Interview by Liz Stevens, writer, The American Mold Builder Controlling the production flow of a tool build throughout a mold shop requires careful scheduling of job tasks, available equipment and labor resources. On a busy shop floor, that schedule easily can be thrown off as higher-priority orders come through, equipment or material delays occur and employee absenteeism … [Read more...] about Q&A: Automated Job Management and Workload Prioritization
2023 Issue 1
AMBA Rallies Support for Tariffs
By Omar S. Nashashibi, co-founder, The Franklin Partnership, LLC Members of the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) sent a loud message to the Biden administration in January 2023 – keep the 25% tariffs on imported Chinese industrial molds and dies in place. More than 50 members of the AMBA filed formal comments with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) … [Read more...] about AMBA Rallies Support for Tariffs
Recession and Growth: Building Resiliency in a Mold Shop
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc. It’s been an interesting three years for the manufacturing industry. In 2020, the industry was hit by COVID-19. Together, everyone learned what to do. Despite starts and stops, ups and downs, the tooling industry persevered. Then, in 2021, it was a year of unprecedented high demand for energy and major durable … [Read more...] about Recession and Growth: Building Resiliency in a Mold Shop
Tool Builders Focus on 2023 Priorities
By Maggie Taylor, writer, The American Mold Builder After several unpredictable years, the mold manufacturing industry is primarily reporting positive sentiments as the first quarter of 2023 gets underway. “We’re on very good momentum right now,” said Tammy Barras, president of Westec Plastics Corporation in Livermore, California. “We’ve made a lot of improvements over … [Read more...] about Tool Builders Focus on 2023 Priorities
Cautious Optimism Vies with Varied Challenges in 2023
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA Cautious optimism reigned in this year’s American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) 2023 Business Forecast Report, where just over 90% of respondents indicated that business conditions were fair or better. However, other economic factors – such as inflation and continuing pressure from foreign competition – continue … [Read more...] about Cautious Optimism Vies with Varied Challenges in 2023
AMBA Celebrates 50 Years of Service in Mold Building
View 50-year timeline here By Liz Stevens, writer, The American Mold Builder The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) is celebrating its golden anniversary during 2023. At 50 years old, the association has hit its stride, now leveraging a half century of history and experience, along with expertise of today’s landscape, challenges and tools. Alongside its community of … [Read more...] about AMBA Celebrates 50 Years of Service in Mold Building