd think.

For details, check out “Metal Stamping Inconsistencies” here.

From Car Fanatic to Welder

How a Detroit-area auto buff discovered welding through a shop class, and never looked back.

“As soon as I struck my first 7018 rod, I was hooked,” says Tom Howes, a 28 year old fabricator. His ‘discovered’ trade has taken him across the country, and even overseas. Today, Howe is opening his own business in the greater Detroit area.

Although welders…and the need for good ones…is a frequent fabrication topic, this is a great read, and excellent example for novices and students.

You can read his full story here

Ford Ships Aluminum Pickups After Extra Checks

One of the big stories out of Detroit this year has been Ford’s switch from steel to aluminum in all of it’s F150 pick-ups.

Since the F150 is Ford’s top model (and the best selling vehicle in the country), industry insiders are watching closely for consumer reaction and acceptance.

To make sure every detail is covered as the first models roll of the line, Ford engineers are double and triple-checking it for quality standards.

Here’s a terrific article from The Detroit News on the steps Ford is taking to make sure their risk pays off.

Welders Make $150,000? Bring Back Shop Class

Since the 1970’s, 90% of shop classes have been eliminated in the Los Angeles Unified School District. That stat comes from Forbes magazine in 2012. Similar declines have been seen nationwide.

That explains, in part, the lack of talent in many trades today. But $150,000 welders? They do exist, some making even more, due to their high demand in key industries, according Ohio Treasurer, Josh Mandel. He’s got front row view of the situation, overseeing finances for a manufacturing-heavy state.

In a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, Mandel details the opportunities in the trades, and steps being taken in his state to help restore the flow of students into lucrative manufacturing careers.

You can read the complete article here.

INNOVATION is More Than a Buzzword

When we hear the word “innovation,” we usually think of great ideas, Steve Jobs or big dollar investments if new technologies.

But wait. In a new Manufacturing Innovation* article, Mike Simpson redefines ‘innovation,’ and how it can be applied at small and medium sized manufacturers every day for better productivity and profit.

“Innovation is about playing offense,” he explains. "Sure, we can’t always beat our foreign competitors on price. But we can beat them in quality, creativity and customer service through innovation. The best part – innovation is easier than you think!”

It’s a great piece, and a quick read. Check it out for yourself here.

•Manufacturing Innovation is a publication of The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)