This is a study we recently conducted of North American manufacturers. Gimme a shout if you want to discuss - or just comment here.



More than one-third of North American manufacturers responding to MFG.com’s most recent MFGWatch survey say they’ve experienced a significant supply chain disruption in the past three months, and more than 70% indicate they plan to maintain or increase employment at their plants.

MFG.com, the largest global sourcing marketplace for the manufacturing industry, co… Continue

Fortune magazine has named Steve Jobs the "CEO of the Decade". Bully for him. By their criteria I suppose he deserves the title. Apple's stock has performed incredibly well and the market cap for Apple makes it the biggest in Silicon Valley. No question about the innovative products he has cranked out - iPods and iPhones have been a huge success. Too bad even a little bit of that geni… Continue

Does anyone know if there are any plants in the U. S. manufacturing digital televisions? Not just assembly, but actual manufacturing? Thanks. Gil

The following is an analysis from Daniel J. Meckstroth, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, regarding the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) index for October 2009:

“The ISM report that its index rose to 55.7 in October 2009 from 52.6 percent in September,” Meckstroth said. “A larger positive spread between the current index and 50 percent indicates accelerating growth. Clearly, the October report is very good news in many respects. An increase in manufacturing produc… Continue

In an age when corporate survival often depends on robust, innovative strategies, companies are increasingly turning to mechanisms that provide effective planning and prognostication for the future. After all, why devote resources to a strategy without knowing where it will take the organization? Technology roadmapping helps companies answer critical “what, why, how and when” questions related to their manufacturing strategy, allowing them to formulate their strategic plan using a comprehensive… Continue

The European Commission have just issued a Communication “Electra” – for a competitive and sustainable electrical engineering industry in the EU (COM(2009) 594 final) thereby signaling it strong commitment to following up Electra report, issued last year.

See our Press Release… Continue

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Despite the United States' attention on eco-friendly programs and policies, a new survey suggests most businesses are not planning to step up their efforts in this area within the next year. The survey was conducted by… Continue

The following is an analysis from Cliff Waldman, Economist for the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, regarding the durable goods report (+1 percent) for September 2009:

“The September report on new orders for long-lasting manufactured goods complements other recent data in painting a picture of a weak-kneed economic and manufacturing recovery,” Waldman said. “Total new orders, excluding the volatile transportation component, were up by nearly 1 percent in September but remain more than 20 percent be… Continue

We have published a second update of our Practical Guide for downstream users, article producers and article importers to understanding REACH. The updated edition (Oct 09) includes revised guidance on authorisation requirements and communication in the supply chain. It also includes a list of implementing measures, helpdesks and finalised ECHA guidance documents. In addition it includes new guidance on:

1. Substance Information Exchange Fora (SIEF)
2. The updated Candidate List and an outline o… Continue

Since the financial crisis last fall, currency markets have taken their cues mostly from stock markets. When stocks plunged in March of this year, investors rushed to the safety of U.S. government bonds, pushing the dollar index up to 89.62, the highest point this year. The value of the euro has risen by 79% in nine years since euro hit 0.84 in Oct. 2000. What's next for the U.S. Dollar, and its impact on the market?… Continue