Workforce Development
Workforce Preparation At IMTS
The recent IMTS show pointed out several major education and skill training problems that affect all manufacturing companies and processors in the United States. The solutions the show offered are simple if school administrators and machine shops can address the problems with a uniform program.
Read More
FIFO Lane Helps Job Shops Regulate Work Flow
In last month's column, I discussed how supermarkets can help companies maintain flexibility by regulating the work flow of critical processes. Supermarkets do a great job of aligning demand and production capacity, which is key to a lean flow.
Read More
CAM Software For Probing
Software for creating probing routines off-line promises to make machine tool probing easier to use. As a few examples show, different software providers look at this off-line programming in different ways.
Read MoreDon't Let Job Losses Erode Skills And Knowledge
Global competition has hit manufacturing companies hard. As many struggle for survival, overall manufacturing employment in the United States has dropped by 3 million jobs since 1998.
Read More
Technology And Skill Are Keys To Mold Shop Success
The domestic die/mold industry is today going through considerable change-a good deal of which is being driven by an urgency to become more competitive coupled with advances in technology. Here's how one shop combines skill and technology to be more than just competitive, but to excel and grow.
Read More
Planning For On-Demand Machining
Quick turnaround on repeat jobs is a competitive advantage for this shop. Making rapid response a reality requires planning and commitment from all areas of the business as well as close communication with customers and suppliers.
Read MoreRevaluing Labor
Will attendees at this month's International Manufacturing Technology Show be looking for labor-saving technology? Not exactly. Most shops and plants today seem to be finished with cutting staff for now, and many would be willing to hire again.
Read MoreSt. Louis Apprentice Takes Top Honors In National Competition
With all the disruptive events and negative media reports bombarding us, added to the intensity of managing a manufacturing business, it's nice to pause and consider something positive and dependable. Every year since 1973, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) has sponsored a national competition to choose the top graduating student from the machining, tool and die making and mold making apprentice programs sponsored by local NTMA chapters.
Read MoreA Workforce On The Move
By now, many of this year’s graduates will be joining the workforce or continuing their search for jobs. In my readings and discussions lately, I’ve run across some insightful observations about the U.
Read More
Humility, Inc.
This shop has capabilities similar to others. It hires employees who have no experience. What sets the shop apart and accounts for its success is an unusual attitude of service toward customers.
Read More
