Processors know that saving energy is one of the best ways to give their bottom line a boost while at the same time letting them wear the sustainability mantel. We spoke with Robert Bechtold of Harbec Plastics to learn his secret to running a sustainable, profitable molding facility.Harbec Plastics Inc. is a custom injection molder in Ontario, NY. Bechtold, Harbec’s president, says that alte

October and early November brought on a virtual collapse in consumer spending, based on reports from retailers and carmakers. Thus, in addition to a depressed housing market, consumers have more or less stopped spending on anything beyond necessities. Major consumer electronics retailer and importer Best Buy in November called this a “seismic” drop in consumer spending.This will sharpe

Is it any surprise that next year looks to be plagued by negative growth in most end markets? Look to the bright spots of lower resin pricing and increased orders to Eastern Europe and Mexico.Here’s the stark reality: The recession in manufacturing in North America as well as around the globe is likely to last well into the middle of 2009 with merely minor growth anticipated for the balance

?By the time you read this, the dust will probably have settled on the latest chapter in the continuing adventures (though we really should say misadventures) of the corporate trio once known as the Big Three. As this is written, the chief execs of Chrysler, Ford, and GM have made their pleas to Congress for a loan of $25 billion or so—and struck out badly. It looks like they are going back

Didn’t know that a half day meant either the first 12 hours or the second 12 hours. Didn’t know to never touch the electrode and the machine at the same time. Didn’t know that 40+ years later when you mention moldmaking most people still think you are talking about something to do with Jello. Didn’t know that I would have to be a banker, or the bank! Did

The U.S. Congress passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) on October 3, 2008. As part of the EESA, the R&D Tax Credit (Research Credit) was extended through 2009. This means it will apply to tax years 2008 and 2009. This Credit drives billions of dollars in economic activity and keeps thousands of high-skilled jobs here in the U.S. The Credit expired at the end of 2007 a

If you know me or have read my blog posts or columns, you know that I am no advocate of the entitlement culture. Whether it’s in business, a society, a marketplace, a school or a home, I believe that people should be held accountable for their actions, and that they should earn their way. It’s not just a survival of the fittest mentality—it’s what our country was founded on