2009 the american mold builder - fall
TRANSCRIPT
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www.ambtheamerican
mold builder
Volume 24 No. 1
IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:
fall2009
fall2009
Steve RotmanSteve Rotman
speak outa message from our president
Were back from a very exciting, successful Fall Conference in Washington
DC. To all of you who took the time to make this worthwhile journey,
would like to say Thank You! We appreciate your willingness to take tim
out of your busy schedules to make our industry and business issues known
to our elected ofcials. Kudos to Melissa and the rest of the AMBA staff for all their hard
work and dedication to making the conference go smoothly as well as organized. The 5
congressional meetings were very impressive and required a lot of effort and dedication t
assemble. I am sure that we learned a lot of dos and donts for future D.C. meetings
The biggest lesson to remember is that we have to keep ourselves in front of the politicians
During the conference our southeast delegation waited in Senator Hagans ofce for ap
proximately 20 minutes. While waiting we watched as three young internists answered th
constantly ringing phones. We could tell that the calls were from constituents asking th
status of certain benets controlled by the government, and then the questioning of eithethe Senators help or stand for an upcoming vote. We have got to be that same incessan
voice that keeps the plight of small business, as well as manufacturing in the forefront a
the answer to the high unemployment gures that are plaguing any sort of economic re
covery. The opportunity to be heard is at the best level that I have seen in the past 10 years!
Shifting forward, it seems that mold orders are starting to trend upwards, and
that is a welcome relief to all of our membership. Our trend in this industry has al
ways been very forward looking in the economy and this bit of news is a strong in
dicator that there is a potential upswing coming. Not exactly sure how long
it will be there, but we must take the good and try to build on it, being wary
of the other issues that might be negatively affecting any sustained recovery
Plans continue to rm up for the 2010 annual convention in Orlando, Florida. Melissa and staff are again aggressively looking to bring value and content to the program
with subjects that will bring up interesting challenges, as well as discussion with fellow
Fall Conference RecapFall Conference Recap
(continued on Pg 8)
AMBA NewsAMBA News
Chapter NewsChapter News
Business Success StrategiesBusiness Success Strategies
Business Forecast ResultsBusiness Forecast Results
2010 AMBA Annual ConventionBuena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
Orlando, Florida
March 21-25, 2010
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2 AMBA
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jut bau l
th a thing v,
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AMBA 3
Te ocial publication of
American Mold Builders Association
Leading the Future of U.S.
Mold Manufacturing
3601 Algonquin Rd, Suite 304 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
phone: 847.222.9402 fax: 847.222.9437
email: [email protected] website: www.amba.org
Ocers and Board o Directors
PresidentSteve Rotman, Ameritech Die & Mold, Inc.Vice-PresidentMike Armbrust, Mako Mold CorporationSecretary
Shawn McGrew, Prodigy Mold & oolTreasurerKent Hanson, H.S. Die & Engineering, Inc.Executive DirectorMelissa Millhu
Association Legal CouncelRichard N. Mueller & Associates
Board o Directors
Michael Armbrust, Mako Mold CorporationShawn McGrew, Prodigy Mold & oolKent Hanson, H.S. Die & Engineering, Inc.Justin McPhee, Mold CraftRobert Earnhardt, Superior ooling
odd Finley, Commercial ool & DieDan Glass, Strohwig IndustriesScott Harris, Harris Precision MoldRoger Klouda. M.S.I. Mold BuildersDonna Pursell, Prestige Mold, Inc.Scott Phipps, United ool & MoldRobert Vaughan, Dauntless MoldsMike Walter, ME Plastics
AMBA Staf
Melissa Millhu, Executive DirectorSue Daniels, Member Services CoordinatorShannon Merrill, National Chapter CoordinatorKim Cobb, Administrative Coordinator
e American Mold Builder is published four times annually in spring,
summer, fall and winter by the American Mold Builders Association.
Editor: Melissa Millhu; Assistant Editor: Sue Daniels; Contributing
Author: Clare Goldsberry; Layout & Design: Controlled Color, Inc.
phone 630/295-9210; Publishing: Independant Print Services,
phone 847-397-1701; Copy deadline: 25 days preceeding publication
date. Contact AMBA at 847/222-9402 or email [email protected] for
advertising information, article submission ideas, or a subscription.
Opinions expressed in this publication may or may not reect the views
of the Association, and do not necessarily represent ocial positions or
policies of the Association or its members.
Octobers issue ofMoldmaking Technology magazineshowed that for the rst time in two years, their MoldBusiness Index has climbed back above the 50-line.What this indicates is that the industry recession isending and activity for moldmakers will graduallyimprove. Ive been in this job for two years and am
excited to see what this means for our members and for the AMBA!
So now that business is getting better, what are you going to do withit? Are you prepared for the future of our industry? I urge all of you tocome to Orlando in March 2010 for our Annual Convention. Our theme
is Mold the Future of Your Business, and we have a phenomenallineup of speakers. Our speakers are going to discuss the state of ourindustry, show you what to do to diversify your business into newindustries, keep you updated on tooling trends, and give you tips tomanage your business. You will not get this type of information in asingle event anywhere else.
The value of this convention and its inevitable return on investmentmake this 2010s cant miss event! If youve never been to an AMBAconvention, make an appearance in Orlando. I guarantee you wont bedisappointed! See everyone in Orlando!
Melissa MillhuffExecutive Director
In this Issue:Fall Business Forecast Survey ..............................................................................4AMBA 2009 Fall Conference Recap .....................................................................7
2010 AMBA Convention PreviewManufacturing a Better Future for America ........................................10Future of the Workforce ........................................................................12Te Flexibility Imperative .....................................................................14What Are Banks Looking for in odays Economy? .............................16Progressive Partnerships .......................................................................20Registration is Now Open for the AMBA2010 Annual Convention ..................................................................21Convention Registration Form ........................................................23
10 Tings Most People Do Not Know About Injection Mold Making .............24AMBA News........................................................................................................25
Member News ....................................................................................................27AMBA Welcomes New Members .......................................................................29Chapter News .....................................................................................................29Chapter Spotlight - Wisconsin Chapter ............................................................31West Michigan 2nd Annual Chapter Golf Outing ..............................................32Minnesota 14th Annual Chapter Golf Outing .................................................33AMBA Partner Spotlight: Welcome New Partners! ..........................................34Partner News ......................................................................................................34News for Die Casters ..........................................................................................35
Gibson InsuranceTe WARN Act .....................................................................................37Pandemic Preparedness ........................................................................38Good Housekeeping ..............................................................................38Putting Teir Best Foot Forward:Keeping Workers Feet Safe on the Job ................................................39
Human ResourcesKeeping Employees Happy -While ightening the Benets Budget .................................................41Stang Up - Stang Right ...................................................................41Protecting Personal Information ..........................................................41Managing Performance .........................................................................42
Business Success StrategiesTere Is Value in Struggle ....... ................. .................. ................. .....42In the Safe Zone: Parking Lot Safety ....................................................42How Business Credit Ratings Are Determined .................................43Corporations Annual Meeting and Corporate Minutes .................44
AMBA Answers ...................................................................................................44Classied Corner ................................................................................................45ech Corner ........................................................................................................45
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AMBA 5
The AMBA Business Forecast Survey was developed to provide AMBA members with information
on the current business conditions and a projection of the upcoming months. The Fall 2009
Survey resulted a response rate of 44% from AMBA members. Business remains "Good"
for 23% of the respondents, and for 7% of the respondents it is "Excellent."
AMBA Fall 2009 Business Forecast Survey Results
AMBA Members Current Business
Conditions
7%5%
27%
38%23% Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bad
Projection of Business Over the Next 3
Months
35%
11%2%
8%
44%
Increase
Substantially
Increase
Moderately
Remain the
Same
Decrease
Moderately
Decrease
Substantially
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Up Same Down
Current Level of Business in Last 3 Months
Quoting
Shipments
Backlog
Profits
Employment
Current Work-Week Hours
43 43
0
10
20
30
40
50
WorkHours
Average Shop Hours Average Design & Engineering Hours
Current Number Plant Employees
21 5
0
10
20
30
40
50
PlantEmployees
Average Shop Employees Average Design & Engineering Employees
Have you been experiencing more pressure for "low cost" from your customers recently?
80%
20%
Yes
No
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AMBA 7
Another Successful AMBA Fall Conference
in Washington, D.C.
The American Mold Builders Association roared into Washington, D.C.
on September 13, on the heels of one of the biggest Tea Parties ever held
that took place on September 12. Many of the AMBA members arrived
a day early in order to attend the Tea Party along with an estimated
1.2 million others. The Fall Conference was a huge success, with 57
attendees meeting with 58 Senators and Representatives from the various
states and districts of members in attendance.
On Monday, September 14, Melissa Millhuff, AMBAs Executive
Director, opened the morning session with enthusiasm. Its exciting to
be here to do something positive for our industry, she said. Talking to
congresspeople is what makes a difference for U.S. manufacturing, and
especially for our member companies.
AMBA president Steve Rotman, (Ameritech Die & Mold Inc.) spoke to
the attendees and encouraged them to help keep the American Dream
alive of owning ones own business so that future generations can
follow in the footsteps of his generation. For those coming up behind
my generation, its becoming harder than ever for them to sustain that
American Dream, take the risks and become successful, Rotman said.
Thats why were here in Washington to let our elected ofcials know
whats happening to the American Dream, and why we need to keep theentrepreneurial spirit alive: because its the life blood of this country.
Special guest speakers Alan Tonelson of the U.S. Business and Industry
Council and Lloyd Wood of the American Manufacturing Trade Action
Coalition kicked off the conference with statistics and other information
to help AMBA members approach Congressional people with the issues.
Tonelson agreed with Rotmans assessment. The health of the U.S.
mold industry is an indicator of the health of U.S. manufacturing
overall, he said. You are all at ground zero of the efforts to strengthen
U.S. manufacturing.
Tonelson noted in his report that the recession has hit manufacturing
especially hard. Whereas the entire economy grew by 0.74% in
real terms in 2008, the non-bubble-ized manufacturing shrank by
2.74%, Tonelson said. Manufacturings output losses so far in this
recession (down 16.7%) already exceed even those of the 1973-1975
recession (15.32%) formerly the worst U.S. downturn since the Great
Depression.
AMBA vice president and incoming president, Mike Armbrust of
Mako Mold, commented in his remarks, Unless we come here and tell
them the challenges we face in our businesses each day, they are so far
removed from the mainstream that they dont understand the plight of
manufacturers in this country.
Tonelsons remarks supported Armbrusts. Congresspeople have no
idea how to create wealth, capital, productive industry, and yet its the
productive sector of the economy that must be revived if we are torestore this countrys economy, he said.
Tonelson pointed to some successes over the past year including getting
Buy American language for government procurement for the Stimulus
Act, but this needs to be expanded upon, he said. Also, Free Trade
agreements are going nowhere thats good, he stated. Theres no
support in Congress for this.
Additionally, stated Tonelson, After years of being out, talk of U.S.
manufacturing in now in. Revitalizing U.S. manufacturing has gotten
their attention, and they are at least talking the talk, and now we have to
hold their feet to the re and make them live up to what theyre saying.
However, Tonelson added, There are still constant challenges that
confront us in spite of the fact that manufacturing is once again cool.
The national governing class doesnt get it yet. Obama is getting it.
Tonelson pointed to some struggles such as a China currency bill to get
to peg the Yuan to the dollar. Theres no zeal for this, he said. With
respect to trade policy, I worry that they will game us forever. Trade-law
cases have their use, but most others have limited utility. We cant win
fast enough [for it to help us].
U.S. manufacturing is not unied enough to have an impact, Tonelsonsaid. Cap & Trade, which is essentially a tax on businesses in the House
Climate bill, doesnt seem to have much support with Obama or the
Senate.
Lloyd Wood of the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition
said he agreed with everything Tonelson said. Some things out there
are truly shocking, he stated. U.S. manufacturing never came out of
the 2000 recession and was only made worse a year ago. We produce
less today that we did 10 years ago, but demand has increased. That is
absolutely stunning.
Wood also pointed to job losses in manufacturing. Manufacturing
employment is at its lowest level since May 1941 yet the population
has doubled and demand is up 10 times. Productivity gains dont answer
the problem.
Wood encouraged attendees to Tell your Congressmen and women
that we must get people to invest in the U.S. to manufacture here. We
need a strategic plan to attract investments. Thats an enormous problem
- theres just no game plan to attract investment. If the U.S. wants to
be rich, we all need to produce something we cant all be bankers or
waiters.
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8 AMBA
Wood conrmed Tonelsons statement about Congress not being in favor
of doing anything about the China currency issue. A lot of people in
this administration arent in favor of this, Wood said. Congress wont
actively do anything. Because of the massive amount of debt we cant
subsidize industries like China subsidizes industries. How can we attract
productive investments? Perhaps a value added tax, because 90% of the
countries have a VAT. China has a 17% VAT. We dont have Uncle Sam,
we have Uncle Suck.
Tonelson added that the big problem with China is that its tough to
pressure your banker. Yet, he noted that were still in the cat birds seat
with Chinas leaders because they need our market. If unemployment
goes up in China, theres trouble and we have leverage. However, the
less credit worthy we become and roll over, this leverage is going to
shrink. The Chinese are not the only holders of our foreign debt, and
others might decide to cut us off. I worry that at some point they no
longer have choices between good and bad outcomes, but between bad
and worse outcomes. The longer we proceed down this road, as bad as
it would be to cut us off, it would be worse for them to keep us on life-
support.
Wood concurred. The U.S. is the goose laying the golden eggs for
China, he said. The number one political issue for China is political
stability. A million jobs a year need to be created just to keep the
growing population employed. If their export markets dry up, their
economy is hurt far worse than if ours dries up.
In the afternoon, all eight AMBA delegations headed off to Capital
Hill to begin a full schedule of meetings. Rotman said that his group
had a total of nine meetings representing the southeast. We found
great discussions from both sides of the political spectrum, and felt
that we were able to articulate the concerns of plastics manufacturing,
moldmaking, small businesses, and the overall concern of how to get
the economy going again. Everyone is our group feels that the time they
invested was well worth it, and they hope to participate again.
On Tuesday, the meeting schedule on Capital Hill began early in the
morning and continued through late afternoon.
With all of the changes that have been made, or are being considered,
there has been no time like the present to get engaged and active, saidRotman. Without public participation, our politicians are not sure what
we like and what we dont like. This experience continues to bring out
how proud and blessed we are to have the freedoms we enjoy every day.
To see our government up close and personal is an experience I will
never forget. o
Speak Out: A Message From Our President
(Continued from front cover)
shop owner/managers. The pricing has been kept low, and it will be one
of the most affordable annual conventions in years. The accessibility of
Orlando to all major airports will keep the travel costs at a minimum.
This convention can not be a success without your participation! The
interaction between the convention attendees as well as the differentthoughts and discussions with fellow mangers and shop owners create
a total package of value. Our association continues to be a leader in
retention and positive inuence amongst the membership, and that is due
to everyone participating in the chapter level and national level events.
Ive been privileged to have spoken with quite a few of the rst-time
attendees during the last annual convention and Fall conference. Each of
those people expressed the great value they experienced, the networking
that they enjoyed, as well as their intentions to continue to pursue it. I
look forward to seeing YOU in Orlando, you will not want to miss it!
Fighting for the right/opportunity to manufacture in the United States of
America! o
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AMBA 9
Mold The Futureof Your Business
If you cant answer those questions,
then you need to join the
For more information, visit www.AMBA.org
or call 847-222-9402
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10 AMBA
Manufacturing a Better Future
for AmericaBy: Scott Paul, Executive Director, Alliance for American
Manufacturing and presenter at the upcoming 2010 AMBA Annual
Convention in Orlando, FL
Weve been privileged at the Alliance for
American Manufacturing to visit with tensof thousands of workers and hundreds of
manufacturers to see whats happening
on the ground rsthand over the past two
years. As you can imagine, the news is
grim. Thats because for manufacturing,
this recession began about a decade
ago. But recently, this decline has been
turbocharged. Its clear that bold solutions
are required to revitalize manufacturing,
which is why we have sought to collect the
wisdom of innovative thinkers around the
nation.
To that end, we published Manufacturing a Better Future for America.With contributions from ten leading academics and experts, the
book takes a comprehensive look at some of the major issues facing
manufacturing today: international trade, an array of subsidies
offered by our global economic competitors, the consequences of the
offshoring of research and development, the shocking lack of support
for investment in advanced manufacturing, the appalling state of skills
and training programs, the challenges for domestic manufacturers in
globalized supply chains, and the consequences of deindustrialization
on society, communities, and our defense industrial base.
Even without reading this book, we all know that something has gone
terribly wrong with the U.S. economy. But chalking up the blame to a
few bad apples on Wall Street and their risky nancial instruments, and
responding by simply providing appropriate regulation in the nancialservices sector, will ultimately be unsatisfying. There are much deeper,
structural issues which must be urgently addressed. Otherwise, the
absurd positive feedback loop between consumer debt, subsidized
Chinese imports, American job loss and factory closures, the growing
U.S. current account decit, and burgeoning Chinese currency reserves
reinvested in American debt, thus inating new bubbles, will only be
reinforced.
Some of us warned that this day would come. We knew that an
economic strategy predicated on replacing wage growth with debt and
credit to maintain a certain standard of living was doomed to fail. We
knew that this nation could not replace manufacturing jobs and their
multiplier effect, as well as their positive impact on the trade balance
and wealth generation, with lower-wage service and retail jobs. We
knew that our national security would begin to suffer if we did not have
a vibrant enough manufacturing base to resupply our troops and provide
the armaments for the future. We knew that if our leaders viewed
international trade as a foreign policy tool and a path to cheap imports,
rather than as an essential element for economic growth and domestic
production, the consequences would be disastrous.
The warnings came not only from labor leaders, domestic
manufacturers, and an insightful group of elected ofcialsthey came
also from very traditional economic quarters. Well before this new,
great recession began, Warren Buffet said Our trade decit has greatly
worsened, to the point that our countrys net worth, so to speak, is
now being transferred abroad at an alarming rate. A perpetuation of
this transfer will lead to major trouble. Martin Feldsteinformer
Chairman of President Reagans Council of Economic Advisorssaid,
The present level of the current account decit is enormous, it is
unprecedented and I believe it is unsustainable.
The consequences have been dire. More than 50,000 manufacturing
facilities have shut their doors over the last decade. They werent
making buggy whips; they were manned by some of the most efcientworkers in the world. Now, we already have large and growing trade
decits in sectors such as advanced technology and clean energy, even
though these supposedly represent new economy sectors and the jobs
of the future in the eyes of many.
The failure of our domestic and international trade policies to support
manufacturing must be quickly reversed. We urgently need a national
manufacturing strategy. The idea of a manufacturing strategy or
industrial policy is hardly a radical concept. Alexander Hamilton
constructed Americas rst industrial policy in 1791. Setbacks during
the War of 1812 due to a lack of domestic capacity to build naval
vessels and military equipment cemented the determination of the
federal government to grow manufacturing, a policy that continued unti
the end of World War II. Globalization and economic approaches suchas a strong dollar policy favoring domestic consumption have helped
to steadily erode manufacturing as a percentage of Gross Domestic
Product, private sector employment, and other key measures. If todays
leaders spent more time focusing on Hamilton and less time on Adam
Smith and David Ricardo, I dont think wed be facing the prospects of
a jobless recovery.
The idea of a manufacturing strategy is also not a partisan one.
President Reaganspurred on by a Democratic Congressadopted a
urry of measures to counter a grossly imbalanced trade relationship
with Europe and Japan in the 1980s. The Plaza Accords, which raised
the value of currencies in Japan and Europe relative to the dollar in
a managed way, had a positive effect in lowering our trade decit.
Key government investments in the semiconductor industry andother technologies spurred their development and commercialization.
President Reagan signed into law enhanced Buy America requirements
for certain infrastructure projects to boost domestic employment. His
Administration implemented the Market Oriented Sector Specic
or MOSS talks with Japan that focused on market access with
measurable results.
Apply those principles to the economic challenges of today, and
you have the foundation of a manufacturing strategy: raise the
value of Chinasyuan to market-based levels, invest in value-added
manufacturing such as clean energy and industries with strategic
signicance, and engage in serious bilateral talks with China to ensure
that it honors the commitments it made upon entry into the WTO in
2001 to eliminate its myriad mercantilist and protectionist policies.
Finally, keepBuy America requirements in place so that tax dollars
are re-invested in our economy and the employment benets of
infrastructure spending accrue not only to the construction industry, but
also to our manufacturers.
But a successful manufacturing strategy must go deeper than that.
We must provide access to much-needed capital for small- and mid-
sized manufacturers to help capture new clean energy markets, both
here and abroad. At a time when access to capital is still very tight, a
public commitment like this is essential. Moreover, those who say the
market alone should dictate winners and losers forget three important
lessons. First, some of the greatest innovations since World WarII
Scott Paul
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AMBA 11
the semiconductor and the internetwere developed with public
assistance. Second, our policies already pick winners and losers, but
we tend to pick the wrong winnersthose who prot through selling
cheap, subsidized imports, or those companies heavily invested in fossil
fuels. Lets pick winners in more productive, sustainable, and wealth-
generating activities like domestic manufacturing instead. Third, other
nations are aggressively supporting emerging industries like clean
energy. Unless we want green manufacturing jobs created in Shanghai
instead of Cincinnati, or Dusseldorf instead of Denver, we must supportdomestic development of these industries.
A key component of any manufacturing strategy must be public
investment, especially in infrastructure. The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act made a down payment on infrastructure investment,
but our nation will still be hampered by what the American Society
of Civil Engineers estimates is a $2.2 trillion decit in infrastructure
investment over the next ve years. Improving our infrastructure
provides a greater return on investment for taxpayers than tax cuts
and virtually every other form of spending. In the process, it boosts
construction jobs, stimulates demand for manufactured goods, and
improves productivity and economic growth by making transportation
more efcient. According to a recent study by economists at the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst, ensuring that the materialspurchased with tax dollars for infrastructure projects are sourced
domestically creates 33% more manufacturing jobs.
The cost, supply and composition of energy resources consumed by
our manufacturers must also be considered, especially in the context of
federal and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It would be a grave mistake to put our energy intensive industries at a
competitive disadvantage as an unintended consequence of seeking to
control greenhouse gas emissions. America can lead on climate change,
but only if we can also prevent job and carbon leakage which would
make our economic and environmental challenges even difcult.
We must also look at changes to the federal tax code to incentivize
domestic production, allow hard-hit manufacturers to make investments
and explore a Value Added Tax structure to give our exports a boost.
Finally, our skills and training system has been decimated. We need toinvest in a seamless, four year program of high school vocational and
technical programs and community college-level technical training to
prepare young people for manufacturing careers.
Does anyone still believe it is a good thing to outsource not only our
manufacturing but also our debt nancing to China? Revitalizing
manufacturing, reducing our trade imbalances and bringing down our
public debt are interconnected. We need a results-oriented trade and
manufacturing policy. Lets put our ingenuity and innovation to work,
and lets get government policy working for us. o
Why I Joined the AMBA:
We joined AMBA because o the involvement with Congresson issues such as ree trade, and their meetings with the U.S.International Trade Commission. We wanted to be part o themore local and national involvement in the issues that aect ourindustry.
Matt Metcalf, VP/Finance, Colonial Machine Co. , Kent, OH
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12 AMBA
Future of the WorkforceBy: Ryan Pohl, President, Expert Technical Training, and presenter
at the upcoming 2010 AMBA Annual Convention in Orlando, FL
As this article is being written headlines
are running across a variety of news
sources proclaiming the end of the
recession. Please forgive my cynicism but
it is clear these people are not looking at
the tooling industry to get their numbers.
Of course if the overall economy is doing
better that is a great thing for us, but the
numbers for our industry have remained
in a consistent downward trend since the
late 1990s. Projected decline for the tool
and die industry in the U.S. according
to the Department of Labor Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) still shows an almost
10% industry reduction by 2016. This is obviously due to a number of
factors, foreign competition not being the least of them. Regardless, if
youre in the tool and die industry in this country business as usual is
business in decline, and it could be that way for a while yet.
Despite all this I look to the future with a great deal of optimism. I have
yet to nd a single report, even one survey from OEMs, government,
or anyone else that has proclaimed the tool and die industry in America
ofcially dead. In fact, a recent study done by the Harbour-Felax Group
out of Detroit indicates there could be substantial opportunity for select
companies to experience growth within the next ve years, provided
they have done the right things for their businesses to lay a strong
foundation. In spite of the projection of an overall industry decline,
those that make the right moves now may even thrive.
It has been my pleasure and honor to get to know a number of
moldmaking companies that have responded appropriately to
the variety of challenges the current market has presented. Many
moldmaking companies have invested heavily in the latest CNC anddesign technologies. They have also taken the time to implement Lean
initiatives; thus helping them eliminate waste, increase productivity
and ultimately reduce their lead-times by as much as 30% or more.
These efforts have served them well; not only are they still in business,
but they are even managing to turn a prot. The company that has
the foresight to invest when the time is right will be one of the select
companies poised to take advantage of opportunities for growth when
they arise.
There is, however, one investment that continues to be overlooked as
part of a growth strategy; the investment in employee training and
education. When the moldmaking industry was experiencing growth
it was easy to assume there would be a competent workforce available
because the industry was heavily supported by our education system. Ican tell you from experience, the money for public education programs
follows growth industries. It is simple; someone at the Department of
Education that knows very little about a specic industry looks at the
BLS projections and drives their scal plans based on those projections.
When an industry grows, they serve it. When it shrinks, they back away.
They give no thought to the long-term implications of the decision, or
the foundational importance of many of the industries they decide to
stop feeding.
So in the last 10-15 years as the moldmaking industry has been in
decline, public education has responded the way they historically do
Ryan Pohl
they have backed away from us. There have been other reasons for
backing away too. The technology has advanced over a short amount
of time and it has been very difcult for schools to keep up. The new
technology is extremely expensive, and requires a lot of specic
training for the instructors to know where to even begin teaching it.
These issues, coupled with a diminishing public perception of the
industry, have made it very easy for educational administrators to cut
moldmaking feeder programs whenever they get the chance and they
are doing it at an alarming rate.
So here we are, on top of the countless other struggles tooling
companies are faced with, there is a dangerously low amount of people
entering our industry with the requisite skills to be successful. In 1998
the BLS rated the average age of tool and die workers at 47. The BLS
hasnt updated that statistic since 98, but reports from a variety of
independent sources estimate an average age currently at anywhere
between 53-60 years old, depending on the region. If an industry is
doing a good job of talent management as a whole, the Department of
Labor indicates that the average age of the worker should be around 38.
This would mean there is a healthy entrance of workers as others exit.
Our great moldmaking industry simply does not have a healthy
replacement rate. Some projections estimate that over 35% of ourworkforce will either change careers or retire within the next ve years.
This means, even if the tool and die industry shrinks by 10% that still
leaves approximately 25,000 jobs available, simply due to attrition.
Considering the public perception of our industry, and the fact that
moldmaking related education programs are closing all over the nation,
it is an understatement to say we need to have a plan to deal with this.
We are talking about numbers that cannot only restrict growth, but may
affect long-term survival if left unaddressed.
As most in this industry are used to by now, nobody is going to bail us
out. We are going to have to handle this problem ourselves. There are
two things that I believe moldmaking companies should start working
on today to prepare for this challenge, if they have not started already.
First, start developing an internal training program that specically
meets your needs. A good training program covers four primary bases:
1.Worker recruitment and hiring. You must have established criteria
for where you are going to nd future workers and what attributes those
workers must have to start at your company.
2.Structured new employee training plans. You must know exactly
what your new employees are going to do when they arrive. The days of
go work with Bob over there, hell show you the ropes are long gone.
Training should be viewed as a controlled process just like anything
else in your shop. You do not want to spend six months with a new
employee before you nd out s/he does not have what it takes.
3. Existing employee training. You need to make sure your existing
employees have the top-of-the-line skills they need to make your
company successful. A common mistake companies make is buying all
the latest and greatest technology but fail to invest in the people running
it. A million dollar high-speed mill will not make you any money if it is
run like an old duplicator. Your existing employees need to be trained to
use the technology. They will not learn by just being around it.
4. Continuous-education plans. To compete in manufacturing,
companies must continuously improve. This means the workers must
continuously learn. Put a plan in place that forces your employees
to learn something new regularly, this will keep their minds exible
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and adaptable. Continuous education is like doing maintenance on
machines. If you fail to do it, you will not feel the effects until it is too
late.
The second thing I would like to recommend is that you get involved
with the AMBA immediately. Working together as an industry is
much more powerful than working as a single shop. The AMBA board
recently formed an education committee, call Melissa Millhuff, the
AMBA Executive Director and volunteer your help. I guarantee youare doing things that can help others, and it is time we share our best
practices. We are in this together.
It is not too late to tackle this issue. The writing is on the wall for those
that choose to read it. The only real question remaining is what will
be done about it? With great challenge comes great opportunity, and
it is my hope that through working with the AMBA, we will all work
together to develop a resolution that is the model for other industries to
follow in America.
I am looking forward to expanding on this topic in Orlando at the 2010
AMBA annual convention. I hope to meet many of you there so we
can discuss your ideas for conquering this challenge. And please, go
to my blog and contribute your thoughts on how to restore the publicsperception of the work we do:www.changetheperception.com
For more information, contact:Ryan Pohl, President, Expert Technical
Training at 616-785-5733 or by email at ryan.pohl@expert-technical.
com. Visit his website at www.expert-technical.com . o
The Flexibility ImperativeBy: Laurie Harbour-Felax, President, Harbour Results, Inc. and
presenter at the upcoming 2010 AMBA Annual Convention in
Orlando, FL
The automotive industry is revisiting
how it makes decisions to determine if
design differences unseen by the customer
really matter to the marketplace. As
design complexity grows so do the cost
of achieving the same. Managing the
intersection of design and build decisions
is pivotal in achieving cost objectives
while delivering value to a challenging
marketplace. Moldbuilders live at this
intersection and are pivotal in the success
of the automotive industry.
Complex products, diverse and global
markets, increased competitive brands, segments, and models have
made production and delivery exibility an imperative in todays
challenging vehicle marketplace. As the global economies struggle
to nd their balance, with diminished sales in virtually every productline targeted at specic markets, the need for dedicated high volume
manufacturing capabilities is quickly vanishing.
The automotive industry understands that it can no longer invest in
high-volume production capacity and large dealer inventories believing
that all that it makes will sell. It requires exibility, where production
resources such as people, materials, equipment, tools, methods, and
Laurie Harbour-Felax
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collaborative communications. Apply theve rights to Flexibility
Process activities by leveraging the right resources, right time, right
place, and right activities, in the right order.Integrate past, present
and future product and process designs when advancing exibility
objectives and practices. Lastly and perhaps most importantlyplay
fair by understanding and applying the rules of value-based decision
making.
Forward towards future exibilityNothing is more inexible than the past. As oft quoted by Sparky
Anderson, former Manager of the Detroit Tigers I dont live in the
past, there is no future in it! Achieving exibility is afuture oriented
proposition. True leaders understand how to respond to the ever-
changing needs of the market through measured and risk-based decision
making that guide future investments and current practices.
We believe that the automotive industry has a bright future; but not for
everyone and certainly not for the usual industry players. Both Honda
and Toyota having achieved unparalleled success against domestic
rivals using business and operational practices, repeatedly shared to the
point of exasperation dont appear to be heeded by all. The domestic
model is broken not because it cant design an appealing vehicle or
balance an assembly line. It is broken because it has not enjoined aculture of value and loyalty, from its customers, its employees, and its
supply base.
Flexibility requires not only integrated product, manufacturing, and
distribution processes that match supply exactly to demand, but
challenges leadership to build a culture or completely re-architect a
culture, where we the producer understand that our actions, impact
we the consumer. This unity in purpose is the societal balance that
exibility seeks. o
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What Are Banks Looking for in
Todays Economy?By: Susan Raef
The banking world works in cycles, just
like the economy, said Patrick McNally,
partner in charge of corporate nance
consulting for Blackman Kallick inChicago and presenter at the upcoming
2010 AMBA Annual Convention in
Orlando, FL. For years, we were in a
period of low interest rates and easy credit
availability. But the world has changed.
On Wednesday, August 12, 2009 McNally
and Michael Moran, principal/rst vice
president at American Chartered Bank, led
an AMBA-sponsored webinar, What Are
Banks Looking for in Todays Economy?
Here are some highlights from the online
seminar.
Collateral has become much more
important to bankers, McNally
acknowledged. The pendulum has swung
quickly from good times to todays tight
credit market, and interest rates have
nowhere to go but up.
What has stayed the same in todays
economy?
If youre over-leveraged, its hard to get
nancingand its even harder now, said McNally. If youre not
over-leveraged, banks still need to lend money to make money.
But banks need to lend people who will pay them back.
A look at things from the bankers perspective
As the old saying goes, a banker is someone who will loan you an
umbrella on a sunny day and take it back as soon as it starts to rain. But
if you need to borrow money, its important to understand the bankers
side of the equation.
Only a small percentage of a loan is the banks own money. The vast
majority comes from depositors. Whether the borrower pays a loan back
or not, the banks customers expect to get their money back.
If a bank makes one bad loan, they must make 19 good loans just to
break even, McNally adds.
Consider patient sources of capital
McNally discussed several alternatives to bank nancing. There could
be more patient sources of capital, he explained, but they expect a
higher rate of return and there could be hidden costs.
Sources of patient capital include:
Family or friends. This could work wellor might place a strain
on the relationship, said McNally.
Angel investors. These investors may not expect to see a payback
for ve to 10 years, McNally explained, but they will extract a
high costequity in your businessan upside you will have given
away forever.
Pat McNally
Michael Moran
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Have well-thought-out plans and projections. If your business
is changinggrowing a segment, getting into a new product or
business linedo a short plan of how your business will change in
the next year or two, Moran advised.
Maintain capital/equity base/capital structure. Build a cushion
by paying down the debt, said Moran. The bank will not nance
all your working capital growth. Retained earnings are very
important.
Have repayment sources. These could include your accounts
receivable, cash ow and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization). Demonstrate that sources are there
to repay your loan, Moran stressed.
Have available collateral. Collateral must be saleable, said
Moran. Be aware that equipment values have gone down
dramatically lately.
Stay well within covenants. Banks use protability and leverage
covenants, Moran explained. If you violate these covenants, the
bank may need to adjust your loan prole. Most loan covenant
violations are waived, with or without a fee.
Communicate openly with your bank.
It takes a long time to build trust, but only a short time to destroy
it, said McNally. If you think youre going to be in a hard situation,
contact your bank up front and explain the situation and how you plan
to deal with it.
What should you do if youre experiencing nancial problems?
Communicate, said McNally. Good communication builds
partnership, understanding and credibility. At the rst sign of a
problemlike losing a big customertalk with your bank. Outline a
plan and discuss it with your banker.
The bank is going to nd out about the problem eventually, McNallyadvised. Telling them early can help build your credibility, and there
might be something the bank can do at that point. If you wait, it might
be too late. Avoid an us vs. them mentality. Banks want to work with
you if they can.
Ask, What can I do to improve the banks situation? Youre in
a partnership closer than ever before, especially if youve made a
personal guarantee, said McNally. And ask questions of the bank
communication must be two-way. Find out whats driving their
decision-making Moran advised.
If you turn your company around and begin making payments again,
take the pulse of banking relationship, McNally advised. Is there
lender fatigue? Are there bad memories? Is the relationship stillworking? Even if youre doing well, it might be time to start looking for
another bank.
Want information on debt service coverage ratios?
In response to AMBA members questions, McNally and Moran have
prepared examples of debt service coverage ratios and an industry
nancial ratio comparison for NAICS 333511Industrial Mold
Manufacturing. To request a copy of this information, please email
McNally [email protected] or Moran at mmoran@
americanchartered.com. Questions? Call Patrick McNally at
312.980.2934 or Michael Moran at 312.492.1104 o
Bankers want to look at your cash ow over the last one to two
years, Moran explained. We realize that projections are wrong
the minute you put them on paperbut were interested in the
assumptions that go behind them.
3.Capital. This is simply equity in the business, said Moran. The
bank wants to know you have money at risk. If a customer has
nothing to lose, they tend to take a lot more risk. The more capitaland less leverage you have, the more you can weather the storm.
4.Collateral. Banks have to be very conservative because of high
leverage and federally insured dollars, Moran explained. We
need two ways out of every loan. If cash ows are very strong, we
might be able to live with less collateral, or vice versa.
5.Conditions. By conditions, we mean everything from the
general economic environment to the economy in your industry,
said Moran.
What can you do to increase your chances of getting nancing?
Moran offered several recommendations for improving your odds of
being approved for nancing:
Have solid nancial statements. Banks want to see that a
certied public accountant is reviewing your bank statementsor
even auditing your nancial statements, says Moran.
Know your numbers. If a banker asks you a question about your
nancial statement, be ready with the answer, Moran advised.
Study your nancial statements. Have someone play banker and
ask you questions.
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AMBA 19
in a rugged bridge mill!h speed solutions for your shop.
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relationship sales people to make the sales team more effective and
the company more protable.
Preparing Your Employees for
the Future
Ryan Pohls Expert Technical Training
practice evolved from his work as the
Training Coordinator at Commercial Tool
and Die in Comstock Park, MI .
We must start laying the groundwork
for building the next generation of skilled
workers, Pohl states. A renewal of pride
in workmanship, updated training content
and methods, as well as careful planning
can secure our futures as leaders in the
industry.
Ryans presentation will raise awareness in our industry of the coming
skilled-labor shortage and how it has the potential to dramatically
hinder future sustainability and growth
Building Strategic Relationships with Suppliers
Todd SchuettofCreative Evolution, Scott
FernandezofVega Tool,Rob Eslingof
Industeel, Glenn Starkey ofProgressive
Components, all suppliers to the mold
manufacturing industry, can help you
secure your future in many ways.
The days of the supplier and the
moldmaker being on opposite sides of the
fence are over.
Learn how you can work with your supplier to promote the value of
your business to your customers, how your suppliers can help you
provide more value to your customers, and how together we can allcome out winners!
At the 2010 AMBA Annual Convention you will:
* Network with Peers and Suppliers
* Get new ideas
* Learn new business strategies
* Find the information, and the people you need to Mold the Future of
Your Business!
You cant afford to miss this opportunity to learn about best business
practices, new mold manufacturing technology that is coming to your
future, and hear solutions to nding skilled employees, implementingtraining programs, and how to keep your business growing and thriving
Join us in Orlando in 2010 to Mold the Future of Your Business!
For more information go to www.amba.org/event_calendar. o
The Future of the Mold Industry
Are you concerned about the industries you currently serve? Looking
for new business in new markets? Dont miss these panelists as they
provide analysis and commentary on these markets to help you decide
in what directionyourcompany needs to move.
This expert panel will provide unique insights into these three major
markets that mold manufacturers serve:
Appliance Market:Jack Shedd, Vice President Marketing & Sales,
Hoffer Plastics Inc.Automotive Market:Laurie Harbour-Felax, President of Harbour
Results Inc.
Medical Device Market:Jerry Seidelman , Sales & Marketing
Manager, Tech Mold Inc.
Strategically Planning Your Future
Patrick F. McNally, a partner of Blackman
Kallicks Corporate Financing Group, has
provided the AMBA members with much
valuable advice over the years.
His insights into nancial issues, business
valuations, and what to do when yourcustomer les bankruptcy have proven
helpful to many of our members.
McNallys presentation will give you the
answers to all those questions youve
wanted to ask answers that will provide
you strategic direction to help you formulate your future.
Building a Sales Team for Your
Companies Future
After years of working with mold
manufacturers and seeing a need for
better structure in their sales efforts, ScottSmith, Managing Partner of SalesPro Inc.,
realized that many mold manufacturing
companies lacked an understanding of
what it takes to develop a sales team that is
truly effective.
Based on Scotts many years as a
successful sales person, his presentation
will provide tips on how to develop long-
term goals in sales organizations, how
to accept rejection and overcome objections, and teach people to be
Pat McNally
Scott Smith
Ryan Pohl
Jerry SiedelmanLaurie HarbourJack Shedd
Why I Joined the AMBA:
I joined because AMBA is the largest and best lobby groupfghting or us!
Doug Northup, CEO, A&O Mold and Eng., Vicksburg, MI
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AMBA NewsAMBA News
Annual Convention Registration
Now Open!March 21-25, 2010, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, Orlando, FL
Register now and learn how to Mold the Future of Your Business!
Visit the AMBA event calendar online at www.amba.org/event_calendar
for more information.
Nominate the 2010 Mold
Builder of the Year!
Nominations are now being accepted! The AMBAMold Builder of the Year Award was instituted to
recognize outstanding contributions made by an
AMBA member. The recipient of this prestigious
award will be an outstanding business leader,
dedicated to the industry, and an active member of
the AMBA.
If you believe, and you are very proud that you have built a good solid
business: a company that is doing positive things in the industry...we
encourage you to nominate yourself! Do you work hard toward business
growth? Try to nd new ways to be competitive? Thats what it takes to
be the Mold Builder of the Year! Tell us about it and why you believe
you deserve to be the award winner.
Previous Mold Builder of the Year Award recipients are:
2009 Bill Mach, Mach Mold 2008 Pete Manship, Mold Craft 2007 Jim Florian, QME, Inc. - Quality Mold & Engineering 2006 Roger Klouda, M.S.I.Mold Builders 2005 Bill Kushmaul, Tech Mold 2004 Donna Pursell, Prestige Mold 2003 Olav Bradley, PM Mold Company
The 2010 AMBA Mold Builder of the Year Award recipient will be
announced during the Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, March
21-25, 2010 at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa. Announcement
of the award recipient will be made to local newspapers, national
industry publications, AMBAs publication, and posted on the AMBA
website. This years award recipient will also choose the industry-
related educational program or students(s) that will receive a $5,000
Progressive Components scholarship grant.
Contact the AMBA National ofce at 847-222-9402 orsdaniels@amba.
orgfor more information on the Mold Builder of the Year Award.
Dates To Remember
AMBA EVENTS
AMBA Annual Convention
March 21-25, 2010, Orlando, FL.
Save these dates! Registration now open!
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Automotive Plastic Part Design
November 16 - 18 - Dearborn, MI
This three-days in-depth automotive seminar will provide
information on material selection, design procedures, processing
techniques, and the assembly methods required when designing
with plastics in the automotive eld.
EuroMold
December 2 5, 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany
The 16th EuroMold is the world-wide leading trade fair for
Moldmaking and Tooling, Design and Application Development.
As the international meeting point of the industrial sector, it
presents products and services, technology and impulses for
tomorrows market
PLASTEC West 2010
February 9-11, 2010 - Anaheim, CA
Plastics News Executive Forum 2010
March 7 - 10 - Tampa, FL
Plastics News is pleased to announce its renowned Executive
Forum conference will return to the Saddlebrook Resort next
March 7-10, 2010. The event, previously held at the resort in
March 2008, combines 2-1/2 days of conference sessions led by
industry experts with prime networking opportunities including
evening receptions, breakfasts, lunches and more.
PLASTEC South 2010
April 28 - 29, 2010 - Charlotte, NC
PLASTEC East 2010
June 8-10 - New York, NY
The largest advances in primary processing machinery, computer-
aided design and manufacturing, production machinery, contract
services, materials, molds and mold components, automation
technology, materials handling/logistics, enterprise IT...and much
more.
PLASTEC Midwest 2010
September 28-30 - Rosemont, IL
SOURCE the latest technologies and ideas in primary processing
machinery, computer-aided design and manufacturing, production
machinery, contract services, materials, molds and mold
components, automation technology, materials handling/logistics,
enterprise ITand much more. o
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(2) New series of slides
A total of (18) new sizes
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CAD files are available on our website
Call for more information
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OMNI Mold Systems customers have been asking for more size options for our Versa-Slides.
We have listened and are now stocking two new series (45 series) and (55 series).
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OMNI MOLD SYSTEMS
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Toll Free Fax 888-816-2850 [email protected]
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speakers at the meeting were chapter members that had attended the
recent Fall Conference in Washington, D.C. They reviewed the events
of the meeting with members that were not able to attend.
Chicago
The chapter is welcoming its new chapter
coordinator Karen Norville. Her duties
will include, coordinating board meetings
and general membership meetings for the
chapter, creating a chapter newsletter and
more. Karen Norville has worked for the
past eight years as a program coordinator
for an after-school enrichment program
which she developed with parents and
teachers. She also organizes student tours
for schools. In her many volunteer roles,
Karen has planned large- and small-scale
events, published newsletters, developed
new programs, and written several grants with successful outcomes.
Karen feels all of these skills and experiences will greatly benet her as
the new Chicago Chapter Coordinator. Karen resides in Homer Glen, IL
with her husband and two sons. She looks forward to getting to know
the members of the AMBA Chicago Chapter.
The chapter also met on October 7 with a cocktail hour sponsored byAMBA Partner Vega Tool Corporation. The chapter heard a presentation
called, Marketing Tactics for Mold Builders, by Kent Gladish,
Marketing Director of the TMA. There were 43 people in attendance a
great turnout! Attendees of the recent Fall Conference in Washington,
D.C. discussed with the group what meetings they had with their
Congresspersons and what their stance was on manufacturing.
The next meeting will be scheduled in late November/early December.
A round table of mold buyers will be held, discussing what they look
for when choosing a mold builder. More information will be sent when
available.
Karen Norville
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Chapter Spotlight - Wisconsin Chapter
The Wisconsin Chapter President, Dan
Glass of Strohwig Industries (Richeld,
WI) says that while attendance at
the Chapter meetings has been down
lately, they always plan educational
and informative events. The meeting
on October 13 featured Alan Hickok
of Progressive components, discussing
alternatives to traditional tooling such as
unscrewing molds or slides, and looking at
collapsible cores and expandable cavities.
To help boost attendance at their respective
meetings, the Wisconsin Chapter has been collaborating with the
NTMA. A joint meeting was scheduled for November 10 at the
Waukesha County Technical College, Navigating the New Landscape.
Florida
Florida AMBA members met on November 12 for a general meeting,
and to discuss nalizing details for forming a Florida chapter. The group
heard a presentation called, Design Flexibility and Increased Prots
Using Collapsible Cores and Expandable Cavities, by Al Hikock of
Progressive Components. AMBA Executive Director Melissa Millhuff
was also in attendance.
Minnesota
The Minnesota chapter held their annual fund raiser Golf Outing at theOak Glen Golf Course on July 23rd. See more detail and photos of this
event on the Minnesota Golf Outing page.
The Minnesota chapter board of directors held a meeting on October
15th to discuss the next general meeting.
Pennsylvania
AMBAs newest ofcial chapter will meet on December 1st. Members
will hear a presentation by Evan Howell, Regional Manager at Makino,
discussing True Five-Axis Machining for Die & Mold Applications.
AMBA Executive Director, Melissa Millhuff, will attend.
West MichiganThe chapter hosted their 2nd Annual Golf Outing on September 18. The
chapter raised $6,000 towards our AMBA scholarship fund. As always
the money will be given in scholarships to the children of employees in
West Michigan chapter shops. See more detail and photos of this event
on the West Michigan 2nd Annual Chapter Golf Outing page.
The chapter also met on November 10th with guest speaker, Ryan Pohl,
of Expert Technical Training. He spoke on Workforce Development
in Trying Economic Times. Ryan Pohl will also be presenting at the
upcoming 2010 AMBA Annual convention.
Wisconsin
The chapter met on October 13th
for a general membership meeting.Eleven people were in attendance. The group heard a presentation
called, Design Flexibility and Increased Prots Using Collapsible
Cores and Expandable Cavities, by Al Hikock of Progressive
Components. o
Dan Glass
K
Speakers discussed the impact of the nancial crisis and offer
strategies to help identify and seize opportunities in this changed
economic environment. It was an all-day meeting, running from
9am - 4pm.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Chapter of the AMBA has joined the
Wisconsin Precision Metalworking Council that also consists of
the NTMA and the TDMA. Between these groups we have about
ve people that get involved each month to discuss issues pertinent
to the metal-working business, said Glass. We try to team upwith other groups with like interests and by consolidating our
efforts and collaborating on issues; we hope to be more effective
in Wisconsin. o
Why I Joined the AMBA:
One o the big benefts o being an AMBA member is networkingwith other shops. For a couple o years, we were really busy andwe were able to sub-contract work to other AMBA member shopsthat had machine time. Now, were on the other end. We havemachine time on some o our equipment and AMBA member shops
in the area are sub-contracting work to us. Ive learned some newmachining processes and new technologies rom networking withother shops. This is an opportunity I wouldnt have had without mymembership in the AMBA.
Ed Siciliano, President, Circle Mold and Machine Co. Inc.,
Tallmadge, Ohio, and president of the AMBA Ohio Chapter.
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32 AMBA
By: Andy Baker, Byrne Tool & Die, West Michigan Chapter
The second annual West Michigan AMBA Golf Outing took place onSeptember 18, 2009. It turned out to be a beautiful day with a coolstart and plenty of sunshine, much nicer then the soggy weather weexperienced last year. Attending the outing were a record 88 golfersrepresenting 10 member companies and 20 different vendors!
We were truly amazed at how this community came together for agood cause. Even in Michigans challenging economic climate ourmembers and vendors came out to support our AMBA scholarship
fund and ultimately the employees of our member shops. We feeltruly blessed that we raised $6,000 towards our AMBA scholarshipfund. As always the money will be given in scholarships to thechildren of employees in West Michigan chapter shops.
We would like to personally thank everyone who helped make this agreat event. When you come across one of our sponsors or golfers,we ask that you do the same. Without the support of our vendors andmembers, this outing would not have been such a great success.Thank You!
West Michigan 2nd Annual Chapter Golf Outing
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AMBA 33
By: Justin McPhee, Mold Craft, Minnesota Chapter
The AMBA Twin Cities chapter in Minnesota had another
successful annual golf outing. All Twin City chapter shops
and suppliers were invited to attend the July 23rd, 2009, 14th
Annual, four-person, Best Ball Scramble at Oak Glen Golf
Club in Stillwater, MN.
Each year the local shops come together for an afternoon of
golf, rafes, door prizes and a wonderful meal at the end of
the day. There was a turnout of 76 players from nine shops
and 14 suppliers. The local chapter would like to thank all
the shops that participated including: Mo-Tech, Mold Craft,
Isometric Tool and Design, Metro Mold and Design, Dynamic
Engineering, Tooling Science, Twin City Tool, Mold-Tech &
Imperial Tool.
The golf outing is the #1 event for the Minnesota chapter
to raise money for educational scholarships. This was a
successful year as we were able to raise enough money for
the (four) $1000 scholarships that are donated each year
to applicants who are pursuing careers in the moldmaking
industry. We would also like to thank the suppliers and
sponsors that helped make this possible by graciously donating
generous prizes for the rafe.
Metal Treaters, EDM Sales, A. Finkl, Stone Machinery,
Progressive Components, Schmoltz & Bickenbach, Bohler
Uddeholm, Midland Tech, Productivity, Machine Tool Supply,Precision Punch & Plastics, Capitol Machine Solutions, DMG
American, Open Mind Software & EDM Tech Center.
The AMBA Twin Cities Chapter would also like to thank Tom
Nielsen and his staff at Mo-Tech Corporation for donating
their time and resources to organize this event and helping to
make this another successful year.
Minnesota 14th Annual Chapter Golf Outing
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34 AMBA
10260 Indiana Court., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Tel: 909.941.0600 800.432.6653 Fax: 909.941.0190Email: [email protected] Website: www.albaent.com
Micro PrecisionMolding Machines
Quick Knockout Couplers5 Sizes Up to 5000 Ton Machines
Hot Runner SystemsPin Point, Valve Gate, Multi Gate,
Hot Edge Gate,
Stack Molds
HydraulicCylinders
Locking Cylinders
Mold ComponentsSlide Elements, Latch Systems, Etc.
Vertical
Add OnInjectionUnit
AMBA Partner Spotlight
Welcome New Partners!
The AMBA Partner Program is rolling along full speed, and this quarter
wed like to introduce you to these new partners and encourage you to
get to know them:
JMF Precision Welding
Dacula, GA
Micro laser and micro TIG welding for the molding and plasticsindustries. Visit them on the web at www.jmfmicroweld.com
Mold Surface Technologies
Rockford, MIMST is a full service mold texturing facility. Specializing in new moldtexturing, refurbishing textures, repair of mold surfaces, benching,
polishing, engraving, and full glossing. For more information contactthem by phone at 616-863-2100, or on the web at
www.moldsurfacetech.com.
Ohio Carbon Blank, Inc.
Willoughby, OH
Ohio Carbon Blank Inc. (OCB) is celebrating 30 years as a full service
graphite products manufacturer specializing in the production ofprecision blanks for electrical discharge machining (EDM) applications.
We offer rectangular, round, hexagonal and special CNC milled shapes
in several material grades including copper impregnated graphite.
Graphite taps, metallics, including multi-channel tubes, tungsten-
copper rods, EDM wire and diamond coated cutting tools are also
offered. OCBs standard issame day shipmenton most orders. An
online graphite store now offers over 500 standard sizeprecision blanks
(+/-.0002) at deeply discounted prices. OCB is also ISO9001:2000
certied and offers our volume UPS shipping rates to all. Visit them on
the web at : www.ohiocarbonblank.com
SalesPro, Inc.
Farmington, NY
SalesPro, Inc. was founded in August 2009 to provide sales tutelage
and strategies to American mold builders. By utilizing state of the
art technologies and machinery, moldmakers have been creating
masterpieces for years. Unfortunately, sales have never had the same
focus for some smaller companies. SalesPro, Inc. was formed to helpbridge the gap between shop and sales during these very challenging
times. Ten hours a week can yield high rewards for those whom
dedicate themselves to the program. Visit them on the web at www.
salespro-inc.com. o
Partner News
Makino
Makinos 2009 Advanced Manufacturing and High-Precision
Technology Expo held at the Auburn Hills, Michigan Tech Center
provided industry leading advice and innovative machining solutions
from Makino and other prominent companies.
I think its amazing they put on the event in the rst place, given
how bad the economy has been to the die and mold industry, said
Corey Greenwald, an attendee of the Expo and owner ofHard Milling
Solutions of Michigan. I think it shows Makinos commitment to
the industry--bringing in top-notch speakers to help us understand
the economic situation were in and where its going, putting over 20
machines under power to show off new technologies, and presenting on
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AMBA 37
Seeking Candidates for 2010 Award Nominations
Once again, the North American Die Casting Association
will recognize individuals and companies for their signicant
contributions to NADCA and the die casting industry. A broad
range of these prestigious awards will be presented at the
International Reception and Awards Ceremony during CastExpo
10 in Orlando, FL.
Nominations for the awards are welcome from die casting
industry professionals. They will be forwarded to the NADCA
Awards Committee for consideration. A special nominationsubmission form appears below. Those wishing to mail/fax can
download the award nomination form. For 2010, the Committee
will present the following awards:
Austin T. Lillegren Award: Presented to members in
recognition of loyal and extraordinary service, this award was
established in 1960 in memory of Austin T. Lillegren, whose
devotion and leadership exemplied unselsh service.
Doehler Award: Presented for outstanding contribution to
the advancement of the die casting industry or to the art of die
casting as represented by:
Technical Achievement
Advancement in Plant Operations
Other Activities
Edward A. Kruszynski Supplier Excellence Award:
Recognizes a supplier to the die casting industry that has
demonstrated a long-standing record of NADCA membership,
participation in and furthering of NADCAs education efforts,
longevity as an exhibitor at the Cast Expo and advertiser
inDie Casting Engineermagazine and participation in
NADCA committees and boards. Originally introduced as the
Achievement Award in 1960, it was renamed the Edward A.
Kruszynski Achievement Award in 1987, and given its new
designation as a Supplier Excellence Award in 1991.
Gullo and Treiber Award: Presented for marketing or sales
activity expanding the knowledge of die casting. Established in
1969 by Chicago White Metal Casting Inc.
Nyselius Award: Presented for the contribution to the industry
of a signicant technical accomplishment or device. Established
in 1965. o
The WARN Act
During these challenging economic times, its important to
remember the exposures to liability for Employment Practices that an
employer can inadvertently escalate under the pressures of the day.
If it is essential to reduce your workforce, be aware of and abide by
regulations that apply to that difcult decision. The Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notication Act (WARN) became effective on February
4, 1989.
WARN offers protection to workers, their families and communities by
requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of covered
plant closings and covered mass layoffs. This notice must be provided
to either affected workers or their representatives (e.g., a labor union);
to the State dislocated worker unit; and to the appropriate unit of local
government. In general, employers are covered by WARN if they have
100 or more employees, not counting employees who have worked
less than six months in the last 12 months and not counting employeeswho work an average of less than 20 hours a week. Private, for-prot
employers and private, nonprot employers are covered, as are public
and quasi-public entities which operate in a commercial context and are
separately organized from the regular government. Employees entitled
to notice under WARN include hourly and salaried workers, as well as
managerial and supervisory employees.
What triggers notice
Plant closing: A covered employer must give notice if an employment
site will be shut down, and the shutdown will result in an employment
loss for 50 or more employees during any 30-day period.
Mass layoff: A covered employer must give notice if there is to be a
mass layoff which will result in an employment loss at the employmentsite during any 30-day period for 500 or more employees, or for 50-
499 employees if they make up at least 33% of the employers active
workforce.
Notication period
With three exceptions, notice must be timed to reach the required
parties at least 60 days before a closing or layoff. All notices must be in
writing. Any reasonable method of delivery designed to ensure receipt
60 days before a closing or layoff is acceptable. The exceptions to 60-
day notice are:
1. Faltering company. This exception covers situations where a
company has sought new capital or business in order to stay
open and where giving notice would ruin the opportunity to get
the new capital or business, and applies only to plant closings;
2. Unforeseeable business circumstances. This exception applies to
closings and layoffs that are caused by business circumstances
that were not reasonably foreseeable at the time notice would
otherwise have been required; and
3. Natural disaster. This applies where a closing or layoff is the
direct result of a natural disaster, such as a ood, earthquake,
drought or storm.
Penalties
An employer who violates the WARN provisions by ordering a plant
closing or mass layoff without providing appropriate notice is liable to
each aggrieved employee for an amount including back pay and benetsfor the period of violation, up to 60 days. An employer who fails to
provide notice as required to a unit of local government is subject to a
civil penalty not to exceed $500 for each day of violation. Enforcement
of WARN requirements is through the United States district courts.
Workers, representatives of employees and units of local government
may bring individual or class action suits. In any suit, the court may
allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorneys fee as part of the
costs.
Information
Specic requirements of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notication Act may be found in the Act itself