The AMBA's second day of conferencing kicked off by igniting the minds of the audience with a panel of 13 mold shops each sharing one critical challenge and solution.
The AMBA's second day of conferencing kicked off by igniting the minds of the audience with a panel of 13 mold shops each sharing one critical challenge and solution.
1. Rexam Mold Manufacturing: applying automation--the Mega Cell
2. CS Tool: Apprentice training with their shop "flavor"
3. Creative Blow Mold: Diversification of customer base; hired full-time sales person; increased market intelligence and market touches
4. Dramco Tool Co: Controlling usage cost and inventory of shop supplies (controlling costs of perishable tooling); vending machine style cabinet
5. Mold Craft: Better leaders by design; hired outside consultant to help develop leaders and one-page business plan
6. MSI Mold Builders: Creating an engaged company culture
7. Ameritech: Managing the escalating cost of healthcare insurance; promoting HSAs
8. Freeman Mfg.: Implementing standardization
9. Craftsman Tool: Managing growth. Brought in sales consultant and software/programming with training that will not let you fail; shifted power philosphy to employees
10. Superior Tool: Technology investment: machine monitoring, five-axis machining, robotic cells, etc. calls for training;
11. M.R. Mold: Improve productivity with delegation and accountability methods in place.
12. A1Tool: How and where to find good people to train--back to the basics. Establishing relationships with community.
13. Mako Mold: Contract terms and startegies for effective negotiation. AMBA legal assistance program.
Look for convention recap in upcoming MoldMaking Technology issues.
Gerardo (Jerry) Miranda III, former global tooling manager for Oakley sunglasses, reshares his complete mold design checklist, an essential part of the product time and cost-to-market process.
