Manufacturing Innovation Blog

Although the company had been steadily growing and adding employees, it continued to experience high turnover, especially among entry-level employees. A.R.E. decided to contact us at the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership ( OMEP )—the official representative of the MEP National Network in Oregon—for assistance. A.R.E. had successfully partnered with us in 2005 for Continuous Improvement (lean) training and implementation support.

Through a Workforce Training Grant provided by the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) , part of the MEP National Network TM , Blount enlisted the services of several training providers to focus on several key improvement areas. Blount employees participated in trainings on communication and leadership, microbial awareness, HACCP ( Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point ) certification, and coaching and team-building, as well as Train-the-Trainer sessions to develop in-house instructors. Blount increased efficiencies and reduced waste, and the company added jobs to keep pace with the boost in sales.

Almost weekly we hear about another company or organization that has fallen victim to a cyber-attack. We know cybercriminals are more persistent and we need to be more diligent about protecting information. I think in our personal lives most of us...

Based in Stearns, Kentucky, with 250 employees, Outdoor Venture Corporation (OVC) develops, designs, and manufactures commercial tent systems, military tent systems, sleeping bags, and hunting products. In business since 1972, OVC was one of the...

We’re all familiar with Smokey the Bear and the “ Only You Can Prevent Wildfires ” slogan. In 2015, Smokey got an update and the new “Receive a Bear Hug” ads ran nationwide. In the ad, Smokey runs out of the woods and gives a big bearhug to a camper...

Another productive (I do believe that manufacturing productivity is on the rise) year has flown by and it is once again time for Manufacturing Day. This year, Manufacturing Day, also known as MFG Day, will be held on October 5 th – the first Friday...

Armstrong Marine manufactures custom-designed aluminum boats. Based in Port Angeles, Washington, the company has around 50 employees. Located in the north Olympic Peninsula of Washington state, Armstrong Marine had difficulty hiring qualified marine...

Opti Manufacturing Corporation is a family-owned company based in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Opti’s feature product is a unique cable tensiometer, and it also specializes in wiring harness and cable assemblies for aerospace and military applications. A...

The number of individuals earning degrees in engineering has increased steadily over the past decade, and those numbers will only continue to grow. In particular, one subdiscipline of engineering is looking ever more appealing to students:...

This article originally appeared on Industry Week . Guest blog post by Michael Lobsinger, the Director of Business Growth Solutions and Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the Center for Economic Growth . How a family metal-cutting company took...