Prime Advantage, a buying consortium for midsized industrial manufacturers, released its second Group Outlook Survey revealing members' most pressing economic concerns for the second half of 2008. Similar to the first survey, which was issued in January, raw material and energy costs top the list. However, members are now even more apprehensive. Compared with 43 percent in the first survey, 93 percent cite raw material costs as a top concern. Energy costs are close behind at 67 percent, compared with 17.5 percent in the first survey.

Unlike the first Group Outlook Survey, inflation is now the third-highest concern, with 39 percent in agreement (up 31 points from January). Logistics and supply chain costs are fourth at 38 percent, a 21.6-point increase from the first survey. Healthcare, foreign competition, overhead and labor were among other cost pressure concerns cited by respondents. 

However, some cautious optimism remains-the survey showed confidence for employment opportunities in the second half of 2008. While only 17 percent expect job cuts within the next six months, another 17 percent expect job growth and 66 percent expected to keep their current employee base at the same level.  

Data was collected from 72 senior-level representatives of industrial manufacturing companies, including business owners, vice presidents of procurement and purchasing directors.  

For more information from Prime Advantage, visit www.primeadvantage.com.

Steve Lesnewich has been appointed president and chief operating officer for Doosan Infracore America. Since 2003, Mr. Lesnewich had served as vice president of marketing and sales for Doosan, which was called Daewoo Heavy Industries until 2005. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the company's general manager of marketing development. He began his career at Daewoo in 1994 as manager of marketing and advertising.

From 1989 until 1994, Mr. Lesnewich was a regional sales manager for SMW Systems, and prior to that was director of sales and marketing at Marubeni Citizen Cincom. He began his career as senior buyer for Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation. Mr. Lesnewich received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BS in Education from West Chester University.

For more information from Doosan Infracore America, visit the company's MMSOnline Showroom.

Wasino Corp. USA has joined the Amada Group and is now Amada Wasino America. The company's lineup of machines is designed to simplify turning and grinding processes. It uses standard bolt-on automation solutions to manufacture its turning line rather than third-party produced and supported automation. According to the company, its core competency in automated turning provides efficient features such as built-in, pre-engineered gantry loaders. The company's grinding lines are designed to provide flexibility and speed for increased productivity. The machines are designed as CNC grinders, not CNC adaptations of old machines.

For more information from Amada Wasino, visit the company's MMSOnline Showroom.