by Lara Copeland, contributing writer The American Mold Builder Manufacturing has been an integral force behind the many successes of America, but perception of the industry as a viable career choice underwent a shift that it hasn’t recovered from yet. Soon, more than half of open manufacturing jobs are likely to be unfilled due to the skills gap and a shortage of students … [Read more...] about Manufacturing Day: Changing the Direction of the Industry

North America’s largest design manufacturing conference, PLASTEC West, will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, February 6 through 8, 2018. Its biggest program yet will deliver two tracks of smart manufacturing and 3D printing education, with an additional medtech conference program. Expert technical sessions, panel discussions, case studies, … [Read more...] about Mold Building Suppliers and Partners to Exhibit at PLASTEC West

by Katy Ibsen, contributing writer The American Mold Builder It’s no secret that in today’s manufacturing industries, including moldmaking, a skills gap of trained manufacturing employees is occurring – and expected to get worse. According to a 2015 report sponsored by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, 3.4 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled by 2025, of … [Read more...] about Job Shadowing Programs Help Close the Skills Gap in Mold Manufacturing

by Dianna Brodine, managing editor The American Mold Builder In 2017, the North American annual mold and die spend is estimated to be $15.1 billion. Of that, $11.1 billion will be sourced for the automotive industry, $0.7 billion will be related to the appliance industry and $3.3 billion will be allocated to all other industries combined. It’s no wonder that a predicted … [Read more...] about Tooling Industry Forecast Indicates Increase in Sourcing Activity

by Dianna Brodine, managing editor The American Mold Builder The current year has been one of contradictions for many of those in the mold building industry. In 2017, the US economy experienced a range of positive indicators: The S&P 500 is up more than 20 percent since Q3 20161, unemployment is at its lowest since 20002 and manufacturing order activity reached a 13-year … [Read more...] about Mold Builders Look Ahead to 2018