From services back to goods: manufacturing as the comeback kid

Suhas Sreedhar – Lean

Dec 06, 2016

This past November, US manufacturing exceeded expectations – production and new orders went up, with the purchasing manager’s index (PMI) shooting to 53.2, up from 51.9 in October, demolishing the target of 52.2.

It’s fitting that this surprise happened in the same month as the US presidential election, during which the topics of manufacturing and world trade dominated voter issues. And in fact, important narratives throughout Europe and Asia have also focused on the reevaluation of outsourcing and globalization. Where to produce goods, how to produce them responsibly, and who benefits are among the most pressing political/economic questions of our age.

For the rest of the story visit Global Manufacturing.


Way to Grow! Startups and Small Manufacturer Success Stories

BY TAB WILKINS

ON DECEMBER 12 , 2016

What might inspire you to take the plunge and start a new manufacturing company? Perhaps the opportunity to play a key role in innovation and new product development? Small and mid-sized manufacturers represent almost 99 percent of manufacturing establishments in the United States and these “little guys,” “underdogs,” and “mom and pop shops” are creating big value for the economy and jobs for their communities. I offer these three examples of very different success stories in Wyoming, New York and Pittsburgh.

In Wyoming, Dr. Joseph McGinley, M.D., a radiologist at a large medical facility had many ideas for medical and dental applications

For the rest of the story visit Manufacturing Innovation Blog.


Lessons in Lean Training

Jill Jusko | IndustryWeek

Dec 6, 2016

A skilled welder isn’t born fully fledged. Neither is a superior athlete or an excellent attorney. They train. Mastering a language takes instruction and then practice, practice and more practice. So does playing the piano with any skill. Why should mastering lean be any different?

Few would argue that it should be. Indeed, Eric Lussier, vice president, Steel Business System, for Steel Partners, is adamant that training is key to developing a sustainable lean culture.

For the rest of the story visit IndustryWeek.