Manufacture Smarter Blog

4/16/2021 - BY: DAVE NELSON
The labor shortage is not going away. To fill these labor gaps, cross training employees must become a critical initiative in every manufacturing company. In our upcoming webinar on April 21, we will share ideas on how to begin cross training employees along with technologies that can enhance or streamline the process.

4/2/2021 - BY: SCOTT PHILLIPS
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Those who have attended webinars or read case studies about Industry 4.0 over the past few years will likely agree that the jargon associated with it can easily exceed a thousand words. To clarify some of the mystification surrounding Industry 4.0, let’s dive deeper into the “big picture” of the true purpose behind this technology revolution.

3/31/2021 - BY: GEORGE SINGOS
Manufacturing continues to evolve and advance at a rapid pace. As some are keeping up by incorporating new innovations and practices into facilities, other more reluctant companies are quickly falling behind. It is clear that manufacturers – especially smaller companies – require additional guidance for approaching the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To help Michigan manufacturers successfully prepare for such implementations, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently launched its Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative. 

3/26/2021 - BY: KARA KUCINSKI
This March marks one year since the nation recognized the threat of COVID-19 and shut-downs across the world changed both personal and working lives forever. Now one year into the pandemic, the ways of doing business are in many ways unrecognizable to how they once were, as companies of all kinds were forced to transform practices to stay afloat while staying safe. During the course of the year since COVID-19 hit, several themes and new practices emerged as businesses and individuals adapted to different ways of living and working.

3/15/2021 - BY: CHARLIE WESTRA
Each week, our Proud to Manufacture in Michigan team chooses a Featured Manufacturer of the Week from more than 1,000 member companies. Our latest winner is Spring Dynamics, Inc.!

1/8/2021 - THE CENTER
In order to keep their companies afloat and moving toward success throughout 2020, manufacturers had to get creative with their business strategies. Our blog posts from the year tell the story of these challenges, triumphs and techniques, showing how manufacturers in Michigan and around the nation proved their resilience and strength in the face of new levels of difficulty.

11/20/2020 - THE CENTER
The holidays are just around the corner – but they may look a little different this year.  To ensure you and yours stay protected this holiday shopping season, our team at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assembled a list of special, Michigan-made products that you can order online from the safety of your own home.

10/30/2020 - BY: DAVE NELSON
Building a relevant, effective training plan is key to developing all employees, regardless of their role or level within the organization. Manufacturers seeking additional funding and support for their training initiatives can find it through the Going PRO Talent Fund.

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.