Manufacturing Savvy

Hats Off to SAP for Seeing Innovation in Autism

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:16:00 +0000

By announcing that they are hiring people for their skills and what they can contribute to the company, they have forever changed the perception of knowledge

Manufacturing Savvy

Going From 10 Qualified Candidates to One

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:32:00 +0000

“A manufacturing job posting 20 years ago might have attracted 10 candidates. Today, we’re lucky to get one qualified candidate,” said Chris Sansone, president of the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, in an article in the Buffalo News.

I hear this at every conference, roundtable and industry event I attend.

Manufacturing Savvy

Manufacturers Know How to Make Things Happen

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Yesterday talking to JB Brown, CEO of Bremen Casting in Indiana, I was reminded of why I admire manufacturers.

Manufacturing Savvy

Does Japan Have a Blank Check to Cheat?

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:10:00 +0000

“Haven’t we learned anything from the last decade?" asks industry group. " Large trade imbalances and barriers in autos, auto parts, and other manufactured goods have gone unaddressed, and were not adequately addressed in this consultation.

Manufacturing Savvy

You Mean the US Military Didn't Have to Buy Domestic Steel?

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:19:00 +0000

I must not be paying close enough attention. It would seem to me that the U.S. Department of Defense would be required to buy U.S. steel for its projects.

Manufacturing Savvy

Reshoring is Not a Trend

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:35:00 +0000

So says Michael Heilala of Accenture at the EM Roundtable in the Rockies. Heilala, who as senior principal of the Global Manufacturing Strategic practice at the consulting firm, pointed out that in a “few short years reshoring has evolved from something companies use to talk about to something they are doing."

Manufacturing Savvy

Looking for $5.9 Billion in Government Funding to Expand in US?

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:13:00 +0000

As part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program, the government has $25 billion to hand out. Previous awards have ranged from $50 million to $5.9 billion. The program provides loans to auto OEMs and parts manufacturers for the cost of re-equipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce advanced technology vehicles or qualified components, and for associated engineering integration costs.

Manufacturing Savvy

Need a Factory in Thailand? It's Already Built

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:51:00 +0000

While touring Thailand, I had a close up look at one of their industrial estates. These locations, often offering a free trade zone, are set up specifically to offer manufacturers one-stop amenities. The most interesting amenity is a ready-built factory. can be rented or purchased.

Manufacturing Savvy

Growth is the Name of the Game in Thailand

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:26:00 +0000

For this entire week, no matter where I go, all I hear is how this country is growing.

Manufacturing Savvy

Why is Manufacturing So Hot in Thailand?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:15:00 +0000

I leave tomorrow for a weeklong visit to factories, ports and attend meetings, all of which will explain why so many companies have chosen to manufacture in Thailand.

Manufacturing Savvy