Manufacture Smarter Blog

4/1/2016 - THE CENTER
Manufacturers are continuously looking to diversify their customer base, expand into new markets, and grow business. Conducting market research is a crucial component of developing a strong growth strategy. 

3/25/2016 - THE CENTER
The American landscape is changing - literally. Streets once filled with beeping horns and the whirr of passing cars can now be found empty, housing farm equipment. Vacant houses are now functioning as hoop houses. The popularity of Urban Agriculture, or Urban Farming, is growing in response to nearly 86% of consumers preferring LOCALLY grown food.

3/18/2016 - THE CENTER
Now, more than ever before, the economy is experiencing a more competitive manufacturing industry. Taking advantage of every opportunity is crucial in keeping up with and surpassing the competition.

3/11/2016 - THE CENTER
After you’ve collected resumes, it’s time to successfully select and hire the right candidate for your business. With no crystal ball, managers must rely on a combination of structured hiring processes and instinct. Choosing the wrong candidate can be a costly mistake.

3/4/2016 - THE CENTER
Throughout the years, manufacturing jobs and technology have evolved. In order to be successful and sustain quality employees, recruiting efforts must also evolve with them. Manufacturing companies now require potential employees to have superior science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) capabilities.

2/26/2016 - THE CENTER
Continuing with Part 2 of our Manufacturing 101 blog series (See Part 1), we’re moving forward from the first few weeks of managing tedious lists to the next task of effectively collecting and reporting data. In order to appropriately display data, it is crucial to convey the true message and focus.

2/19/2016 - THE CENTER
Whether it is because of their hard work and dedication or as recognition of their proficiencies, skills and knowledge, employees are promoted into leadership roles for a variety of reasons. While internal promotions can be positive, challenges may arise for those employees in their newly promoted role.

2/12/2016 - THE CENTER
Where does nearly 22% of the state’s employment come from? What generates over $101.2 billion in economic activity? What is responsible for $3.1 billion in export activity? Michigan’s Food and Agriculture Industry, that’s what.

2/5/2016 - THE CENTER
Imagine sitting at your table and watching the news while drinking your morning coffee. The newscaster’s voice booms as he breaks the latest story: a fire burned through the night and destroyed almost half of the warehouses and businesses in a nearby industrial park.

1/29/2016 - THE CENTER
As governmental and consumer demand for decreased emissions, higher sustainability, lower carbon footprint and greater fuel economy increases, the growing trend for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to adopt new materials is impacting manufacturing at all tier levels.