MMT Blog
Ready to Ignite
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.
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US GDP Outlook: Sluggish in Q2, Followed by Stronger Growth
We will get our first look at the GDP data from the first quarter of 2013 this Friday when the Bureau of Economic Analysis releases its preliminary report. We expect the data to show that the US economy grew at a pretty decent rate in Q1. Consensus expectations call for a growth rate just north of 3%.
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It's Time to Defend the Integrity of Moldmaking Skills
A highlight of the first day of the AMBA Convention in Schaumburg yesterday was some very important and interesting news. "It is time to defend the integrity of the skills it takes to work in this industry." These are the words of Ryan Pohl of Expert Tech Training who introduced the AMBA's new initiative: standardized testing for moldmakers and CNC machinists.
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Feeling Uncomfortable and Pushing the Boundaries
Nobody needed their morning caffeine today as the AMBA kicked off its annual convention in Schaumburg, IL, with two dynamic speakers with booming voices aiming to make those in attendance uncomfortable.
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Let’s Take This Show on the Road!
That is what the Alliance for American Manufacturing is doing—literally—as the organization works to spread the word about the importance of keeping manufacturing in America by travelling to different locations for town hall meetings.
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So, What Is Everyone Concerned About?
So what are the top concerns of today's small and midsized manufacturers? Let's take a look at some of the findings from one industry survey whose main focus is growth.
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Manufacturing in the Movies
Grab your popcorn and support a film dedicated to showing the value of manufacturing to the U.S. economy and to finding out if Made in the USA means anything anymore. "Made in the USA, The 30 Day Journey" was released last Tuesday.
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China and Japan Not Cited for Currency Manipulation by Treasury Dept.
Last month I blogged about how the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership could impact U.S. economy. Last week, the U.S. Treasury Department released its semiannual report, which did not cite China or Japan for currency manipulation.
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Secret Revealed!
The June issue will reveal our 2013 Leadtime Leader Award Winner and Honorable Mention, but you can join us in honoring them in person at the Awards Ceremony at amerimold expo June 12th at 5pm, which will be followed up with our annual networking party!
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Industrial Production of Plastics Products Accelerates in Q1
Growth in output is currently above 5 percent, but it needs to continue to expand at this pace for two or three more quarters. If it does, then there will be a sharp rise in demand for new molds and tooling as well as all types of molding equipment. If our forecast holds, then it means that 2013 should be a decent year for moldmakers and the really strong demand will most likely occur in 2014.
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Are U.S. Plastics Molds Outperforming?
Yes they are, according to the SPI who has reported that in 2012 U.S. exports of plastics molds increased 16.4 percent, due to some of the top 10 import countries of U.S. plastics molds. More of this industry data and analysis can be heard at the SPI 2013 Equipment & Moldmakers Summit May 5-7th.
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Alliance for American Manufacturing Launches Job Tracker
The AAM is putting President Obama to the test! The association has launched a job tracker to check progress on his promise to create 1 million new manufacturing jobs.
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