by Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder Joining the family business always has presented challenges and benefits to both the older and younger generations. And, of course, every one of those situations comes with its own unique set of troubles and blessings. The three stories featured here help to shed some light on the trials, tribulations and triumphs … [Read more...] about Growing Pains and Intergenerational Business: Three Vignettes
2021 Issue 1
US Mold Builders Express Rising Optimism and Shifting Priorities
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA In the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) 2021 Business Forecast Report, nearly all surveyed mold builders (99%) reported that current business conditions are positive or fair, a 9% uptick from last year’s gathered data. Other economic indicators also point to rising optimism, improved levels of profitability … [Read more...] about US Mold Builders Express Rising Optimism and Shifting Priorities
Consolidated Appropriations Act Ushers in 2021 Tax Changes
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost In December 2020, Former President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), ushering in several tax changes aimed at curbing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the changes build upon provisions passed in The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and others modify or extend … [Read more...] about Consolidated Appropriations Act Ushers in 2021 Tax Changes
Reduce Electrical Shock Incidents with Safety-by-Design
by Littelfuse The heart and soul of a plastics manufacturing facility is in molding machinery. Together with the auxiliary equipment, these machines make electrical shock particularly problematic for the plastics industry. Unfortunately, electrical shock incidents aren’t uncommon for plastics. More than 90% of electrical fatalities among US workers are due to electrical shock. … [Read more...] about Reduce Electrical Shock Incidents with Safety-by-Design
When You See a Fork in the Road, Take It
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Yogi Berra’s wise words resonate more these days than ever. We are in a topsy-turvy world: The pandemic has devastated part of the economy but not other parts. The service sector has been slammed with the worst recession seen since the 1930s, while much of the rest of the economy has carried on as before. Housing … [Read more...] about When You See a Fork in the Road, Take It
Capturing Historical Knowledge at M&M Tool and Mold
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder The accumulated knowledge at a mold building operation is a unique and valuable commodity. Experienced team members are veritable walking encyclopedias of the ins and outs of mold building, from the associates with decades of material procurement experience, to the engineers with in-depth CAD and design expertise, … [Read more...] about Capturing Historical Knowledge at M&M Tool and Mold