2023

December 2023 / January 2024Now and AgainA Budding New Manufacturing Reality: Embracing E-Waste

December 2023 / January 2024

Now and Again

A Budding New Manufacturing Reality: Embracing E-Waste

Upgrading electronic devices has become second nature for most, while correctly disposing of related materials for recycling has, in many places, become “the right thing to do.” But what do statistics tell us about the realities of electronics disposal? Is recycling all that it is made out to be and are materials reaching manufacturers? How could the electronics waste (e-waste) repurposing loop be improved?

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Automation & Technology | December 2023 / January 2024A Team You Can Count OnLeonhardt Manufacturing

Automation & Technology | December 2023 / January 2024

A Team You Can Count On

Leonhardt Manufacturing

In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, not all metal tubing parts are created equal. Leonhardt Manufacturing, a prominent player in the industry, stands out as a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of workforce development. Leonhardt Manufacturing has consistently demonstrated its mastery of metal tube bending and manufacturing, earning a reputation for excellence.

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December 2023 / January 2024 | In Focus | Michigan's Manufacturing RevolutionAt the Forefront of Industrial RevolutionMichigan Manufacturing Technology Center

December 2023 / January 2024 | In Focus | Michigan's Manufacturing Revolution

At the Forefront of Industrial Revolution

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) was founded around 32 years ago with the inception of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). At that time and into the mid-2000s, there was a growing apprehension regarding the loss of manufacturers and small-to-medium businesses across America. To combat this, a manufacturing extension partnership (MEP) was launched in every U.S. state and Puerto Rico, creating a network of organizations. The MMTC won the bid to become the official MEP for the state of Michigan.

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December 2023 / January 2024 | In Focus | Michigan's Manufacturing RevolutionA Diversified Portfolio Brings 50 Years of SuccessDiversified Tooling Group

December 2023 / January 2024 | In Focus | Michigan's Manufacturing Revolution

A Diversified Portfolio Brings 50 Years of Success

Diversified Tooling Group

Many companies have a proud and rich past. In other cases, the company’s history is shorter but its prospects are exciting. To speak with the owners of Diversified Tooling Group is to get a peek into a company with both: a proud family history spanning three generations and a passion for their business that points to a bright future.

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December 2023 / January 2024 | In Focus | Michigan's Manufacturing RevolutionMaking Manufacturing CoolAtlas Technologies

December 2023 / January 2024 | In Focus | Michigan's Manufacturing Revolution

Making Manufacturing Cool

Atlas Technologies

If one could highlight a single manufacturer in Michigan for being innovative and fresh in the way it approaches the field, it would be Atlas Technologies. As a division of Stonebridge Technical Enterprises, Atlas Technologies goes above and beyond to make careers in manufacturing the envy of many in the trades and in other fields. Moreover, the Michigan-based company has achieved double-digit annual growth in the wake of tremendous transformation over the past three years.

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December 2023 / January 2024 | Fabrication & MachiningThis Family-Run Iron Hardware Firm Forges AheadAcorn Manufacturing

December 2023 / January 2024 | Fabrication & Machining

This Family-Run Iron Hardware Firm Forges Ahead

Acorn Manufacturing

Acorn Manufacturing Company, Inc. is a decades-old family business in Mansfield, Massachusetts that manufactures and distributes forged iron builders’ hardware across the United States and abroad. Builders’ hardware refers to metal hardware products used to decorate or protect properties, or to enhance convenience. The company is proud that its goods are made in Mansfield and reflect the heritage of New England.

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December 2023 / January 2024Making it RightThe Right to Repair

December 2023 / January 2024

Making it Right

The Right to Repair

Technology has given the world televisions, computers, monitors, printers, copiers, and smartphones, but also a new term for the growing mountains of dead electronics: e-waste. The issue of e-waste has sparked endless debates over what we can do to keep millions of discarded devices out of landfills, and this month, we look at the right to repair.

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In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)Protecting North American ElectronicsThe Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)

In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)

Protecting North American Electronics

The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)

The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) is a source of guidance and best practices for companies seeking optimum performance within this highly competitive industry. It is also an advocate for helping North American electronic components manufacturers understand and manage through the regulations and standards needed to serve the wave of companies looking to establish or re-establish facilities in the U.S.

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In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)Building a Mutual Partnership Through Transparency and IntegrityAB Electronics

In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)

Building a Mutual Partnership Through Transparency and Integrity

AB Electronics

AB Electronics’ goal is straightforward: Improving the productivity of clients’ businesses. How does the company do it? By providing top-notch, full-service, flexible manufacturing solutions with unrivalled responsiveness through long-term, strategic collaborations built on trust and mutually beneficial outcomes.

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In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)The Midas Touch of Stocking Distribution FlexibilityMasline Electronics

In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)

The Midas Touch of Stocking Distribution Flexibility

Masline Electronics

As a leader in distributing passive and electromechanical components, Masline Electronics is on a growth trajectory following the COVID-19 pandemic. Helping to drive customers’ bottom lines through effective product distribution, logistics, and custom, value-added services, Masline’s team delivers personalized service on a level uncommon in this industry. That is why loyal customers keep coming back for more.

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In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)The Spirit of SuccessSpirit Electronics

In Focus | November 2023 | The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)

The Spirit of Success

Spirit Electronics

Spirit Electronics is a value-added supplier of high-reliability components and superior supply-chain solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors. The veteran-owned, woman-owned business has been growing steadily since we profiled the company in December 2019, so we sat down with owner and CEO Marti McCurdy again this month to hear the latest news and developments

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Equipment Manufacturing | November 2023Proof That Top-Class Automated Packaging Takes Top-Class PeopleViking Masek

Equipment Manufacturing | November 2023

Proof That Top-Class Automated Packaging Takes Top-Class People

Viking Masek

When Leonhard Packaging Solutions (LPS) was founded by Robb Leonhard and his older brother Rick in 2002, the company started small, with Rick serving as President and Robb filling the role of Vice President. The brothers had the drive and talent for finding the right people and empowering others, a quality they brought to the newly formed business. In the next few years they brought in RC Huhn and Scott Miller to the ownership team. Both brought strong skill sets that complemented the team.

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Engineering & Design | November 2023Smooth Operators – Innovations in Noise and Friction ControlVibraSystems Inc.

Engineering & Design | November 2023

Smooth Operators – Innovations in Noise and Friction Control

VibraSystems Inc.

Vibrations are all around us and, by and large, we may not think much of them when we are exposed to them for a couple of seconds. But they can be a serious problem in many ways for manufacturers. Consider the impact of imbalanced rotating parts, uneven friction, or the meshing of gear teeth. Vibrations like these can cause a number of issues for manufacturing equipment that can hurt productivity and the bottom line. And when employee safety and comfort are a top priority, you also need to protect shop-floor workers who operate machines with noise and vibration issues.

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Engineering & Design | November 2023Leaders in Recycled RubberEco-Flex

Engineering & Design | November 2023

Leaders in Recycled Rubber

Eco-Flex

Eco-Flex of Sturgeon County, Alberta, marked its 30th anniversary last year as a leader in the recycled rubber product market. The company is well-poised for future growth with products that appeal to clients looking for quality eco-friendly goods. Eco-Flex’s proprietary wares include an innovative sound barrier/residential wall as well as items for work sites, homes, and barns, all made from recycled rubber tires.

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In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023Achieving Gold Standards Through People and CultureHirsh Precision

In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023

Achieving Gold Standards Through People and Culture

Hirsh Precision

A well-known presence in the complete fabrication space, Hirsh Precision is home to a welcoming, detail-driven team. As Hirsh is popular amongst some of the country’s best-known brands in medical and aerospace fabrication, clients insist on partnering with its people to take their projects from start to completion seamlessly. From complex medical devices to rocket engines, scientists and developers from North America and beyond turn to the company with their designs for efficient service and intelligent manufacturing that deliver time savings, value, and impressive returns on investment.

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In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023Where Excellence and Precision MeetJV Manufacturing

In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023

Where Excellence and Precision Meet

JV Manufacturing

After nearly half a century specializing in carbide stamping die fabrication, JV Manufacturing knows that providing competitive precision engineering and solid value earns customers more revenue while saving costs on replacement. It is no surprise then that this team of 125 industry experts is well known internationally in its field for cutting-edge quality and innovation. The demand for the company’s products is so high that around half of its annual product is shipped abroad, chiefly to Europe, making its easy airport access a necessity when hosting overseas customers and their representatives.

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In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023Mission Possible: Growth and Success Through Brand PromiseSirois Tool Co. Inc.

In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023

Mission Possible: Growth and Success Through Brand Promise

Sirois Tool Co. Inc.

Whether clients require standard parts or specialized engineering, Sirois Tool Co. Inc. offers a wide range of build capabilities. The company’s experienced tool and gage makers, apprentices, and staff members turn, mill, grind, and EDM products, all while keeping to its mission statement, “To be a preferred vendor to all our customers, a fair and generous employer, and a good neighbor to our community,” top of mind.

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In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023Unique Solutions Through the History of American Machine ToolsBourn & Koch

In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023

Unique Solutions Through the History of American Machine Tools

Bourn & Koch

Providing unique solutions for some of the most challenging manufacturing applications, Bourn & Koch is known for meeting customer needs through close interaction and enduring relationships. The machine tool systems from Bourn & Koch are simply the proud proof of its mastery of precision grinding and gear production equipment.

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In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023Team Effort and Automation Win the DayChick Machine Company

In Focus | National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) | November 2023

Team Effort and Automation Win the Day

Chick Machine Company

Chick Machine Company is celebrating its 52nd anniversary as one of Pennsylvania’s most well-known and reliable machine shops. The company’s story began in August 1971, with its namesake Jim Chick realizing his vision on roughly 300 acres near the city of Butler, part of rural western Pennsylvania. The business was an idea Chick had after he left a machining position in the area to pursue his fortunes. This decision coincided with a business venture by friends of his, who had just started a local precision laser company, now a multi-billion-dollar outfit in nearby Saxonburg.

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November 2023Grand Innovation on the Infinitesimal ScaleMicrorobots and Nanobots

November 2023

Grand Innovation on the Infinitesimal Scale

Microrobots and Nanobots

Robotics is an ever-growing field across a bevy of disciplines, including within manufacturing and its partner industries. More and more companies are beginning to see the benefits of adopting automated solutions to factory processes, fabrication, and more. Beyond the facility floors of various production lines, great strides are being made towards robotics that can fit on the tip of a finger, which is where the fields of micro and nanorobotics come in to evolve the future of automation potentially further in manufacturing.

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In Focus | Packaging | September 2023Complete Automated SolutionsMainway Handling Systems

In Focus | Packaging | September 2023

Complete Automated Solutions

Mainway Handling Systems

Since 1988, Mainway Handling Systems has been creating dependable, advanced conveyor systems and automated warehouse solutions from its headquarters in Burlington, Ontario. Mainway provides systems design, installation, and integration services for multiple logistics industries including warehousing and distribution, logistics, freight, parcel, food, beverage, automotive and manufacturing. “Mainway and our dedicated team offer a complete service,” says Marketing Specialist Matthew Pereira. The company’s one-stop, turnkey approach has helped the business earn its place in the industry.

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Automation | September 2023The Future of AutomationEdgewater Automation

Automation | September 2023

The Future of Automation

Edgewater Automation

In a little over two decades, Edgewater Automation has grown into one of America’s premier designers and builders of factory automation systems. With competencies including automated systems for assembly, testing, inspection, data acquisition, and material handling, Edgewater serves clients across multiple markets. From automotive to electronics, consumer products to transportation, and life sciences to logistics, the experienced team at Edgewater Automation provides high-quality systems, service, and solutions to help all customers ensure success.

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Automation | September 2023Taking Automation Integration to New LevelsRAMP, Inc.

Automation | September 2023

Taking Automation Integration to New Levels

RAMP, Inc.

Specializing in custom automation design-build and equipment fabrication, RAMP, Inc. has turned itself into a veritable powerhouse of innovation, harnessing technology to fabricate next-generation manufacturing equipment and inspection and material handling systems for customers in industries like consumer goods, medical devices, transportation, and others around the globe. Recession-proof and self-sufficient to its core, this company is set to be around for many decades to come.

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