August 22, 2011

U.S. COMPANIES ASKING EMPLOYEES TO COVER MORE HEALTH CARE COSTS IN 2012
Quick Manufacturing News
53% of large companies plan to increase the percentage that employees contribute to health care premiums. Click to continue

FEATURE: QUICK RESPONSE MANUFACTURING
Today in Manufacturing
There has been a trend towards high-variety, low volume products with options configured for individual customers and custom engineered per client or plant ... continue

EU REACTS TO DEVELOPMENTS IN LIBYA
(European Union)
Reacting to the developments in Libya, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in a joint statement said today "The quest for freedom by the people of Libya is coming to an historic moment. The relentless efforts of the forces of the new Libya, supported militarily by NATO and several EU Member States, and countries from the region are bringing the Gaddafi regime to its end. We urge Colonel Gaddafi to accept the will of the people, step down immediately, and avoid further bloodshed and sufferance." They also noted that the "developments in Libya are giving fresh momentum to the Arab Spring. The quest of the people in the region for freedom and dignity will continue. The European Union stands by them and supports their democratic aspirations and choices." EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said that Libya is entering a new era. "It is now time to launch a process of transition towards a new Libya, in which democratic principles, justice and human rights are fully respected." She also gave assurance that the EU will continue to offer support and will remain a strong and committed partner for the Libyan people. MORE

THE COLOR OF MONEY
Today in Manufacturing
Manufacturers must be willing to take the long-view of energy efficiency purchases and their varying abilities to pay back ... continue

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING M&A UP 70%
Quick Manufacturing News
In the second quarter of 2011, there were 46 deals that were worth more than $50 million with a total deal value of $18.6 billion, compared to 33 deals and $9.8 billion in the second quarter of 2010. Click to continue

MANUFACTURING AT THE CROSSROADS
Quick Manufacturing News
Manufacturing is not disappearing in the U.S; in fact we produce 21% of the globally manufactured products. Click to continue

GROWING U.S. TRADE DEFICIT IN MANUFACTURES RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT ECONOMIC IMPACT
Quick Manufacturing News
MAPI reports says China's new orientation of exports is less driven by wage rates and is far more dependent on investment with advanced technology content. Click to continue

IS A GLOBAL RECESSION NEAR?
Today in Manufacturing
Discouraging economic data from around the globe heightened fears that another recession is on the way and some say risk of recession is one in three ... continue

ALGAE-BASED FUEL: ENVIRONMENTAL BURDEN
Today in Manufacturing
University of Virginia researchers find high energy output from algae-based fuel, but 'no silver bullet' ... continue

LOW TECH APPROACH SHOWS HIGH TECH IS ALIVE AND WELL
Today in Manufacturing
Despite predictions of doom and gloom from the pundits earlier this decade, U.S. manufacturing is in fact alive and well ... continue

JAPAN EXPORTS FALL FOR 5TH STRAIGHT MONTH
Today in Manufacturing
Exports are a key driver of the world's No. 3 economy, and the country is hoping that overseas demand will help it bounce back from the March 11 disaster ... continue

RISING UNEMPLOYMENT RATES LEAD TO DECREASE IN WORKERS' COMP COVERAGE, COSTS
Quick Manufacturing News
A new report reveals that the number of employees covered by workers' comp dropped 4.4% in 2009, the most recent year with complete data available. Employer costs for workers’ comp benefits, meanwhile, declined by 7.6%. Click to continue

PORTS DRIVING REAL ESTATE VALUES
Quick Manufacturing News
Overall vacancy rates for seaports have dropped from last year by 1.4% to 8.5%, outperforming the 9.7% vacancy rates held by the general industrial real estate sector. Click to continue

GROWING U.S. TRADE DEFICIT IN MANUFACTURES RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT ECONOMIC IMPACT
Quick Manufacturing News
MAPI reports says China's new orientation of exports is less driven by wage rates and is far more dependent on investment with advanced technology content. Click to continue

PLANT MANAGER TODAY, CEO TOMORROW
Quick Manufacturing News
Is running a manufacturing plant a logical steppingstone to the C-suite? Click to continue

BETTER SKILLS-TRAINING SYSTEM NEEDED, SENATOR CONCLUDES
Quick Manufacturing News
McCaskill: Missouri's training system is a 'void' for many manufacturers. Click to continue

CONSUMER PRICES ROSE BY THE MOST SINCE MARCH
Today in Manufacturing
Consumers paid more for gas, food and clothes last month, pushing prices up by the most since the spring as gas increased 4.7 percent ... continue

PUTTING WASTE TO WORK
Today in Manufacturing
A concept called Beneficial Residuals Management is a holistic approach to waste reduction that can help manufacturers slash costs ... continue