Rail Shipment Indicator- Manufacturing and the Tangible Economy
The monthly railcarload shipments reported by American Association of Railroads makes a convincing case that the tangible economy of manufacturing is better than both 2008 and 2009.
-
-
Economic Patriotism- The Girl Scout Way
Economic patriotism. Every voice makes a difference. Every choice has a consequence. When you buy, how do you choose?
-
OSHA, Noise, And Your Precision Machining Shop
Proposed OSHA reinterpretation could jeopardize your shop if they DICTATE that it is feasible to install Sound guarding or reducing your capacity with administrative controls whether or not it achieves their goal of lowering below 85dB or makes any business sense.
-
Red Ribbon Poka Yoke
A simple piece of ribbon waving out side the package is proof positive that the components crucial to assembly and function of the product are inside the package. Cheaper than X-rays…
-
Where's the Jobs?
The economy must add 13 million private sector jobs by the end of 2013 to bring unemployment down to 6 percent.
President Obama’s policies are not creating conditions for businesses to hire those 350,000 workers each month, net of layoffs. -
Apprenticeships vs Education?
Economic performance seems to be negatively correlated with Post secondary educational attainment in the country’s population in this Eurostat chart. Germany ranks near the bottom in Educational attainment, but has a strong apprenticeship program which I believe might in part explain its economic success- strong manufacturing.
-
Why Demand for Precision Machined Parts for Appliances May Not Recover Soon
Home prices are down from their peak in June/July of 2006 through the trough in April 2009, the 10-City Composite is down 33.5% and the 20-City Composite is down 32.6%. Through September, they have recovered by +7.2% and +5.9%, respectively. The peak-to-date figures through September 2010 are -28.7% and -28.6%, respectively.”
-
Blue Brittleness, Temper Embrittlement, 400-500 Degree C Embrittlement And More
Thermal treatments, and post quench temper treatments below 1100 degrees F are not recommended because of their possible embrittling effects on susceptible steel grades in common use.
-
What Are You Thankful For?
As an American, a dad, a son, a husband, a professional, and as a guy, I have much to be thankful for. I am grateful that the member companies of the PMPA continue to find value in my work. It is the basis of my family’s economy. I am grateful for the service of the men and women of the armed forces, my daughter and son in- law included, who put duty, honor and country ahead of all the stuff in my list below.I am thankful that I was born an American and am thankful that my life choices have resulted in a life worth contemplating. I hope you’ll take a few minutes this Thanksgiving Day to contemplate what makes your life worth living too.
-
5-S Your Material Procurement Process
Applicability of lean tools and 5S isn’t limited to only shop operations. The raw material procurement process is a great place to try to lean your system and improve your competitive advantage so you can say “yes” quicker than the shop waiting for a specific size of barstock.