
Bob Vavra
Articles
PMI slips again as tariffs have an impact
Manufacturing index stays in growth range, but slides to a 17-month low of 52.1%.
Gene Wolfe: 1931-2019
Former Plant Engineering senior editor became fantasy writing legend.
Mitsubishi Electric acquires Iconics to advance IIoT offerings
Manufacturing, building automation products strengthened by deal, company officials say.
The need for speed
In an accelerating supply chain, effective management of costs, people and data is becoming more crucial.
Apple, SAP to expand enterprise partnership
CEOs Tim Cook, Bill McDermott discuss move to Mac functionality, data security.
PMI stumbles to 2 ½-year low as border concerns emerge
On 10th anniversary of manufacturing rebound, the purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) falls to 52.8%.
Bumper crop
Flex-N-Gate looks to grow its business and help Detroit’s rebounding manufacturing base.
Taking control of controls
Ford’s 10-year operational evolution started with network standards.
How wide is your door?
Manufacturers need to search far and wide to get people for the positions they are having trouble filling.
2018 Product of the Year Winners
The 2018 Product of the Year Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze award winners are honored below and in the April 2018 print edition of Plant Engineering magazine.
Hannover Messe 2019, Day 2: New partnerships, new Partner Country
Open Industry 4.0 alliance formed, Indonesia named Partner Country for 2020, TSN testbed released
Hannover Messe 2019, Day 1: Innovation challenged by human concerns
Supply chain leaders won’t link with digitalization; AI has human workers nervous.
Manufacturing shrugs off issues as PMI climbs to 55.3%
Purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) bolstered by strong employment, orders, production.
Hannover Fairs USA will launch Digital Industry conference in September
CFE Media to present GAMS event at event’s executive conference.
The 7% of workplace fatalities
Workplace shooting pose a consistent threat to safety and security and needs to be addressed.
Kareem’s STEM camp auction raises almost $3 million
Abdul-Jabbar to help fund his Camp Skyhook with proceeds from sale.
PMI slips in February, but fundamentals remain solid
Trade wars, supply issues among the concerns, but index firmly in growth mode.
Kareem’s STEM camp auction a slam-dunk
Abdul-Jabbar selling basketball career items to fund his children’s camp.
Hannover Messe focuses on AI, machine learning
Hannover Messe 2019 will focus on how artificial intelligence and machine learning impact manufacturing.
DMDII receives Defense Dept. funding to strengthen research
Grants totaling $30 million over next five years will fund advanced manufacturing projects.
2018 Salary Survey: Skilled worker shortage, challenges
Plant engineers are working long hours and are getting older as their role changes with the advent of robotics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). See highlights from the survey and links for additional information.
‘Data is the currency of the future’
Embrace digital manufacturing and use data to provide customer value.
PMI rebounds as manufacturing’s fundamentals remain solid
Index increases to 56.6% as new orders, production levels point to a positive start to 2019
Manufacturing’s perception runs up against real issues
Leading2Lean study results belie actual manufacturing statistics, which are much better than what the public believes about the industry.
PMI plunges in December over manufacturing slowdown concerns
Index drops almost 10% to 2-year low as production, new orders slump.
Global low-voltage motor market bounces back
Oil & gas revenue increases lead 4% sector growth according to a report from IHS Markit.
IIC, OpenFog groups to collaborate
Combined organization to focus on cloud computing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) research.
Study finds Skills Gap worsening, impacting production and growth
Report from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute points to digital skills needed for the future.
ABB to realign around digital industries
Four divisions focus on robotics, electrification, industrial automation, and motion.
Auto industry’s change is deeply felt
Change is in the air in the automotive industry in more ways than one and the effects will be long-lasting in many ways.
Mazak receives 2018 Top Plant Award
Mazak embraces technology and innovation to deliver productivity to stay on the cutting edge of manufacturing.
Hannover Fairs USA launches new trade event
Digital Industry USA (DIG/IN USA) will highlight digital manufacturing Sept. 10-12 in Louisville.
System Integrator Giants 2019
CFE Media announces the 2019 System Integrator Giants
PMI jumps 1.6 percentage points in November
New orders climb and business expands even as tariffs, worker issues remain.
PMI slips in April over labor concerns
“Business is off the charts” but manufacturers struggle to keep pace.
PMI hits 14-year high in February
Index jumps to 60.8% as production, employment expands.
Time to spend on our ‘other’ aging asset
The 2017 Salary Survey identified lack of workers as the primary issue facing the manufacturing industry, but aging equipment and technology should not be ignored.
Digital Report: Maintenance & Safety
More data means more information about your manufacturing process, and more insights about machine health.
Just starting in automation? Here’s four steps forward
Understanding the fundamentals of getting started in automation will make the process smooth.
Do you have a disaster plan ready?
What happens when you face the worst of circumstances?
5 steps to robotic implementation
A robotic system is a big investment, so it deserves special consideration and planning time.
And a look back at what we did in 2017
It was a good year for manufacturers who improved their operating procedures.
New Year’s projections for ERP
IIoT brings much-needed transparency into the enterprise.
Equipment purchasing market expects growth in 2017
Business-friendly administration in Washington may fuel more spending confidence, report finds.
The human-human interface
While machines generated a great deal of attention at IMTS, the human element remains a key component of manufacturing.
Unleash the operators
Companies that allow their operators to act on all the data coming in will be able to save time and money.
Data analytics: Going for the gold
Data provides us an unfiltered view of our world each day, hour, minute or nanosecond or whatever measure you decide to benchmark from.
Rounding into shape: A tire manufacturer’s success rolls on
Parts and repair outsourcing is one strategy that helps Toyo Tire build a big success story in a small town.
Plant Engineering names first editorial Advisory Board
In an effort to keep pace with global changes in manufacturing, engineering and automation, Plant Engineering has established its first Editorial Advisory Board. The first members of the Editorial Advisory Board are: Tim Dawson, IHS Technology H. Landis "Lanny" Floyd Shon Isenhour, Eruditio, LLC Dave Reiber, Reiber Reliability Larry Turner, Hannover Fairs USA They will work with Plant Engineering content manager Bob Vavra and other members of the Plant Engineering team to review and suggest ideas for content, and provide their regular insight on issues affecting global manufacturing. "I'm so pleased to work with this group, and I appreciate their willingness to serve our readers and the manufacturing community," said Vavra.
In tracking plant data, keep your head up
In the 1990s, I invested in Pokémon cards. By "invested" I mean I bought a lot of them for my kids, and they played with them before discarding them on the floor of their bedroom and ultimately gave them away or sold them or threw them out. It was no different than my parents "investing" in baseball cards for me in the 1960s only to have me put them in the spokes of my bicycle wheels. You reap what you sow.
3-D printing takes on a new dimension at IMTS
Additive Manufacturing pavilion takes the spotlight at 2016 event.
Logistics show to co-locate with Hannover Messe in 2018
CeMAT Show to expand reach of even-year trade event in Germany.
U.S. continues to lead in natural gas production
EIA report shows widening gap in output, general stability in petroleum production.
The inevitability of Big Data
Users are being bombarded with an overwhelming data; learning how to synthesize and process that data is key and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can help.
IIoT discussion to feature Plant Engineering content manager
Forcam Smart Factory World Symposium in Chicago June 2.
OSHA will ‘nudge’ workplace safety by posting records online
New rule goes into effect Aug. 16, will disclose injury data on its Website.
Price volatility has slowed
After a wild first quarter, crude prices are steadily climbing, report shows.
After Hannover, the quest for improvement must continue
The idea of continuous improvement is that your current state of operations should be better than it was yesterday and not quite as good as it could be tomorrow. It requires not settling for steady state; it is about trying to continue to evolve and find improvement. The attendance at Hannover Messe 2016 from American-based companies, state, and regional economic development groups grew exponentially in 2016. Most of that growth revolved around the Partner Country status of the United States.
Setting records, making deals
U.S. presence at Hannover Messe a rousing success.
System integrators, manufacturers see partnership as key to success
Panelists at the 2016 Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) conference find value in collaboration between integrators and manufacturers.
U.S. to retake manufacturing lead in competitiveness by 2020: study
Deloitte Global research finds America leading in advanced technology.
Association lowers oil and gas midstream infrastructure investment projections
In a new report, INGAA sees $4 billion less spent per year over the next 20 years.
U.S. energy production still on the rise
The EIA report finds 91% of energy consumption is created domestically.
After a winter panic, seeing the obstacles
The key questions facing the oil and gas industry after a tumultuous 2015 is what happens next and whether the industry learned anything from the recent economic hardships.
‘Always-on’ supply chain ready to adopt technology
MHI Industry Report sees accelerating use of robotics, sensors, and analytics.
Honoring manufacturing’s future
Infor receives Product of the Year Grand Award, Phoenix Contact accepts Top Plant, Leaders Under 40 honored.
A sense of anticipation, and a sense of home
The bustle of Monday morning's commuter rush means that this could be any train station anywhere in the world. But this is Hannover, Germany, on the opening day of Hannover Messe, and there's a different feel in the air. You walk through the wide doors into the Hannover hauptbahnhof and proceed past the regional trains taking in and sending out workers across Lower Saxony, and then down to the local commuter line.
American manufacturing in the spotlight
Partner Country status lets U.S. trumpet its industrial leadership.
Right at home
On both sides of the Atlantic, Block builds for a global future.
Universities bring knowledge, curiosity to Hannover
U.S. schools will showcase their research, look to develop new partners.
Developing ‘foundational manufacturing’
Fiat Chrysler’s turnaround is built on a world-class manufacturing base.
Getting the right data helps company decide to exhibit
Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI) is a company well-known in the federal government for being able to assist its customers in making data-driven decisions. In an era of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), FTI's skill set seemed like a great match for the manufacturing sector.
Pritzker: Largest delegation to Hannover shows U.S. is ‘open for business’
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will lead the largest-ever U.S. delegation to Hannover Messe April 25-29, 2016, in Hannover, Germany.
Predictive maintenance showcase a new pavilion at Hannover Messe
The integration of predictive maintenance (PdM) and the data generated through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is expected to pinpoint impending outages before they occur, speed up overhaul processes and avoid production outages.
2015 Salary Survey
The issues that face manufacturing in the short-term are complex and outside of the control of most individual plants. That makes it even more important to focus on those areas of your facility you can control—safety and productivity, training and employee development.
PMI steadies itself in January reading
ISM Index climbs to 48.2% to end a six-month slide as oil prices affect manufacturing sector growth.
MODEX 2016 puts focus on supply chain future
The MODEX 2016 trade show in Atlanta will feature more than 850 supply chain exhibitors and will focus on the future of the supply chain industry, from research to workers.
A recipe for long-term growth
In the middle of America, a salad dressing plant mixes automation and people in just the right amounts.
PMI decline shows manufacturing in a slump
The Institute for Supply Management's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stayed in contraction and showed an overall decline for the seventh straight month due to global concerns.
New IIoT technologies, strategies for a new year
ARC analyst Greg Gorbach offers 10 predictions for 2016.
‘Data is the new currency’
Industry experts advise manufacturers to enrich their plants with better data collection, management.
2015 Top Plant: Phoenix Contact USA
Phoenix Contact USA is a manufacturing success story.
Seven ways to sell maintenance to your C-Suite
Create new partners in management by understanding and selling maintenance as a profit center.
The value of FDI drives interest at Hannover Messe
SelectUSA to promote Foreign Direct Investment at fair
Use your imagination
These "2015 Best Practices" can save time and money as well as make you safer and more productive. They also can be the starting point to discuss other ways your operation can improve.
Win the survival of the ‘fitter’
While their competitors are getting fit, great manufacturers are getting fitter.
New work processes needed to make Big Data useful
Microsoft chief envisioning officer Dave Coplin considers the human side of information as transformational for future productivity.
American manufacturing on a global stage
Hannover Messe 2016 will feature state, regional and national economic development leaders looking to attract foreign direct investment in the U.S.
Come to Hannover: the first round is on me
A trip to Hannover offers a virtually unlimited opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to get together over a stein of beer and find new opportunities.
A hot problem, a cool solution
Manufacturers come together to develop a better foundry coat.
Who sets your plant’s safety standards?
The standard for safety begins at the front door of your plant. You and your employees set the standard for safety.
The building blocks of IIoT
Clicking components together like Legos is one vision for how smarter factories will evolve.
Harting works with U.S. customers to make connection to Hannover Messe
As part of Hannover Messe road show, company highlights importance of annual trade event to Americans.
Hannover Messe: A great venue for small manufacturers
Commerce, industry leaders tout U.S. Partner Country status for 2016.
As Partner Country, U.S. to showcase manufacturing strength, growth
As Partner Country, U.S. to showcase manufacturing strength and growth as the world's largest manufacturing economy at the world's largest industrial technology event.
Manufacturing Day touts strong jobs, technology
Across America, students and political leaders get a first-hand view of U.S. plants
Workplace fatalities rise
Workplace fatalities rise, while rate remains flat.
The workforce economics of supply and demand
Finding a way to consistently balance supply and demand to help maximize profits and optimize production.
Sister act
Stacey Bales and Sara Mortensen chart a fresh course for the family business.
Manufacturing’s biggest stage needs the U.S. message
With high productivity, low energy prices and sophisticated leadership, the United States continues to lead the world in manufacturing output… Now is not the time to rest on that accomplishment. It’s time to double down on U.S. manufacturing’s role as a world leader.
U.S. to be Partner Country at Hannover Messe 2016
President Barack Obama is expected to appear at the 2016 Hannover Messe, which will be April 25-29 in Hannover, Germany and address the opening ceremonies in an event that also will showcase American culture.
Getting ready for the new industrial revolution
A flexible, efficient plant is the goal for 2015 Hannover Messe attendees.
ProMat sharpens focus on evolving supply chain
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak among keynotes at MHI event March 23-26.
Maintaining the human machine
In the same way as you maintain your equipment, workers need updates on new strategies and technology. They need to operate efficiently. Above all, they must be part of a safe operation, and that safety must be ingrained in the production process.
3D: Adding to additive’s capabilities
Technology makes new materials, new designs possible.
Banning the ‘three Rs’ from our vocabulary
Over the last three years, there have been less than a handful of months where manufacturing failed to grow, and the current streak is starting to feel more like an expectation.
Plant operations now a part of the designer’s goals
Marriage of CapEx and OpEx the best way to leverage design data, experts says.
2014 Best Practices
Mastering the fundamentals means looking at all of the small things you can do to get better at your craft. In manufacturing, we call these Best Practices.
Education, training are 2 keys to wider IoT deployment
At the 2014 Internet of Things World Forum, Cisco officials say creating global connectivity in a rapidly-evolving technology will require a deeper talent pool.
Time to take a chance on this next generation
The concept of planned obsolescence has been part of the American manufacturing discussion since the 1920s. In the consumer-driven years of the 1950s and 1960s, it seemed every product, every year was “new and improved.” From cars to detergent to electronics, we want the latest and greatest, the most cutting edge technology we can get. Except when it comes to people. Unless they can throw a football or dunk a basketball, we don’t take chance on young people, especially in manufacturing. We don’t train the next generation the way we used to, and we don’t pay for potential the way we should.
As growth accelerates, manufacturing is poised to thrive
McGladrey’s Karen Kurek to open 2014 Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit on Sept. 10
In her own words: Mary Barra and the GM recall crisis
New CEO at GM spends her first year dealing with the recall crisis
The next manufacturing goal is within our reach
It is called football in a myriad of local languages by the rest of the world, while Americans call it soccer. This is typical of Americans; the rest of the world had football before we had our game called football, which is not much like the game the rest of the world calls football. For one thing, our football very rarely uses the foot. We call it soccer, but by any name, when the 2014 World Cup kicked off in Brazil, we Americans were there by the millions in front of our TV sets, gathered in our local watering holes, in public viewing places, and in airport lounges.
Digital enterprise captures all plant processes
Siemens Industry Automation CEO sees digital design and simulation key to manufacturing growth.
Mobius iVibe receives Product of the Year Grand Award
Lincoln Electric honored with Plant Engineering Top Plant award at Chicago event
U.S. innovation drives manufacturing’s charge
By any standard, 2013 was a big rebound year for manufacturing, and the momentum continues into 2014.
Making data smaller is suddenly a big deal
You have to see the Big Picture when tackling Big Data. But that’s no small task.
MHI Roadmap paves the way to material handling future
With an accelerating supply chain, the manufacturing industry now faces 10 major issues, study finds.
Supply chain industry must close gap in innovation investment
MHI study finds companies understand the technology available but are slow to ramp up their capital expenditures
Water a competitive advantage for manufacturing
From its effective use of developing products for the manufacturing sector, water is seen as a critical opportunity, and a critical challenge
Five key factors driving reshoring
At the annual MFG Meeting in Phoenix, John Walker, chairman of Oxford Economics, cited the five reasons reshoring is taking hold in the U.S.
As manufacturing changes, it’s time to take some risks
Futurist Jack Uldrich sees what's coming next, and encourages manufacturers to jump on the trends while presenting at the MFG Meeting in Phoenix.
Order increase helps February PMI rebound
After slipping in January, index finds solid footing with a jump back to 53.2%
Siemens software grant to aid Cincinnati-area college
Company’s $66.8 million grant will integrate PLM technology into curriculum
Ready to hire a vet? Here’s where to turn
There are a variety of national, state, and regional programs focused to one extent or another on hiring veterans. This list provides a starting point, focusing on the top national programs from the public and private sector.
2013 Salary Survey: New challenges for an aging workforce
Manufacturing seen as more secure, but needing more young workers
To serve and to manufacture
Veterans are trained, disciplined, and task-oriented. They sound like just what manufacturing needs today. How do we get them into our ranks?
Think we’re getting younger? Dream on…
The inability to find younger workers in manufacturing continues to be a growing problem as the workforce gets older and older
Capital spending seen as a boost to manufacturing
Economist talks about re-investment as a key to economic growth at German-American Chamber event
Plant operators play a big role in Big Data deployment
Emerson expert says operations needs to be in from the start of data management effort
Emerson opens Innovations Center to enhance collaboration
New Texas facility builds on concept of integrated operations to help align process manufacturing information.
Tips on improving eye wash safety procedures
Honeywell study touts better understanding of eye wash safety solutions
Pitt’s new electrical lab looks to energy’s future
Eaton's equipment donation provides tools to study efficiency more effectively
Companies invest in optimism, study finds
Positive rhetoric in governor’s speeches tied to more investments, hiring.
New deadline for OSHA rule change comments
March 8 is cutoff to review new rule on electronic data submissions.
Report: Manufacturing’s growth spurt needs more help
Congressional study points to more STEM education, better regulations to help boost jobs and exports
Investment in excellence
One plant's improved productivity and quality was repaid when the company expanded the facility
‘Are we there yet?’ isn’t the question to get you there
The jobs picture and the housing market are brightening, which both bode well for the manufacturing sector in particular and the economy as a whole.
Yokogawa expands energy management offering
Company announces joint partnership, capital investment with Soteica Visual MESA. Video: Satoru Kurosu and Oscar Santollani explain the new relationship.
Additive manufacturing is shaping the future
3D printing technology will change the way we make things
Energy management is at the forefront for new Schneider Electric technology
PlantStruxure Process Expert System (PES) from Schneider Electric treats energy as a consumable, not a cost.
System integrators see strength in improving numbers
J.P. Morgan/CSIA study points to firm optimism as projects get off the back burner
AHR gets off to a hot start in Dallas
More than 30,000 attend opening day events; data systems, energy management the key topics
‘Right-shoring’ our manufacturing knows no boundaries
I’m no longer sure that ‘reshoring’ is the right word any more. I think ‘right-shoring’ (although a little more awkward) might be the right way to look at the issue of global manufacturing.
Building a manufacturing dream team
Everyone who calls manufacturing a career tries each day to get better at their jobs, to better serve their customers and their markets.
Bridging the gap: Urgent need for solutions is being met, time for action
There was at once a sense of urgency and purpose as manufacturers and educators gathered to address the lack of skilled workers for manufacturing.
Taylor: Empower your staff with information, goals
Billy Ray Taylor, the Director of Commercial Manufacturing for Goodyear, spoke with CFE Media about his management style and the challenges and opportunities for plant managers.
Woods: End the uncertainty so manufacturing can grow
Woods, the president and CEO of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), spoke with CFE Media about the short-term challenges and long-term needs of the manufacturing sector.
Kurek: It’s a pivotal time for manufacturing
Karen Kurek, the national manufacturing and distribution practice leader with McGladrey LLP, spoke with CFE Media about the state of the industry, and the upcoming challenges that await the sector.
Mid-Year Report: Bullish on manufacturing
Investment in plants and people drives a stampede toward growth.
Manufacturing’s true leaders aren’t waiting
As the world comes to Chicago in September for the 2012 International Manufacturing Technology Show, America has suddenly rediscovered manufacturing as a source of pride and admiration.
First IANA conference sells out space
Debuts alongside IMTS in Chicago Sept. 10-15, 2012
Manufacturing, by design
A true team concept lets Fluke Corporation put “life” into product lifecycle management.
American manufacturing building on its momentum
The big message that came out of our conversations with global manufacturing this week: American manufacturing is the envy of the world.
Siemens sees acceleration in global markets
Company rebrands motors line, focuses on security and productivity.
Pursuing excellence, pursuing learning
AME Conference in Dallas off to a dynamic start as speakers tell stories of improving productivity and achieving operational excellence.
A wealth of information
This year's summit showed attendees how to improve and grow globally
What plant engineers said about their changing world
With more than 1,300 respondents from more than 40 countries, it's not surprising that there would be a variety of issues on the current and future state of manufacturing.
Progressive growth for material handling
John Nofsinger, CEO of the Material Handling Industry of America, talks about how his organization and his industry sector are preparing for this year's event and the recovery at hand.
Tweeting your way to closing the skills gap on your plant floor
An aging domestic workforce creates a knowledge deficit, as does the fact that - even though emerging markets are graduating people in science and engineering and related disciplines - these people often lack practical experience.
2010 SUMMIT: How manufacturing can become more energy efficient
Manufacturers should consider energy as a cost component of manufacturing production, measure where and how energy is used, and create an implementation plan for using energy more efficiently.
Fluke earns 2009 Product of the Year Grand Award
Innovation is honored at gala award dinner at 2010 Manufacturing/Automation Summit
2010 SUMMIT: Improve asset management with smarter information tools
IBM's Mary Bunzel explained how today's software tools help solve asset management and information integration challenges.
Writing a new book on quality
Bob Vavra comments on Toyota crisis and the impact on manufacturers
“A recovery is clearly under way”
MAPI report shows manufacturing is bouncing back faster than expected
Changing World study Webcast is March 25
A look at how change is affecting manufacturing worldwide
GE launches Arc Vault system this summer
New technology will stop arc fault in 8 milliseconds
IBM’s Bryan: Time to link the ‘islands’ of plant floor information
Summit keynote speaker discusses ways to use data to drive smarter decisions
Honors, knowledge at 2010 Summit
Three days of knowledge, awards begins March 28 in Chicago
ARC: Process automation sector facing pricing, growth pressures
Automation supplier revenues continued to fall throughout 2009 as compared to 2008. Dedham, MA-based ARC Advisory Group expects that year-on-year comparisons between 2008 and 2009 will experience a decline, with modest growth in 2010. ARC sees signs that the manufacturing recovery has begun but its continued success depends on the ability of the financial markets to return to normal functioning. Small, medium, and large businesses have all been strained by the inability to access short-term capital.
MAPI report: Manufacturing recovery still a work in progress
A number of positive trends are emerging as the United States digs itself out of the recession, but there remain cautionary signals that growth will be muted and the rebound restrained, according to a new report.The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Economic Forecast predicts that inflation-adjusted gross domestic product will experience 2.8% growth in 2010, followed by 3% growth in 2011. By supplying major assumptions for the economy and running simulations through the IHS Global Insight Macroeconomic Model, the Alliance generates unique macroeconomic and industry forecasts.A number of factors are in play during the recovery: the consumer, though still burdened by feeble income and job growth, will receive some relief via transfer payments and tax cuts that in turn will boost spending; parts of investment-most notably in transportation equipment, information technology, and residential housing-will increasingly provide the demand surge needed to sustain production growth; the swing in business inventories will provide growth momentum as firms reduce destocking and eventually rebuild inventories; and federally funded stimulus outlays will contribute to the government spending stream through 2011."The overall economy grew in the third and fourth quarters of 2009 and high frequency data point to moderate economic performance in the first quarter of 2010," said Daniel J. Meckstroth, Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Chief Economist.
Siemens to lead sustainability conference March 23-24
Energy efficiency, green buildings and sustainability are at the top of legislative and boardroom agendas alike, which is why Siemens Industry, Inc. today announced that it will be hosting its next Answers for Infrastructure and Industry event in the Washington D.C. area, March 23-24, 2010, at the Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner in Vienna, VA.This two-day, no-cost event features practical seminars on technology, best practices and emerging trends, as well as a hands-on technology showcase and networking opportunities designed to answer the toughest questions facing businesses today."To remain competitive in today's challenging market place, our customers require innovative solutions that not only reduce operating costs and optimize processes, but also increase energy efficiency and support environmental sustainability," said Daryl Dulaney, president and CEO of Siemens Industry, Inc.Attendees will have the option to attend a thought leadership event where they will hear from civic leaders and industry experts about the importance of sustainability, energy efficiency and green buildings for the D.C.
February ISM report: Manufacturing keeps growing, recovering
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in February for the seventh consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 10th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business."While new orders and production were not as strong as they were in January, they still show significant month-over-month growth," said Norbert J. Ore, chairman of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "Additionally, the Employment Index is very encouraging, as it is up 2.8 percentage points for the month to 56.1%.
IBM Pulse attendees can participate in Global Plant study
Three-day event kicks off international phase of research
Pedestrian safety focus of Raymond series
Steps to Safety looks at material handling issues
Bosch-Rexroth opens new Website
Offers access to production information and literature
Webcast: Turn manufacturing risks around with better business insight
You and your counterparts need to track, analyze and make decisions against a multitude of business factors. Wouldn't it be ideal to understand your customer demand signals, commodity prices, supplier viability, inventory turnover, transport costs and operational performance in real time?
Siemens to lead sustainability conference
D.C. area event is March 23-24
New MESA study to focus on green manufacturing issues
Final report due at MESA event in June
Plant Engineering editor to discuss global manufacturing in Webcast
Feb. 16 Webcast to discuss annual Hannover Messe event
Develop a system of systems
Understanding how assets work together to help manufacturers create more business value requires the performance of these assets to be analyzed.
Electrical standard compliance subject of first Arc Flash class
The 2009 editions of NFPA 70E in the United States and the CSA Z462 for Canada are the standards for electrical safety in the workplace. What do these important documents mean for your electric safety programs, and what are the common questions with regard to compliance?Those questions and others will be answered in the first installment of the 2010 Arc Flash University se4ries. The 2010 series of four Arc Flash University webcast sessions are sponsored by IRISS and UE Systems.
Passes available to 2010 Hannover Messe
Hannover Messe will be hosting many special presentations at the 2010 event, scheduled for April 19-23 in Hannover, Germany. There are a limited number of gold passes to the 2010 Hannover Messe that have been made available exclusively to Plant Engineering readers. The gold passes provide access to the fairgrounds and the exclusive Premium Lounge at the fair.
"Stormy weather" for Toyota
CEO apologizes as Prius brakes now add to the automaker's production woes
IQPC conference offers special deal for Plant Engineering readers
IQPC's 4th Annual Remote Services Implementation Summit is taking place on February 22-24, 2010 at The Le Meridien in San Francisco, CA. Plant Engineering readers who register with the code RSPE and attend the main conference only for just $999. This event will feature strategic and tactical lessons in enhancing infrastructure and data analysis for remote services. It will also provide the opportunity to network with industry thought leaders in prognostics, data analytics, service marketing and remote tools in highly complex environments.
Obama’s speech earns praise, challenge from NAM
Job creation, tax cuts the key, association says
Ford’s new better idea: Turn a profit
Automaker to reverse losses, earn $2.7 billion
Plant Engineering launches Changing World of the Plant Engineer study
Global manufacturing study to look at trends, issues and challenges around the world
NAM offers six-point plan to boost manufacturing recovery
Report offers ideas to create jobs and enhance innovation, productivity and competitiveness
Teachers need to connect math and science with career opportunities
ASQ study finds teachers aren't linking class work to engineering jobs
ABB Robots highlight Ford productivity, efficiency at Detroit Auto Show 2010
Robotics from ABB are helping with Ford manufacturing productivity and working to deliver a fuel efficiency message at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
MAPI report: manufacturing recovery "in sight"
Leading index jumps above 50 threshold for first time in 18 months, signaling pending improvement
Intergraph acquires COADE, looks to expand plant design business
Merger "will bring a new level of functionality and support for our customers worldwide"
Waukesha Bearings acquires Inpro/Seal
Founder Orlowski calls sale "best strategic fit"