Manufacture Smarter Blog

10/2/2020 - THE CENTER
The Center is proud to join in the celebration of manufacturing nation-wide.

9/25/2020 - BY: REBEKAH MCCARTER
As the world continues to adapt to the changes brought on by COVID-19, market research has gained more traction and attention as a critical tool in business strategy. In order to get the most value possible out of this powerful research method, companies must have a strong understanding of what exactly they're trying to find. This begins with understanding a few of the key terms used in market research.

7/17/2020 - THE CENTER
With the impacts of the nation-wide lockdown weighing heavily, many have wondered how exactly manufacturers in the United States have fared during and after the pandemic. In an effort to capture current business conditions among smaller manufacturers in certain areas of the United States, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago recently conducted a Survey of Business Conditions on the Impact of Covid-19 on Manufacturers.

5/29/2020 - THE CENTER
As manufacturers in Michigan start to return to their facilities, this new start brings with it many new challenges to navigate. To provide guidance during this time, The Center recently published several blogs with advice to help keep facilities safe, prepared and successful.

5/19/2020 - THE CENTER
With manufacturing facilities around Michigan starting to reopen, there are still many lingering questions about how to ensure a successful and safe return while continuing to advance processes. To provide assistance during this time, The Center’s experts have answered manufacturers’ most pressing questions.

2/28/2020 - BY: ROGER TOMLINSON
With the impacts of the last recession still weighing heavily on the industry, it's never too early to start preparing your business for the next economic downturn. Rather than waiting for the downturn to hit, why not fortify your business ahead of time to ensure your company emerges successful?

1/3/2020 - THE CENTER
Many factors paint a pessimistic portrait of the current state of manufacturing - but that does not mean there's no hope for manufacturers to thrive in 2020. Knowing this, how can manufacturers move forward to ensure the future of manufacturing stays bright?

1/18/2019 - BY: SHELLY STOBIERSKI
A hard life lesson everyone has had to learn at one point or another is that all good things must come to an end. This is an especially difficult lesson to learn when it comes to the economy, but one that Michigan manufacturers may soon be faced with.

9/21/2018 - THE CENTER
Since 2013 the Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) has provided nearly $73 million in funding for training and apprenticeships. This fall, another $29 million will be available for businesses throughout Michigan through the Going PRO Talent Fund, the new face of STTF. Although its name has changed, Going PRO is still as powerful as ever, helping to drive Michigan’s economy and provide manufacturers with the talent they need to compete and grow.

8/24/2018 - BY: JAMIE HEADLEY
Employers across America are dealing with the combined effect of baby boomers retiring, a strong economy and record low unemployment. Now faced with the large labor shortage this perfect storm has created, manufacturers are looking to the next generation of workers to fill this gap: millennials.