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Companies Are Spending More To Build Better Supply Chains
Thanks to the lengthening of global supply chains, which now involve international suppliers as well as customers, the need for supply chain technology is accelerating. According to supply chain executives at 208 companies surveyed by analyst firm Aberdeen Group, companies are not only strategizing on what their technology footprints should look like but are also making investments. Read more

Machining Students Snapped Up
With thousands of CNC machine operator, CNC machine programmer and machinist jobs expected to become available in New England, by 2012, the six New England divisions of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership have launched a regional program designed to equip workers with the skills necessary to fill these positions. Read more

Arcelor To Buy Severstal, Creating The World's Biggest Steelmaker
In a move to thwart Mittal Steel's takeover bid, Arcelor said on May 26 that it would buy Severstal, a Russian company. Arcelor has offered $15.3 billion. The merger would make Arcelor the world's biggest steel group. Read more

New Record Set For DRI Production In 2005
Direct reduced iron (DRI) production grew approximately 2% worldwide in 2005 to 55.9 million metric tons, according to Midrex Technologies. In a bull market for steel, output for the DRI -- a commodity metallic for steelmakers -- increased by roughly 1.3 million metric tons over 2004. Read more

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5s -- Lean Implementation Starting At The Top Or Bottom?
"As a mid-level manager, I used to walk the floor, meeting with folks on the mfg floor and pointing out 5S opportunities and explaining the "why's". It's that level of involvement that is needed to be succesful at it. Obviously, I can't teach them 5S and go back to a super sloppy office: you have to live by and believe in what you teach."
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Mike Evans' Financial Market Outlook -- The Threat Of Back-Dated Options
"There is something radically wrong here. Many of these executives make 9 or 10-figure incomes per year even without cheating on the option dates. How much is too much? If you are set for life, why risk spending the rest of it in jail?"
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Lean Tips For Custom Job Shops
"From time to time I get requests from manufacturing folks who are looking for tips about how to get lean--or at least leaner -- in a job shop environment... For those of you who have good ideas, I encourage you to post them here for others to consider."
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