Planning for downturns is as important as planning for anything else in the business. I have had to contend with lots of crises in my 25 years as a CEO. Most of them I didn’t see coming. A few of the more significant ones: In the aftermath of 9/11, no one knew what the impact would... Continue Reading
Furnaces North America (FNA) 2024, the leading trade show for the heat-treating industry in North America, is thrilled to announce that attendance has grown by 25% compared to its last event in 2022, as of this week. FNA 2024 will take place from October 14-16 at the Columbus Convention... Continue Reading
Join us for a critical update on September 25th, where MTI will cover the significant efforts happening in California regarding a proposed air quality rule that could have far-reaching consequences on your company. If passed in California, this regulation will most likely serve as a model for... Continue Reading
Differentiators like longevity, experience, reputation can and should be included in your value equation. When products are commoditized, manufacturers must compete on services, business models and intangible dimensions of their value proposition. In many cases, intangibles are tie breakers... Continue Reading
Being hands-on, collaborating and modelling behavior is not the same as interjecting yourself into other people's roles. Working with manufacturers over the years, I’ve noticed one pattern with very negative implications: I see many leaders from senior to mid-level working on tasks... Continue Reading
At long last and at the tail-end of what is on track to be the hottest summer on record, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its first proposed heat standard on August 30, 2024. OSHA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor... Continue Reading
One of the biggest challenges in the internet age is getting good answers to key issues or problems, fast. Whether you are an owner, manager, or furnace operator, you could spend hours, and even days, looking through billions of pages of Google searches for information. In 2024, MTI... Continue Reading
With every company being challenged by the ongoing labor shortage, technical training is increasingly important today. Technical training is not only important for new employee on-boarding, but also for seasoned employees to make sure their skills and knowledge stay sharp and up to date. ... Continue Reading
As the next generation of workers has been taking shape over the last decade, one key transition is very evident: People aren’t leaving their companies or their jobs, they are leaving their boss. Business expert Michael Gerber, in his best-selling book called “The E-Myth... Continue Reading
Companies can attract young talent through a culture calibration that clearly defines the purpose, values and behaviors that are expected, says S. Chris Edmonds. Video transcript: How well are you attracting young talent to your organization today? Industrial-age norms do not... Continue Reading
Signals in the supply chain markets suggest that businesses are preparing for increased consumer demand, signaling rising economic activity, according to researchers at Florida Atlantic University and four other schools. Signals in the supply chain markets suggest that businesses are... Continue Reading
Cautious Credit and Volatile Markets The economy is stronger than expected: Real GDP surged at an annual rate of 2.8% in the second quarter of 2024, far surpassing the 2% growth expectation. Growth was driven by robust consumer spending and a notable 11.6% increase in... Continue Reading
