AMBA Tooling Trailblazer of the Year
By Cienna Sorell, writer, The American Mold Builder
AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
By Jewlissa Frickey, writer, The American Mold Builder
The Nuts and Bolts of Remote Mold Sampling and Validation
By Nicole Mitchell, writer, The American Mold Builder
China Tariffs Remain with Pressure Building in Washington
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC
AMBA Conference 2021: A Look Back at the Connections Made and Content Shared
The American Mold Builder
Five Places to be on the Lookout for Fraud
By Christina Solomon, CPA/CVV, CFE, CGMA and Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Wipfli/Mueller Prost
Emerging Leaders Address Decision Making and Leadership
By Rachael Pfenninger, Director of Strategic Execution, AMBA
Creating and Distributing Quality Marketing Content
By Shelly Otenbaker, president, WayPoint Marketing Communications
Amerimold Returns to Rosemont
By Cienna Sorell, writer, The American Mold Builder
An Honest Assessment of the CRM Software Utilized in the Manufacturing Industry
By Ian Gjertson, analyst, AMBA
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 2, 2021
AMBA Conference 2021: Connections Reimagined
by The American Mold Builder
Quoting: A Business Improvement Process
By Hallie Forcinio, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Additive Manufacturing Transforms the Tool Shop At Byrne Tool + Design
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Continued Hikes in Healthcare Cost Force Employers to Search for Solutions
By Rachael Pfenninger, Director of Strategic Execution, AMBA
Mentorship Series Impacts Emerging Leaders
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA
Marketing Virtually in a Contemporary World
By Lara Copeland, writer, The American Mold Builder
Foundational Lean Tools
By Jon Kantola, project manager, RobbJack Corporation
New Technologies in Hot Runner Systems
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Washington United? China Policy Brings Rare Bipartisanship
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 1, 2021
Mold Building Industry Ready for 2021
By Hallie Forcinio, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
US Mold Builders Express Rising Optimism and Shifting Priorities
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMB
Workforce Development: The Long Game
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Growing Pains and Intergenerational Business: Three Vignettes
by Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
3 Key Strategies for Continuous Improvement
Compiled and summarized by Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA
View from 30: Capturing Historical Knowledge at M&M Tool and Mold
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
When You See a Fork in the Road, Take It
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Reduce Electrical Shock Incidents with Safety-by Design
by Littelfuse
Consolidated Appropriations Act Ushers In 2021 Tax Changes
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 4, 2020
Bridging the Gap: Helping Young Professionals Develop into Effective Leaders
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
Gridlock in Washington: Is it Real and Good for Business?
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC
Malware Disrupts CNC Machines: Are You Prepared for a Cyberattack?
By Brittany Willes, writer, The American Mold Builder
North American Automotive Tooling Spend Declines 31%: What’s Next for Tool Builders?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Digital Transformation: How Machine Monitoring Can Drive Continuous Improvement
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
NPE2021: Opportunities in Virtual and In-Person Formats
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Workforce Trends, Salary Freezes and New Data in Annual Wage Report
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA
Healthcare Trends to Influence 2021 Insurance Rates
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
UV Surface and Air Disinfection Devices: Let the Buyer Beware!
By Castine A. Bernardy, Nicola M. Elardo, Alexa M. Trautz, and James P. Malley, Jr., Ph.D., Environmental Engineers, University of New Hampshire
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 3, 2020
Bridging the Gap: Helping Young Professionals Develop into Effective Leaders
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
Gridlock in Washington: Is it Real and Good for Business?
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC
Malware Disrupts CNC Machines: Are You Prepared for a Cyberattack?
By Brittany Willes, writer, The American Mold Builder
North American Automotive Tooling Spend Declines 31%: What’s Next for Tool Builders?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Digital Transformation: How Machine Monitoring Can Drive Continuous Improvement
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
NPE2021: Opportunities in Virtual and In-Person Formats
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Workforce Trends, Salary Freezes and New Data in Annual Wage Report
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA
Healthcare Trends to Influence 2021 Insurance Rates
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Revamping Healthcare At Vital Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
UV Surface and Air Disinfection Devices: Let the Buyer Beware!
By Castine A. Bernardy, Nicola M. Elardo, Alexa M. Trautz, and James P. Malley, Jr., Ph.D., Environmental Engineers, University of New Hampshire
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 3, 2020
Reducing Dimensional Errors in Moldmaking
By Gisbert Ledvon, Director of Business Development, Machine Tool, Heidenhain Corporation
Sales, Marketing and Customer Communication in the Time of COVID-19
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Simple and Clear Communication at Thal Precision
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Mold Builders Reduce Federal and State Tax Liabilities with R&D Tax Credit
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP
Recruiting the Next-Generation Workforce
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
2020 Elections: China and the US Presidency
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC
Economic Smooth Sailing or Headed for the Rocks?
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 2, 2020
Improving Underperforming Accounts: Advice from the Trenches
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Mold Builders Face Rising Costs: AMBA 2020 Health and Benefits Report
By Rachael Pfenninger, AMBA Project Manager
Take Charge of Your Healthcare
By Rachael Pfenninger and Susan Denzio, AMBA
COVID-19 Threatens Phase I US-China Deal
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC
Amerimold Connects Offers Free Online Event Experience
The American Mold Builder
The Importance of Training
By Andy Routsis, president, Routsis Training
The COVID-19 Effect: Preparing Your Business for a ‘New Normal’
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results
CARES Act Provides Relief to Mold Builders
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
What I ‘Love’ about this COVID-19 Experience
By Phillip Van Hooser, author and keynote speaker
Information Download: How Mold Builders are Moving Forward During COVID-19
Compiled by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
CNC Machine Utilization: Downtime
From a study conducted by MachineMetrics
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 1, 2020
AMBA Conference 2020
The American Mold Builder
State of the Industry 2020
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Nationally Funded Program Offers Assistance to Mold Builders
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
China, NAFTA and What is Next from Trump on Trade
By Omar Nashashibi, founding partner, The Franklin Partnership, LLP
Investing in the Future: Training to Retain Talent
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
Economic Indicators Forecast Uncertainty
By Rachael Pfenninger, Project Manager, AMBA
CAD/CAM Offers More Efficiency, Connectivity and Precision
By Cynthia Kustush, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Customized Software Spurs Shipping Efficiency at Craftsman Tool & Mold
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
Moldmaking 4.0: Evolving Technologies in the Molding Industry
By Brittany Willes, writer, The American Mold Builder
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 4, 2019
Fostering a New Business Model at Precise Tooling Solutions
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Molds in the Middle: Trump vs. China
By Omar S. Nashashibi, Founding Partner, The Franklin Partnership
Educational Opportunities Abound at PLASTEC West 2020
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
What to Know Before Selecting a Mold Temperature Controller
By Moldex3D
Year-End Tax Planning Opportunities
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost
Aptitude Testing Gets the Right People in the Door at Industrial Molds Group
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Efficiencies in Machine Programming – How Do You Compare?
By Rachael Pfenninger, AMBA Project Manager
The Risk of Repetitive Injury
The American Mold Builder
Harbour’s Automotive Tooling Forecast Offers Cautionary Tale for Entire Industry
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Understand the Impact of Your Profit Per Sale
By Jill J. Johnson, president, Johnson Consulting Services
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 3, 2019
United Tool and Mold Keeps the Industry Running
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Mold Coating Treatments Add to Performance, Protection
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
The Impact of the Onboarding Process on Employee Retention
By Rachael Pfenninger, project manager, AMBA
A Deeper Look at Onboarding Checklists
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Workplace Implications for Marijuana Use
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
EHS Summit Emphasizes Preparedness
The American Mold Builder
Five Steps to Better Supply Agreements
By H. Alan Rothenbuecher, partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Four Key Attributes that Deliver Lead Time Reduction
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.
Seven Steps to Turn Employee Potential into Performance
By Brad Wolff, managing partner, PeopleMax
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 2, 2019
Liberty Molds Takes Service to the Next Level
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Key Points in the Design and Construction of Injection Molds for In-Mold Decorating
by John Berg, director of marketing, and Alan Kastelic, tooling manager, Sussex IM
Review: AMBA Conference 2019
The American Mold Builder
Mold Builder of the Year: Rick Finnie
The American Mold Builder
Tooling Trailblazer of the Year: Century Die
The American Mold Builder
Business Evolves with Customer Needs at Precision Laser Technology
The American Mold Builder
Amerimold Show Preview 2019
The American Mold Builder
Heat Energy Management in Molds
by Torsten Kruse, founder and president, Kruse Analysis and Kruse Training
Managing the Sales Pipeline in Mold Manufacturing
by Rachael Pfenninger, project manager, AMBA
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Issue 1, 2019
AMBA Conference 2019
The American Mold Builder
Advocacy for Mold Building in Legislation
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Mold Builders Offer Increased Compensation and Additional Benefits in 2019
by Ashley Turrell, analytics manager, AMBA
Danger Ahead: Disaster Potential Goes Beyond Facility Concerns
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Tool Steel Market Set to Surpass USD 6.5 Billion by 2024
by Global Market Insights, Inc.
Detroit Auto Show Says ‘So Long Winter, Hello Summer’
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.
Designing 3D Printed Jigs and Fixtures
by Andrew Edman, industry manager product design, engineering and manufacturing, Formlabs
7 Steps to Move from Confrontation to Conversation
by Dr. David Chinsky, founder, Institute for Leadership Fitness
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Fall 2018
Actionable Strategies and Best Practices for Recruiting Millennials
By Rachael Pfenninger, Project Manager, AMBA
The 3 P’s to Becoming an Engaged Healthcare Consumer
By Dr. Josh Luke, faculty member, University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy
Demand for Speed and Quality Pushes Mold Polishers to Meet Goals
By Nancy Cates, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
If You Can’t Convince Them, Confuse Them
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
PLASTEC West 2019 Returns to Anaheim
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Transitioning the Business on Your Terms
By John T. Carter, Insyght Transitions
Key Employee Buy-In Transition: A Case Study
By Lara Copeland, contributing editor, The American Mold Builder
Finding New Talent through Apprenticeships at ROMOLD
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
Tooling Industry Outlook: Uncertainty Ahead
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Summer 2018
Global Trends in Mold-Filling CAE Technology
By Venny Yang, president, and Sam Hsieh, senior deputy technical manager, CoreTech System (Moldex3D)
Peer Networking Groups – the Latest in Problem-Solving
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
AMBA Member Raises $13,000+ for iWarriors
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
OEE Leads to SMART Solutions at PMC
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Global Tool and Die Industry Developments
By Andre Ey, vice president, Makino
Crafting a Workplace Cell Phone Policy
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
Recruiting Millennials: Learning to Speak Their Language with Video
By Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Five Warning Signs an Accident is Near – and How to Prevent It
By Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
R&D Tax Credit Rewards Mold Builders
By Michael Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Spring 2018
Dramco Tool: Innovation in the Midwest
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Optimize Mold Shops with Capacity Planning
By Nick Stanziola, senior consultant, Harbour Results, Inc.
amerimold 2018 Descends upon Novi
The American Mold Builder
Standardization of Mold Bases and Components
By Brenda Clark, engineering manager, HASCO America, Inc.
Plastics Technology Alliance: Evolving to Meet Customer Needs
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Moldmakers and Drugs in the Workplace
By Ashley Burleson, analytics manager, AMBA
Ten High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Drive Higher Levels of Employee Engagement
By Curt Redden, Primal Success
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Winter 2018
Mark Slack Named AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
MSI Mold Builders Wins Tooling Trailblazer Award
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder
NPE2018 Returns to Orlando in May
The American Mold Builder
4DX Strategy Pushes Ideas to Goal Execution at GreenLeaf Industries
By Nancy Cates, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Making the Move to 5-Axis Machining
By Harvey Lemire, sales and technical specialist, CGS North America, Inc.
Tax Reform Implications for the Mold Building Sector
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost
Challenges Give Insight into 2018’s Moldmaking Industry
By Ashley Burleson, analytics manager, AMBA
Establishing an Effective Machine Tool and Spindle Service Program
By Chris Hetzer, CEO and partner, Gilman Precision
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Fall 2017
Mold Builders Look Ahead to 2018
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Tooling Industry Forecast Indicates Increase in Sourcing Activity
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Job Shadowing Programs Help Close the Skills Gap in Mold Manufacturing
By Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Mold Building Suppliers and Partners to Exhibit at PLASTEC West
The American Mold Builder
Manufacturing Day: Changing the Direction of the Industry
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
AMBA Award Honors Outreach Efforts
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Process Combination Optimizes Mold Manufacturing Cycle Times
By Ryan Weister, application engineer, UNISIG
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Summer 2017
TK Mold Sets a Vision for Younger Employees
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Vector Simplifies Mold Movement
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Quality Processes Lead to Quality Products
By James Ricci, chief technology officer, Harbour Results, Inc.
Basics of CVD Diamond-Coated Cutting Tools
By Ed Francis and Chris Engdahl, Crystallume
AMBA Awards Grants through American Mold Manufacturing Fund
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Working with Metal in Additive Manufacturing
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Why Training Matters More to Millennials
By Evan Hackel, CEO, Tortal Training
AMBA Unites on Capitol Hill
By Kym Conis, managing director, AMBA
iWarriors Making a Difference for Combat-Wounded Veterans
By Kim Bartz, co-founder, iWarriors
OSHA Under Trump: The Waiting is the Hardest Part
By Rob Medlock, Safety Controls Technology (SCT)
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Spring 2017
2017 US Mold Building Industry Outlook: Optimistic
By Ashley Turrell, industry benchmarking manager, American Mold Builders Association
Finding Efficiencies in Mold Building
By John Hilgendorf, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Outlook: Shifting from Populism to Pragmatism
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Rethinking Equipment Maintenance: Transitioning to a Proactive Approach
By Larry Bouvier, CMRP, and Rob Levandoski, president, Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions, LLC
Employment Screening Trends and Pitfalls
By Federated Insurance
Genc Honored by AMBA
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Westminster Tool Wins Inaugural Tooling Trailblazer Award
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
amerimold 2017 Comes to Rosemont
The American Mold Builder
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Winter 2017
Assessing the Possibilities at Creative Blow Mold Tooling
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Better Marketing with Video
By Todd Schuett, owner, Creative Technology Corp.
DOL Issues New Final Claims Regulations Regarding Disability-Related Claims
Provided by Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Manufacturing Wellness: Engagement in the Face of National Health Care Reform
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Job Scheduling: Addressing and Circumventing Shop Challenges
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
16 Steps to a Quality Mold Polish
By Casey Gwozdz, president, Ultra Polishing
Increases in Labor Costs for US Moldmakers
By Ashley Turrell, industry benchmarking manager, American Mold Builders Association
9 Surefire Steps to Lock Down Cyber Security
By Clinton Henry, cyber security expert
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Fall 2016
Compumold Tool and Design Wins First Annual Educational Outreach Contest
The American Mold Builder
Take Steps to Prevent Workplace Violence
By Van Harp, partner, Harp & Associates, LLC
Modeling Henry Ford: A-1 Tool’s Assembly Line Production Process
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Lean Manufacturing: Who, What and Why?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Mold Building Suppliers and Partners to Exhibit at PLASTEC West
The American Mold Builder
Sales and Quoting: Tool Shops Express Positive Sentiment for 2016
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.
Skills Certification Program Intends to be Industry Standard
By Nancy Cates, contributing writer
Mold Builders May Qualify for the Domestic Production Activities Deduction
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost
Concrete Core Values: The Driving Force to Business Success
By Wayne Schoeneberg, speaker and author
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Summer 2016
Shining a Light on Lights-Out Machining
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer
Beyond Luck: Preparing for a Change in Workplace Culture
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer
OSHA Update: Penalties and Drug Testing
By Joseph N. Gross, Esq., partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Five Years of Supporting the US Military through iWarriors
By Kim Bartz, founder of iWarriors
Preventing Disaster: A Look at Data Backup and Storage
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer
3D-Printed Insert Tooling: Mold Building Threat or Opportunity?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Now What? Does Brexit Mean What We Thought It Would?
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Enhancing Productivity Using CAD/CAM Software
By Naren Suryadevara, technical director, Tebis America, Inc.
Six Myths of Employee Engagement
By Magi Graziano, CEO, Conscious Hiring® and Development
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Spring 2016
Manufacturing Change: Attracting Millennials to Industry
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
The Key to Better Electrode Making
By Hari Sridharan, Cimatron
amerimold 2016 Arrives in Novi
The American Mold Builder
AMBA Annual Conference Triggers Brilliance
The American Mold Builder
Mike Zacharias Recognized as AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Consecutive Honors for Chicago as AMBA Chapter of the Year
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Cell Phone Policies: From Management to Leadership
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder
Steady Business Predicted for 2016 Mold Building Industry
By Ashley Turrell, operations support specialist, American Mold Builders Association
Views from the Other Side: Processor and OEM Perspectives
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Modeling a Best-in-Class Mold Builder
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.
Are You Sure You’re Training the Right Things?
By Dan Black, chief learning strategist, Tortal Training
Association News
The American Mold Builder
Winter 2016
Mold Coating Advantages and Developments
By Brenda Clark, engineering manager, HASCO America, Inc.
Laser Texturing Adds Another Level of In-Mold Decoration Possibilities
By Chad Hase, laser project manager, GF Machining Solutions
Optimize Mold Shop Productivity with ERP Systems
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder
Avoiding Part Quality Issues before They Happen
By Jim Bott, business development manager, INCOE
Major Changes to Medical Benefits in AMBA 2016 Wage and Benefits Report
By Ashley Turrell, operations support specialist, American Mold Builders Association
Build a Culture of Volunteered Accountability
By Randy Pennington, principal, Pennington Group
OSHA Recording Requirements and Recordkeeping Requirements
By Alan Rothenbuecher, Pete Wade and Ryan Poor, Ice Miller Partners
Association News
The American Mold Builder