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Global manufacturing production to hit $44.5 trillion in 2022
Research from Interact Analysis projects that total manufacturing industry output will grow by 4% in 2022 to $44.5 billion.
Metal additive manufacturing projected to reach $18 billion by 2032
IDTechEx's report finds the metal additive manufacturing market will recover from COVID-19 and hit $18.5 billion by 2032.
Survey reveals attitudes, experiences of design engineers
Tech innovation and new design methodologies have simplified efforts, but design engineering progress and innovation are being stymied by supply chain issues.
Equipment finance confidence dips in April
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's monthly confidence index dropped to 56.1 in April, but optimism about the future remains high.
Semiconductor fab spending projected to exceed $100 billion in 2022
SEMI projects fab equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to jump to an all-time high of $107 billion in 2022 as demand remains high across the globe.
Manufacturing output strong in 2021
Interact Analysis reported an 8.3% growth for the manufacturing industry in 2021, which is a rebound from 2020.
Five ways engineering can improve last-mile delivery
COVID-19’s impact has changed the supply chain and companies are looking to keep up with growing and sophisticated demand. Technology improvements can help companies get an edge on last-mile logistics. Five methods are highlighted.
Global manufacturing recovery is bumpy and deceptive
The road ahead for manufacturing is bumpy due to disrupted supply chains, labor shortages, and high shipping and energy costs.
Global trends impact manufacturing in 2022
Manufacturing has gone through many seismic changes and more are on the horizon.
Equipment leasing up double-digits year to date
The ELFA reports September new business volume is up 6% year-over-year, 8% month-to-month and 10% year-to-date.
Chinese manufacturing rebound less pronounced than other countries
While manufacturing in China did well in 2020, Interact Analysis reports its growth will lag behind other countries in 2021.
Semiconductor manufacturing equipment billings Aug. 37.6% YoY
Semiconductor manufacturing billings were up more than 35% in August 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
Labor shortages are major barrier for manufacturing recovery
Manufacturing is digging out from the impact of COVID-19, but its recovery is being hampered by a labor shortage in many major markets.
Smart factory institute to launch on Manufacturing Day
Peak Performance Inc., which launches on October 1, will be the first Smart Factory based in the United States.
Industrial consultancy firm acquired
SKF has acquired Rubico Consulting AB, a Swedish industrial consultancy firm that specializes in visualization and analysis of signal data.
Global semiconductor sales to pass $100 billion by 2022
Global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment by OEMs are forecast to surpass $100 billion next year according to a report by SEMI.
Equipment finance industry confidence higher in July
Confidence in the equipment finance industry rose to 72.9 in July as the industry as a whole is now close to full strength and shaking off the effects of COVID-19.
Inventory company acquires additive manufacturer
Würth Additive Group signs agreement with Markforged.
Annual equipment and software forecast strong for 2021
Annual equipment and software investment growth of 13.3% is forecast for 2021 as manufacturing demand remains very high.
Electromechanical group announces officers, executive committee
The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) has chosen a new chairman of the board, vice-chairman and secretary/treasurer for 2021-2022.
Regional finalists selected for social innovation show
Sustainable agriculture, medical treatment, reliable water supply, and wildlife conservation among causes tackled by 2021 ASME ISHOW Regional Finalists.
Benefits of smart factory investment
5G will help manufacturers will be able to dynamically adapt their production areas to current circumstances at any time and create smart factories.
Equipment finance industry confidence remains steady in June
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation released the June 2021 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry.
How Southeast Asia is helping lead a manufacturing expansion
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are expected to see their overall economies expand next year compared with levels prior to the COVID-19 outbreak according to a report by Interact Analysis.
Propane council shares free resources for Forklift Safety Day
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is encouraging material handling professionals to take its new Mission Zero Pledge and commit to a safe, incident free workplace.
Manufacturing index continues solid pace in May
The purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) stayed above 60% for the fourth straight month, finishing at 61.2%.
Tribology group appoints president for 2021-22
Ken Hope, a 30-year industry veteran from Chevron Phillips Chemical, has been appointed as president of STLE from 2021-22.
Cutting tool orders make large jump in March
U.S. cutting tool consumption jumped almost 20% in March according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
Manufacturing index stays strong in April
The purchasing manufacturers' index hits 60.7% in April as new orders, production and employment continue to grow for manufacturing.
Cutting tool orders increase in February
The U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) reported a 3.3% increase in February over the prior month, but it remains down by almost 20% compared to the same period in 2020.
Manufacturing index continues positive trend in March
Purchasing manufacturers' index jumps to 64.7% in March as demand, employment rise.
Equipment finance confidence rises to 2-year high in February
Confidence in the equipment finance market jumped almost five points to 64.4 in February thanks to high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How we work now
Manufacturing demand remains strong in spite of the COVID-19, but workers are still adjusting.
Manufacturing industry records growth for eighth straight month
January manufacturing index slides a bit from December to 58.7%, but industry still showing strength.
Cutting tool orders decline in November
Cutting tool consumption in the U.S. declined almost 10% in November compared to the previous month and almost 20% compared to November 2019.
Semiconductor market projected to have record 2020 growth
Global semiconductor sales by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is expected to increase 16% in 2020 with solid increases expected in 2021 and 2022.
Manufacturing index stays strong in November
The purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) drops from the 2-year high in October to 57.5%, but still records its seventh straight month of growth.
How to maximize people power with digital capabilities
Why human capital is key to prospering in the new manufacturing normal
Equipment leasing confidence steady in November
General confidence in the equipment leasing industry stayed steady in November with an index of 56.1, which is a slight increase from October.
Manufacturing index hits highest point in two years
The purchasing manufacturers' index jumped almost 4% to 59.3 in October as new orders, production and employment grow.
Equipment finance confidence drops slightly in October
The equipment finance market's confidence dropped to 55.0 in October, as concerns about the economy's long-term health remain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manufacturing orders slide in August
Manufacturing orders totaled under $300 million in August according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), which is down more than 20% from the same period in 2019.
Manufacturing index records fifth straight month of industry growth
The purchasing manufacturers' index registered at 55.4% in September, down slightly from August, as cautious optimism abounds due to COVID-19.
Eight tips to stand out at a virtual career fair
Making meaningful connections requires planning and research requires a little extra planning and preparation when it comes to a virtual career fair and a slightly different mindset.
Manufacturing orders slide in July
Manufacturing technology orders dropped by almost 2% in July compared to June, but the industry seems to be stabilizing overall.
Equipment leasing confidence rises in August
Confidence in the equipment finance market jumped to 48.4 in August according to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA).
Manufacturing index rises for fourth straight month
The manufacturing sector reported its fourth straight month of growth, rising to 56%.
Software in support of survival
The software industry is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in new and interesting ways.
Equipment leasing business down, but confidence rising
The ELFA's monthly report shows overall business volume is down 3% YOY, but confidence is rising in spite of potential COVID-19 challenges ahead.
Survey shows manufacturing optimism in spite of COVID-19
Research reveals nearly three-quarters of manufacturers are working remotely and reporting optimism for the future after COVID-19.
Manufacturing technology orders reach its highest point in 2020
Manufacturing technology orders soared to $346.7 million in June, a 56% increase over the previous month, but still down 6% from the same period in 2019.
Manufacturing index grows for third straight month
The Institute for Supply Management's purchasing manufacturers' index reported a 1.6% increase to 54.2%, which is the third straight month of growth.
Manufacturers looking to be more flexible, analytical in wake of COVID-19
A survey of German and U.S. manufacturers found many have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are looking to become more flexible and more dependent on data, maintenance models.
Three university projects launched to advance flexible hybrid electronics
SEMI FlexTech announced the launch of three projects to accelerate sensor and sensor system innovations for new applications in industries including healthcare, automotive, industrial and defense.
Virtual meetings are the rule rather than the exception
COVID-19 has forced virtual meetings to become the primary focus of interaction with co-workers and clients, which means an adjustment for many. It also represents an opportunity for companies.
Manufacturing index rises in June as industry rebounds
The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) registered at 52.6% in June, which is up almost 10% from May's reading of 43.1%, as the industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic and look to pick up where they left off.
Four lessons to take from working at home to improve the workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things for people who worked at home, but there are some valuable lessons to take from this unique experience that can make the work environment a better one.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles June 15-21, 2020
Articles about COVID-19 business impacts and upgrades, ferrography fundamentals, planning an energy assessment and the Product of the Year winners were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 15-21, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Research institute releases survey findings of COVID-19 business impact
The ACEC Research Institute released its report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected manufacturing companies and what the future looks like for the industry.
Employee reviews: The right way and the wrong way
Engineering employee reviews, when done right, give the manager and the employee a chance to build and strengthen a relationship and carve a path for future success. Incorporate these six tips to improve the review process for engineering employees and those around them.
National Safety Council president and CEO delivers statement on respect, inclusion
National Safety Council president and CEO Lorraine M. Martin releases a statement for respect and inclusion in the wake of the events in Minneapolis and the subsequent nationwide response.
Manufacturing index rises slightly in May from April
The purchasing manufacturers' index rose to 43.1% in May, but the general mood remains cautious and uncertain as COVID-19 continues to cause havoc on global supply chains.
Utilizing VDI and cloud technology for pandemic preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing many employees to work from home, which can be an issue for companies that require high-end graphic design.
Career advice for engineers: Step out of the comfort zone
Looking wider, at engineering career development requires looking at other perspectives, understanding customers, finding a mentor, and having fun.
Mastering the role of the virtual meeting host
The meeting host is not only responsible for sending invites, they are also responsible for establishing the meeting etiquette and strategy that are crucial to creating the best possible meeting experience and outcomes for the client.
Effective remote workforce: Key steps and strategies for success
Public and private organizations from all industries, sectors and geographies are encouraging their teams to work remotely to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic
Equipment leasing confidence index hits new low in April
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's monthly confidence index dropped more than 50% in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic shutdown.
Manufacturing index falls in March as COVID-19’s effects hit suppliers, consumers
The purchasing manufactuers' index had a slight decline in March, but the specter of COVID-19 continues to loom over the manufacturing industry as the pandemic spreads.
Coronavirus’ effect on supply chain varies by industry, according to expert
Supply chain concerns depend on the industry according to an MIT expert on the topic. While food availability is not a major concern, the lack of critical medical supplies is and needs to be addressed quickly.
Equipment leasing drops sharply in February due to coronavirus worries
The ELFA reported a drop of 26% in business volume in February as concerns about coronavirus and its impact on manufacturing take hold.
Cutting tool consumption in January increases
U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $196.5 million in January, which is up from December, but down almost 10% compared to January 2019
Manufacturing orders drop to lowest level in three years
Manufacturing orders dropped by a third in January 2020 as anxiety about the coronavirus outbreak, as well as other manufacturing challenges, threaten to weigh down on general economic optimism.
Supply chain’s role in controlling coronavirus
The supply chain is being impacted by coronavirus, but manufacturers can keep their supply chain going by improving visibility and taking advantage of automation technologies.
Capital planning: A beginners guide to understanding the basics
Capital planning should be done annually and there are many aspects to consider when putting together a comprehensive plan.
Asset management can help manage infrastructure projects
Asset management is helping city and state government prioritize spending and budget management, but they have a long way to go, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Five tips to ensure regulatory compliance with international codes, standards
A critical step in managing international projects is understanding how regulatory compliance changes across borders
Four engineering industry trends to watch
Are you ready for these technologies to change the way you work?
Manufacturing technology orders fall to lowest level since 2016
Manufacturing technology orders fell to under $300 million in April 2019, which is a sharp decline compared to the previous month and April 2018.
PMI slips again as tariffs have an impact
Manufacturing index stays in growth range, but slides to a 17-month low of 52.1%.
3D printing presents industry opportunities
The recent broadening in knowledge and understanding about 3D printing and additive manufacturing have generated new business ideas and opportunities ranging from home hobby machines to printing buildings on other planets.
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%.
Female engineers as leaders
It’s never been a better time to be a woman in engineering or any STEM career.
Brexit outcome has implications beyond Europe
Analyst sees looming issues for manufacturing beyond EU-Great Britain dispute.
PE names Malinowski to advisory board
John Malinowski has been named to Plant Engineering’s Editorial Advisory Board.
PMI slips in February, but fundamentals remain solid
Trade wars, supply issues among the concerns, but index firmly in growth mode.
How to write compelling engineering job descriptions
When it comes to finding qualified candidates for a job, it all starts with a job description that draws people to your position. Below are the top five ways to attract the best talent in the industry.
PMI plunges in December over manufacturing slowdown concerns
Index drops almost 10% to 2-year low as production, new orders slump.
ABB to realign around digital industries
Four divisions focus on robotics, electrification, industrial automation, and motion.
PMI hits 14-year high in February
Index jumps to 60.8% as production, employment expands.
Smarter service management improves customer outcomes
All companies should form solid customer relationships for success, but the field service industry faces more unique barriers to establishing a good word-of-mouth reputation.
The path to prescriptive maintenance
Three steps to drive reliability while preparing for IIoT.
Top 5 mistakes made when collecting vibration data
Tom Hoenig of GTI Predictive Technology talks about the five most common mistakes maintenance professionals make when using an analyzer. These include proper mounting for accelerometer, ski slope spectrums, finding the right RPM or point location, no FMAX set and using the wrong sensor.
CMMS adoption enhances maintenance strategies
CMMS enhances maintenance strategies of all types and not enough companies have come to realize the benefits that they offer.
2016 Maintenance Study: Seven key findings
Respondents to the Plant Engineering 2016 Maintenance Study identified seven important, high-level findings impacting the manufacturing industries.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, August 31 to September 6: Electrical systems and IIoT, predicting equipment lifecycle, college grads salary, more
Articles about optimizing electrical systems through the IIoT. predicting equipment lifecycle, engineering pay for college grads, achieving world-class manufacturing maintenance, and Lean's relevance in today's economy were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, August 31 to September 6. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Vertical turning machine for manufacturers and subcontractors
The VL 2 vertical turning machine is a universal production that includes automatic loading and unloading for workpieces.
10 questions to help understand efficiency problems
If Lean manufacturing is initiated with the wrong problems in mind, the problem is exacerbated rather than improved. Here are ten questions aimed at helping uncover the true source of causes.
A beginner’s guide to lean: Lean lessons learned
Now that we have begun a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on lean lessons learned in 2014.
How to build a better capital budget for your food processing plant
When estimating your numbers for food processing projects on the horizon, don’t just base your predictions on what you did the last time around.
Guide your talent: sustainability in 5 straight steps
An honest, realistic evaluation of skills and consistent reinforcement are the key factors
Cavitation by design creates value, avoids destruction
A valuable cleaning tool, cavitation must be properly used to be effective. First of two parts
AME Job Board looks to match professionals with opportunities
Online resource driven by increase in skilled worker need
2014 Maintenance Study: Planned maintenance leads to uptime, safety, productivity
Plants utilize multiple strategies to keep facility up and running.
2014 Maintenance Report
Plant Engineering performed this research to better understand maintenance practices and strategies currently in place in North American manufacturing facilities and the effects of maintenance on productivity and profitability.
Emerson opens Innovations Center to enhance collaboration
New Texas facility builds on concept of integrated operations to help align process manufacturing information.
Companies invest in optimism, study finds
Positive rhetoric in governor’s speeches tied to more investments, hiring.
Investing in economic efficiency
State-of-the-art specialty lubricants contribute to economic, success, or how a small investment makes the difference
PMI Index: Steady, but slower manufacturing growth
Index declines for third straight month, but stays above growth threshold
Manufacturing contracts in November, ISM reports
Economic uncertainty blunts two straight months of growth
Starbucks attacks jobs issue on two fronts
Company announces new Georgia plant investment, works with Ohio ceramics company to make mugs
M2M market potential drives further consolidation
In the last three years, there have been have been numerous acquisitions in the M2M module market.
PMA Business report sees a summer slump coming
Association blames global instability, lack of U.S. government action
Fast-track training program rolls out in Philadelphia
M.O.S.T. works to speed training and placement for manufacturing jobs
ISM forecast: Spending, revenues both expected to keep climbing
Manufacturing sector to keep building on three-year winning streak, report finds.
Metalforming business seen slowing, PMA report says
Metalforming companies anticipate a dip in business during the next three months, according to the April 2012 Precision Metalforming Association Business Conditions Report.
Cisco to buy NDS, sell STB manufacturing?
Value creation in pay-TV distribution is shifting from CPE to software. Cisco is not alone in thinking this.
2011 Leader Under 40: Jason Murphy, 37
Plant Manager, Zeller Plastik
Content distribution disintermediation, likely winners and losers
Disintermediation isn’t a buzzword, its very, very real. Now it has come to video content distribution. It happened to stock brokers, travel agents, and eventually Borders and other booksellers. Blockbuster has already fallen victim, but now the threat of disintermediation looms over the major over-the-top video service providers.
MAPI Business outlook survey climbs off the bottom
Still in contraction, business index up 63% since June
Executive survey: Manufacturing likely to lag when economy improves
Nearly 60 percent of manufacturing executives believe the economy will improve over the next six months, though they are slightly less optimistic about the prospects for the manufacturing sector.
Marketing matters: Tracking & reporting tools let small businesses dig deep into data
In this economy, there’s not a company out there with marketing dollars to spare—particularly when it comes to small business. But cutting marketing hinders growth, and even leads to loss in market share or revenue. VerticalResponse says its solutions let small businesses proceed with marketing in the smartest, most precise, most cost-effective way possible while removing the guesswork.
Bob Fei named president at Life Cycle Engineering
New position will helkp continue to drive client growth
“Nauseating detail”: Credit index shows widespread carnage in manufacturing, service sectors
While both the services and manufacturing indexes fell to record lows to finish out 2008, and all 20 of the collective components fell below 50 as indicated by the index, 2009 may offer signs of hope for the business landscape.
Tax-time advisory: Business services leaders help midmarket companies boost returns on R&D investments
Because manufacturers perform the bulk of private sector R&D to drive new products and process improvements, taking full advantage of the R&D credit is crucial. The fact is IRS scrutiny of this tax incentive has risen in recent years. As tax time comes to a close, RSM McGladrey and Axiom Solutions are offering tax credit services that some companies can take advantage of now.
Manufacturing survey indicates industry confidence on the rise
The National Association of Manufacturers/Industry Week business outlook survey for the second quarter of 2007 points to confidence edging up from both large and small companies after declining during the prior four quarters.
NAM outlook: Overall industry confidence rising
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)/Industry Week business outlook survey for Q2 2007 points to confidence edging up from both large and small companies, after declining during the prior four quarters.
Current conditions EBCI slides in May, but six-month outlook improves
The Electroindustry Business Confidence Index for current North American conditions slipped to 38.6 in the latest month, down from 62 in April, its highest level in a year. However, evidence suggests that the present deterioration in conditions may be short-lived, according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Hulit named Fluke president
Barbara B. Hulit has been named president of Fluke Corporation, with responsibility for the Fluke Industrial and Fluke Precision Measurement businesses. Hulit comes to Fluke from The Boston Consulting Group, where she was a vice president and director with responsibility for the firm’s packaged goods sector.As president of Fluke, Hulit will report to Jim Lico, executive vice president for Danaher Corporation, the parent company of Fluke. “Barbara’s experience, business acumen and keen insight will be invaluable as Fluke continues to strengthen its traditional business and expand into new markets,” said Lico.“While at BCG, Barbara has had a long and productive relationship with Danaher and has been an effective business partner in helping drive Danaher’s growth in new market opportunities.Barbara has partnered with many of our senior leaders in strategy and business development, as well as having played an active role in developing our Danaher Business Systems (DBS) Growth Tools initiatives.” Over the past seven years, Hulit has worked extensively with Fluke and was instrumental in the identification of the company’s new indoor air quality and thermography businesses.At BCG, she helped grow the global packaged goods sector by roughly 20% annually, leveraging her expertise in uncovering and driving new business opportunities.Her background also includes senior positions in sales and marketing for Noxell Corporation, Frito Lay and Marketing Corporation of America.Hulit holds an MBA from the KelloggSchool at NorthwesternUniversity and a BA in Marketing from the University of Texas-Austin.
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Study: Metalforming business steady
Metalforming companies are forecasting little change in near-term business conditions, according to the October 1 Precision Metalforming Association Business Conditions Report. When asked what they expect the trend in general economic activity to be over the next three months, the response from metalforming companies in October, 26% of participants reported that business conditions will improve...
Measuring overall craft effectiveness
This is the final part of a three-part series. Part 2 appeared in the November issue, p 31. World-class overall craft effectiveness is still being defined, since the concept of OCE is rather new. There are a limited number of case studies outside the real-world experiences of Maintenance Excellence Institute staff and alliance members.
Contract maintenance update
Every plant outsources some maintenance services. It frankly doesn't make sense — financial or otherwise — to try to do everything yourself. But when we talk about contract maintenance, we're talking about a long-term commitment to have nonemployees take over substantial responsibilities for normal maintenance operations, perhaps even all of them.
Contact Us – 2002-11-11
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Outsourcing maintenance: How it can improve the bottom line
In a global economy, there is no question that companies must continually improve to remain competitive. When a company is in financial danger-and even when it is not-internal analysts look for opportunities to minimize expenditures.
Vendor selection
There are a number of questions you should ask yourself before entering into an outsourcing contract.
NAPM reports show that business activity slowed in November
The monthly surveys that the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) compiles for both the manufacturing and nonmanufacturing sectors of the economy suggest that fourth-quarter 1998 GDP growth was considerably lower than the third quarter's 3.9% rate. Preliminary figures on total economic activity in last year's final three months will be released on January 29th. The NAPM's nonmanufacturing index of business activity slipped to a level of 53 in November -- a full six points lower than in September. And the closely-watched NAPM manufacturing index dropped to a much weaker 46.8 in November.
Economic growth during 1997 hits a 9-yr high
Real GDP is estimated to have increased at a solid 4.3% annual rate during the October-December period of last year. This preliminary estimate from the Commerce Dept. was just the latest in a long string of better-than average reports on U.S.