We need to change the community perception that manufacturing is “not deserving/worthy enough” for their kids. With the majority of recent college grads un-employed, under employed, and underwater on their debts, and lucky to get part time work, careers in manufacturing for people with skills offer rewarding challenging fulltime employment that makes a difference in the lives of us all.- Speaking of Precision
By Fatima Weathers, Executive Vice President, MAGNET
Fatima Weathers, Executive Vice President, MAGNET
At a recent conference I attended in Washington, D.C., panelists from industry, academia and labor gathered to discuss manufacturing’s next step.
Several panelists described the current manufacturing environment as being on the edge of a new era that is being driven by widespread and affordable access to 3-D printing and cloud computing.
Only mentioned in passing were the usual barriers to growth like unfair trade, taxes, labor costs and access to capital. Indeed, much of the discussion focused on the debate surrounding immigration laws. Many attendees and panelists agreed that access to highly skilled talent is the factor that will tip the scales for gaining the competitive edge in the U.S.
One panelist challenged manufacturers by describing the current environment as our “Sputnik Moment”—either grasp this fleeting window of opportunity to lead through innovation and talent or forever miss the moment to be the global leader in manufacturing.
What do you think? Is this our “Sputnik Moment?” What do you think is the most important factor manufacturers face right now? Respond below, or email me atgro.krowtengam@srehtaew.amitaf. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Board of Directors of the Precision Machined Products Association announced the hiring of Michael T. Kobylka, II as PMPA’s next Executive Director at their recent board meeting,
New PMPA Executive Director Michael T. Kobylka,II
A native of Northeast Ohio, Kobylka returns to the region after serving as President and CEO of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) in Racine, WI, the last three years. Kobylka’s experience also includes leadership positions with Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET), and the City of Lorain, as well public service as a field representative for former U.S. Senator, George Voinovich.
Kobylka will succeed Michael B. Duffin as Executive Director, effective August 1, 2013. Duffin who will be retiring at year’s end will continue in a consulting role with the association during the next several months, to assist in the transition to a new executive director.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join a great organization, such as the PMPA. Manufacturing is a vital segment of the North American economy, and I’m looking forward to getting to work to continue the PMPA’s focus on the needs of North American manufacturers. The PMPA will continue to serve our membership and make contributions to the success of this important industry,” says Kobylka.
-Unless exempted from scope or from registration in accordance with Annex IV or V, substances on their own or in preparations are always subject to registration when manufactured in, or imported into, the EU.
-Substances on their own and in preparations in the form of, or contained in, articles produced in or imported into the EU are subject to registration only if they are intended to be released under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use and if this use of the respective substance have not been registered before in the Community.
-In Article 3 (3) of the REACH regulation the definition of an article is given as “an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or design which determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition.
So the question “Do my parts comply with EU REACH Regulations?” boils down to this question: “Do your parts meet the Article Exemption test?”
For an object to be considered an article, the following conditions should be fulfilled:
The shape, surface or design of the object must:
be obtained during production and be special;
be relevant for the function of the object;
be more important for the function than the chemical composition of the object.
Precision machined products easily meet these conditions:
1. The shape, surface or design of the object must be obtained during production and be special
-The shape and many surfaces of precision machined parts are created by stock removal during production and are regarded as “special”
-Precision machined products are custom produced (special) at the order of the customer.
-They have different dimensions and technical characteristics, as specified by the customer at the time of the order.
-Their surfaces are developed during production to meet the customer’s (special) dimensional and geometric requirements.
2. The shape, surface or design of the object must be relevant for the function of the object
-it is axiomatic that the custom design of the precision machined product is to create the needed form fit and function needed to assure desired performance and function.
3. The shape, surface or design of the object must be more important for the function than the chemical composition of the object
-Precision machined products are machined from a variety of metallic alloys, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and many others of varied compositions.
-These compositions are varied and determine manufacturability as well as influence mechanical properties, though they are not sole determinants of those properties.
-Without final precision machining to special size, form and geometry, the raw material itself would not provide the needed function demanded by the customer.
Bottom line: Precision machined products are clearly “articles” as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), and so exempt from regulation.
Caveat: If during foreseeable conditions of use of the part, it could cause an intentional and forseeable release of a substance that has not been registered before in the Community, you might need to investigate further.
Where do YOU go to get this kind of regulatory assurance?
While I was sunning myself at a Southern coastal beach, the folks at Institute for Supply Management published the July PMI number.
A great time to go to the beach! And to be in Manufacturing.
It was the highest posted for the year- “July’s reading of 55.4 percent reflects the sixth month of growth, and the highest overall PMI™ reading, in the first seven months of 2013. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.” ISM July 2013
Frankly, we were a bit surprised- our Business Trends Report for June 2013 was down 8 points. But that was June.
But reading the fine print gives us something more than a strengthening economy to encourage us.
Here’s what the ISM report had to say about fabricated parts (what we make!)-
“Commodities in Short Supply: Fabricated Parts is the only commodity listed in short supply.”
So even if our Business Trends Report for July (and your shop’s shipments numbers) are down in July, contrary to the ISM PMI number- it’s OK-
The parts that we make are apparently in short supply, and THAT is a leading, not lagging indicator…
Edward W. (Ned) Hill, dean and professor of economic development at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University, is a renowned speaker on manufacturing policy and economics and will present at the PMPA Annual Meeting, October 18-22.
The Precision Machined Products Association will be awarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to individuals who take part in the association’s various learning opportunities.
Fatima Weathers, Executive Vice President, MAGNET
