Manufacture Smarter Blog

12/12/2014 - THE CENTER
We are hearing about prospects for major changes in material specifications coming down from automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. The shift is primarily due to regulations requiring big gains in vehicle fuel economy. These changes may also impact non-automotive industries as demand for new, stronger and lighter materials increases.  

12/5/2014 - THE CENTER
If you’re the smaller guy in the locker room of U.S. manufacturing, you have nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, you should embrace your size because bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better in the world of manufacturing. Here are five ways that smaller Michigan manufacturers can stay toe to toe with the big guys in town.

11/28/2014 - THE CENTER
In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses with their most pressing need - getting more customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before.

11/21/2014 - THE CENTER
Additive manufacturing is becoming a “hot topic”. The manufacturing process was actually developed in the 1980’s, but hasn’t really picked up interest until the last few years or so. Since then, it’s sometimes more commonly referred to as “3D printing.” 

11/14/2014 - THE CENTER
There are some great reasons to buy locally, and not just because we believe Michigan makes the best items around (though we do!)  First, let’s do the math.

11/7/2014 - THE CENTER
Well, if you’re not an active member of LinkedIn right now, it’s time to start feeling a little foolish. Don't worry though – it’s never too late to join! LinkedIn is the premiere social media site dedicated to business networking and currently boasts 332 million members.

10/31/2014 - THE CENTER
As technology and other advances make the world seem smaller and smaller, it’s more important than ever to prepare in advance for potential service disruptions. As stated last week, we want to ‘remove the blindfold’ before entering the obstacle course.

10/24/2014 - THE CENTER
According to Miriam Webster, competition is “the act or process of trying to get or win something (such as a prize or a higher level of success) that someone else is also trying to get or win: the act or process of competing.” This is something we’re all familiar with, and at the top of our minds as one of Michigan’s biggest sports rivalries of all time takes place this weekend.

10/17/2014 - THE CENTER
Here’s the difference between the companies who are featured in news articles and you: those companies have a public relations (PR) program. A lot of things can go under the umbrella of PR, so we’ll be more specific for our manufacturing readers.

10/10/2014 - THE CENTER
No one likes being vulnerable. It involves risk, and risks are scary. In business, innovation or trying new things is often seen as a risk. There are entire service industries that revolve entirely around the concept of managing or mitigating risk, have you talked to your insurance agent recently?