Outlook 2010: Baby needs a new pair of shoes, and much more, too
Plastics processors live in interesting times. Unstable prices for plastics, steel, energy, and other inputs; difficulty finding good employees; competition from every corner of the earth; attacks on plastics from NGOs and other groups, as well as from some legislative bodies: There are enough issues in play to keep a processor occupied 24/7.
Film and sheet extrusion leaders look back, forward
Leaders from Reifenhäuser, Gloucester Engineering, Windmöller & Hölscher, Macro, and Macchi talk new technology, new markets, and new post-2009 outlook for the film and sheet extrusion sector.
Global hot runner suppliers find hot markets in rebounding economy
No one is denying that 2009 was a tough year, but in spite of that, hot runner suppliers didn’t bury their heads in the sand. They kept an eye on emerging markets and new applications, and developed new products designed to meet new molding technologies.
The rough patch is not completely past, but solid growth is on the way
The recent past has proven tough for many processors in this space, but viewed in the long term, issues such as the need to preserve potable water and to supply more people with sufficient housing mean there is plenty of growth ahead for pipe and profile processing.
Blowmolding weathers capital crunch, sustainability surge
On top of a global credit freeze, which made finding financing for capital equipment nearly impossible, a push for greater sustainability from retailers, brand owners, and consumers forced a reexamination of all packaging, including blowmolded bottles, creating challenges and opportunities for suppliers of blowmolding machinery.
All eyes on Asia as sustainability drives materials development
The global demand center for all types of resin has indeed shifted to Asia. Meanwhile, energy efficiency, low carbon footprint, and the need for expanded performance envelopes are driving developments in resin technology.
Thermoformer’s survival through thick and thin
With the retirement of their father, Barry Shepherd, brothers Todd and Mark Shepherd took over responsibility for daily operations at Shepherd Thermoforming (Brampton, ON). Todd, the company’s president, has worked for the company for 23 of its 25-year history, and shared with us some lessons learned during that time, plus some thoughts for the future.
MPW: Tell us how Shepherd Thermoforming started.
Maximum ERP performance
If cash is king, then the path to the throne is paved in efficiency. The economic crucible of the last two years has taught plastics processors many hard lessons, but perhaps none more important than this: Not knowing where your money is at all times could be the last mistake your company makes.