Industry News

Most manufacturers have invested in some type of technology to run their businesses, whether it's new equipment, robotics, software or business intelligence tools. Each year, Plex Systems Inc. conducts a survey that gathers insights on how manufacturers use technology to solve day-to-day challenges, as well as major industry challenges. The fourth annual State of Manufacturing Technology Report reveals that manufacturers investing in technologies that enable a connected environment are more resilient and optimistic about the challenges ahead.

The struggle among manufacturers to fill open jobs is likely to continue because of the shrinking labor pool and growing need for workers with high-tech skills. Those are conclusions in a report from the National Association of Manufacturers, a trade group for manufacturers, including thousands of small businesses. In a survey in March, manufacturers said their inability to attract and retain talent was their biggest concern as it was for the previous two-and-a-half years. A quarter of those surveyed said they’ve had to turn down business opportunities because they didn’t have the staffers needed to fulfill contracts.

A New Haven, Connecticut-based worker training organization is getting $3.45 million in state funding to expand a program to grow the workforce in the manufacturing sector. Funds will be used to build upon a program launched in February at Gateway Community College that took 19 unemployed and underemployed workers and provided them with an intensive five-week training course. “Every single one of them had a job before they graduated,” said William Villano, president and CEO of Workforce Alliance. “This (is) a good program for people that want to change careers or high school graduates who aren’t going to college.”

My latest trip took me to Las Vegas, where I attended HxGN LIVE 2019. Hosted by Sweden-headquartered Hexagon AB, the ninth biennial conference took place June 11-14 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center adjacent to The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts, and I participated in the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence division’s media program.

Global demand for toolholders, specifically arising from the automotive and defense and aerospace industries, will witness a relatively steady growth through 2028, as predicted by Future Market Insights (FMI) in its recently released market intelligence report. While the demand for toolholders will be largely driven by emerging economies, in particular the manufacturing sector, China is likely to make substantial investments in high-performance cutting tools, considering the robust manufacturing and industrial output in the region.

Cincinnati, OH -- Kevin Pahl has joined the sales team at Cleaning Technologies Group, LLC as a Regional Sales Manager, effective January 2019.

Cincinnati, OH -- Jared Moore has joined Cleaning Technologies Group, LLC as a Chemical Sales Manager, effective March 2019

Hoffman Estates, IL – At the first general session of NTMA’s annual meeting in Tucson, Chris Kaiser, president/CEO of BIG KAISER, presented a donation for $6,675 to benefit the NTMA’s National Robotics League (NRL).

KENT, Wash. and HANOVER, N.H.—OMAX Corporation, a manufacturer of abrasive waterjet systems, plans to join forces with Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, following the signing of a definitive merger agreement that establishes OMAX as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hypertherm.

Erie, PA—Senior Sales Director of Eriez-USA Dave Heubel announces the promotion of Darrell Milton to Director of Heavy Industry.

WEST BOYLSTON, MA U.S.A. – Emuge Corp., a manufacturer of taps, drills, end mills and other rotary tools, has appointed Ms. Shannon Filippelli as Marketing Manager, effective April 1, 2019.

DRESDEN, NY – Abtex Corp., a manufacturer of customized, integrated machine/brush deburring solutions for the manufacturing industry, today announced that John De Leon has joined the company as Business Development Manager.

Minneapolis, MN – Industrial Tool, Inc., a specialist in robotic automation systems, workholding fixtures, turnkey applications, and custom machining centers names Nick Archer as Team Leader for the ITI Sales Department.

A new market study, titled, "Diamond Tools Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013–2017 and Forecast 2018–2028," studies the global diamond tools market and offers deep-dive analysis for the next 10 years. The report on the global diamond tools market estimates the key macroeconomic and forecast factors that are projected to drive the growth of the diamond tools market.

Knoxville, Tenn. — Hoffmann Group USA today announced that its global headquarters is celebrating the centennial of the company’s founding, and is doing so in great form.

Santa Clara, CA – Coherent Inc. has significantly expanded its Gilching, Germany micromachining and sub-system facility, and completed the relocation of the company’s laser marking group from nearby Gunding.

Scappoose, Oregon – The Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center Research and Development (OMIC R&D) recently welcomed the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) as its 24th member.

One of the laments of the machinist is that designers don’t always consider whether their designs can actually be made. Form Factory founder Brian Ross has embraced that thought and turned it on its head. Ross created his company to cater to clients in a wide variety of industries that all need one thing: high-precision prototypes.

C.H. Hanson announced changes to its sales management structure and personnel.

Cleveland OH – Jergens announces that Matt Schron will succeed Bob Rubenstahl as the next General Manager.