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Packaging award winners, image from DuPont

Manufacturing Matters: 5/18 Weekly Wrap Up

DuPont announces prestigious packaging awards that recognize leaders in innovation, sustainability, and cost/waste reduction. Top honors went to FreshCase Packaging for its new vacuum seal that keeps meat looking and staying fresh longer than conventional packaging. MITnews recaps “The Future of Manufacturing and the US” conference, which emphasized the importance of innovation from the manufacturing sector. MITnews highlights the fact that the US added 50,000 manufacturing jobs in January alone, and big manufacturers like Ford continue to move overseas plants back home. Plastics News announces the DME Plastics University Scholarship Program, which will offer $1,000 awards to students enrolled in plastics manufacturing-related programs. This incentive is one of many intended to boost the number of skilled workers in the plastics industry. The Brookings Institute discusses how location impacts manufacturing plants and the industry as a whole. In the report, … [Read More...]

Energy Efficiency

Manufacturing Matters: 5/11 Weekly Wrap Up

The New York Times reports that manufacturing is “one of the few bright spot of the recovery, restoring 489,000 jobs since the beginning of 2010.” The article also describes geographic distinctions in growth, with half of the most manufacturing-specialized metropolitans now located in the Midwest. Plastics News reports that in California a controversial pro-plastics lesson [...]

Smart Grids: Bringing Utility Systems into the 21st Century.

What is a smart grid? Just as smart phones have evolved into multi-purpose devices that support a wide range of applications, smart grids have become a way to computerize the electric utility grid and better manage the increasing energy needs of 21st century consumers. The “grid” encompasses all the networks that carry electricity from the [...]

The Evolution of Insulation

As we grow more aware of our environmental impact—and as utility bills grow more costly—energy efficiency becomes a central concern in construction projects and building updates. LEED certifications set efficient buildings apart from the rest. Pink attic insulation doesn’t quite cut it anymore. Natural Insulation Although it’s a hot topic now, energy efficiency—insulation in particular—is [...]

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Manufacturing

Encouraging Insourcing to Revive the Economy

‘Made in America’—how important is it? It’s no secret that American manufacturing has struggled since the late 1990s. We’ve seen massive layoffs and a growing trend to outsource jobs overseas—with some companies moving more than 90% of their manufacturing to countries in Asia or South America. But there is hope on the horizon. Over the [...]

Manufacturing Matters: 5/11 Weekly Wrap Up

The New York Times reports that manufacturing is “one of the few bright spot of the recovery, restoring 489,000 jobs since the beginning of 2010.” The article also describes geographic distinctions in growth, with half of the most manufacturing-specialized metropolitans now located in the Midwest. Plastics News reports that in California a controversial pro-plastics lesson [...]

The Evolution of Insulation

As we grow more aware of our environmental impact—and as utility bills grow more costly—energy efficiency becomes a central concern in construction projects and building updates. LEED certifications set efficient buildings apart from the rest. Pink attic insulation doesn’t quite cut it anymore. Natural Insulation Although it’s a hot topic now, energy efficiency—insulation in particular—is [...]

More Manufacturing Posts

Fire Protection

Research & Development Tax Credits: More Accessible Than You Thought

Research and development tax credits provide golden, yet often overlooked, opportunities for manufacturers to recoup expenses of new product development, product changes or manufacturing process improvements. Recent changes to tax regulations and legislation have expanded these credits, making it easier for businesses to take advantage of the savings. This week, I had the pleasure of [...]

The Secrets to Keeping the Workplace Safe

Thanks to James Yount of Spill 911 for his contribution to the UniTherm blog. Spill 911 offers a complete line of industrial absorbents and spill response kits as well as spill containment, material handling, janitorial, stormwater control, facility protection and safety products. Our line is diverse, encompassing the top manufacturers and the highest quality products. What are [...]

Petroleum Industry 1901-2011: A Timeline

The history of American oil and gas industry tells a sometimes forgotten story of innovation and progress. It not only serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in the last century but also highlights our capacity for improving energy technology for the future. 1901 North American Oil Boom The first oil “gusher” blows [...]

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