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Greetings!
According to the latest Institute for Supply Chain Management - Chicago Barometer Report, business slackened but remained strong, indicating expanding economic activity for the nineteenth consecutive month. In response to special questions about the Japanese disaster, panelists reported minimal business impact:
- New orders and order backlogs eased following historic highs early in the year;
- Production and inventories declined;
- Breadth of employment expansion relaxed from a 27-year high
Selection of quotes from contributors:
"New orders fell slightly this month but hopefully we can get some of the backlog through engineering. Quote requests continue strong."
"Finished the 1st quarter ahead of plan. Have our fingers crossed for the second quarter."
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| Three manufacturing leaders share insights on building successful partnerships with customers and suppliers
Firms leverage their core competencies to tap new customers and markets
Mohit Uberoi, president and CEO of MEGTEC Systems, Inc., Neil Karolek, CEO of TLX Technologies, LLC, and Paul Ludwig of HED, Inc. have found unique ways to drive growth in their businesses. They will share their insights and success strategies on a panel entitled "Profit Power Through Partnerships" at the May 17 Manufacturing Matters! Conference in Milwaukee.
MEGTEC Systems has seen dramatic growth in the past 10 years, through acquisition and by capitalizing on and marketing the company's unique core competencies. For example, MEGTEC discovered a new market for existing technology when a customer asked if their coating and drying technology could be applied to the battery market. . .
Read full article
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The challenges for 21st-century manufacturing
Guest column in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Lee Swindall, acting WMEP Executive Director Talent is the lifeblood of any business. Business leaders can get everything else right and still fail because their employees lack the skills and knowledge to move the business forward. Securing the talent to power innovation and growth is one of the most critical issues facing Wisconsin manufacturers. As the economy gains steam, many manufacturers are facing an uphill battle finding qualified candidates to fill openings for machinists, welders, production workers, first-line supervisors and other skilled positions. Read full article
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Think Globally, Act Locally
Article from May 2011 Corporate Report Wisconsin
Wisconsin companies can build business advantages through global efforts that combine people, partnerships and systems. Wisconsin companies recovering from the effects of the Great Recession are beginning to look around the world for new business, says Lee Swindall, acting director of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP). "The inquiries from companies for assistance in developing international sales has increased dramatically in the last four to six months. It's like a tectonic shift has occurred." Read full article |
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Manufacturing Matters! - 45 presenters, 2 keynotes and networking
All this in just one day - Tuesday, May 17 at the Frontier Airlines Center
This conference features more than 20 manufacturing leaders discussing their response to real issues facing all Wisconsin manufacturers, including how to compete globally, ways to diversify, how to build profitable relationships with customers and suppliers, and their experiences developing a skilled and motivated workforce.
In addition to exceptional content, the conference offers abundant networking opportunities, including a reception - supported and sponsored by businesses that serve manufacturers.
The reception features a drawing of prizes donated by sponsors including: - ipad 2 - from WMEP
- $100 Visa Gift Card from PNC Bank
- Free web site analysis ($500 value) from Top Floor Technologies
- 2 pairs of Brewers' Tickets (great seats!) from Milwaukee 7
- HD Radio from Roundhouse Marketing
- $150 Frontier Airlines Gift Certificate from Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLC
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