MetalForming Delivers Feature

Forbes: Manufacturing Output at an All Time High
Here’s a blog post to Forbes.com explaining that while “manufacturing as a percentage of the U.S. economy has fallen,’ it’s because other parts of the economy have grown faster than manufacturing. And, even while many decry that manufacturing employment has dropped while production has risen, that should be “generally regarded as a good thing.”

Referenced by the author to reinforce his point--“There has been no rapid decline in American manufacturing”--is the Industrial Production Index, viewable online in 1-, 3- and 5-yr. windows.

> U.S. News & World Report: Skills Gap Threatening Competitiveness
This article covers last week’s panel discussion at the National Press Club, in Washington, D.C., concerning the skills gap plaguing American manufacturers. Among the four panelists: PMA Chairman Jody Fledderman, CEO of Batesville Tool & Die.

Of note: a reference to “blue tech workers” by panelist Ted Toth from Rosenberger-Toth, a manufacturer of parts for satellites and cellphone towers. Here’s Toth’s description of a “blue tech worker.”

> The Atlantic: Fracking, Robotics and Nanotechnology to Transform Industry
Titled “America’s Coming Manufacturing Revolution,” this expose notes the “major revolutions underway in energy, robotics, materials and applied information technology” that will give American manufacturers unique competitive advantages. We’re talking lower natural-gas prices, and leverage in new computing and electronics applications.

> Tips for Going Paperless
Register now for tomorrow’s (Thursday, May 15, at 2:00 PM) free 1-hr. webinar, where Christine Hansen, manager, product marketing for Epicor, will describe the shopfloor evolution. Join Hansen as she provides best practices for manufacturers considering moving to a paperless environment using state-of-the-art ERP software.

Hansen will discuss the concept of integrated performance management and "shop floor to top floor" visibility to support improved business decision making, lean manufacturing and continuous performance initiatives.

Register for this webcast.