6/21/2021 - Every business has a story about changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The seventh annual Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit will tell eight of those tales as the event takes on a different format during a different time of the year. “Stories of Humility, Agility and Perseverance: Manufacturing in Northern Michigan” is the theme for the 2021 summit, scheduled for June 24 from noon to 4 p.m. at Jacob’s Farm at 7100 East Traverse Highway (M-72 West). Read the full article from www.record-eagle.com.
6/21/2021 - Investing in Industry 4.0 technologies allowed Castino, a Romulus-based, family-owned plastic and polyurethane molder, to recover what it spent, and then some. Since their initial investment four years ago, Castino has continued adding automation to its two locations, including visual inspection equipment that guarantees parts are made to precision specifications required by customers. It's helped the company grow in capacity and revenue, maintain profitability, and continue providing quality jobs while improving the workplace experience for its employees. Read the full article from www.crainsdetroit.com.
6/17/2021 - A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is an automated system that utilizes real-time data to assist you in measuring how your production equates with financial performance. As we continue on the path to a data-driven culture, it is imperative for manufacturers to have systems in place equipped to collect and analyze facility-specific data. Implementing an MES is a way to connect your current operations to your output and performance levels, leading to a more efficient and productive manufacturing facility. Read the full article featuring Chuck Werner, Manager Operational Excellence-Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, from IndustryWeek.com.
5/6/2021 - 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. And while manufacturers recognize Industry 4.0 will have a significant impact in the coming years, many are struggling to identify appropriate opportunities for implementation or access the required technologies. Read the full MiMfg Magazine article by George Singos, Business Leader Advisor, from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
4/26/2021 - U.S. Sen. Gary Peters foresaw the pain points the country’s manufacturers would encounter during the COVID-19 pandemic and he’s actively pushing legislation he thinks could make the industry more resilient. In Peters’ role with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Michigan Democrat and his fellow committee members launched an investigation into high drug prices. This deep dive, which was released in a 2019 report, revealed an overreliance on an offshore supply chain for key medical equipment. Read the full article from mibiz.com.
4/12/2021 - The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is making a new push to place Michigan manufacturers ahead of the curve on Industry 4.0 technology. The MEDC has formed partnerships with Troy-based Industry 4.0 knowledge center Automation Alley and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) in addition to devoting $3 million to fund two Industry 4.0-focused proposals that were submitted to state officials at the end of 2020. Read the full article from mibiz.com.
2/10/2021 - Listen to the Made in Northern Michigan podcast on soundcloud to hear Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center experts Richard Wolin, Regional V.P. & Director of Operations and Rob Summers, Senior Business Advisor, discuss the state of Michigan manufacturing regarding talent shortages, Industry 4.0, automation and available assesssments.
12/11/2020 - This week, the Michigan Economic Development Council prioritized exposing the state’s manufacturing sector to Industry 4.0. The goal: Get 6,200 small and midsize Michigan companies, representing half of the state’s manufacturers, to invest in “digital ready” upgrades by 2025. Read the full article from bridgemi.com.
12/8/2020 - Working to extend Michigan’s national leadership in advanced manufacturing, the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a statewide effort to ensure 50 percent of Michigan manufacturers – or 6,200 businesses – are prepared to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies at some level by 2025, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. Read the full article from michiganbusiness.org.
11/11/2020 - One of the most frequently misunderstood and debated requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 requirements for Internal Audits (9.2.2) is the idea that auditors are ‘independent’ of the work being audited. It’s frequently taken that for internal auditors to be independent of the work they audit, they must be employed in a different function/department to the one being audited. Previous versions of ISO 9001 were somewhat clearer on the point. Andy Nichols, CQP MCQI, Program Manager at Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, US, explains how internal auditors can achieve the independence requirements of ISO 9001. Read the full article from www.quality.org.