What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast episode, a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn: 

• We are in an era of manufacturing transition, from huge numbers of lunchpail-toting workers streaming out of the factory gate at the end of their shift to an era of fewer workers making more goods.

• What will it take to succeed in the new era? Embracing Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing; following sustainable practices; using additive manufacturing; and improving human-machine collaboration.

• Technology can help improve productivity, but manufacturers must invest in their workers.

On this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:

• As the national conversation on manufacturing expansion and reshoring continues, we want to know: Do you have excess capacity available to take on new business right away?
• Learn about the advantages of joining the PLASTICS Committee on Equipment Statistics.
• Dri-Air has added two new models to the low-throughput MD dryer series that debuted at NPE2024.

In this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:

1. Hoffer Plastics and Rocheleau Tool & Die, both third-generation family-owned plastics businesses, are thriving and remain committed to staying independent and honoring their heritage.
2. The historic HPM brand, known for injection molding machines, has been officially retired by Yizumi, the Chinese firm that acquired its assets in 2011.
3. Blow molding machinery maker Bekum America Corp. has nine new apprentices in its four-year training program — the largest class since the program began in 1994.

What you'll learn in this PMM Insight podcast, with Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna:  

• Merger and acquisition activity in the plastics industry is slow, but private equity companies are still buying.

• The first step in selling a business might not be the one you expect.

• A buyer's commitment to employees frequently plays a big part in a seller’s decision.

What you'll learn on this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:

• Managing mergers and acquisitions: Whether you're buying, selling or keeping your business in the family, we spoke with experts who have tips to ensure the best outcome for all stakeholders.

• Yaskawa America announces expansion: With a $180 million investment, the company will consolidate Illinois and Wisconsin operations in Franklin, Wis., and move its Drives & Motion division headquarters there.

• Kistler system for injection molding: AkvisIO IME 7.0 manages and analyzes data to help processors become more efficient and improve part quality.

On this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:

• Shipments of injection molding and extrusion machinery in North America fell 17.5 percent in the first quarter from the previous quarter and 4.6 percent year over year, according to the Plastics Industry Association's Committee on Equipment Statistics. What's weighing on the market?
• Learn how Wittmann's space-saving Insider Package machine cells helped ITW Deltar Fasteners make the most of its limited floor space.
• A Chinese cobot manufacturer, Fairino, has entered the North American market this year and is having some success selling to plastics processors. 

What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast episode , a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn:

• The Plastics Industry Association and National Association of Manufacturers support the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” now being debated in the U.S. Senate.
• The challenge for the plastics industry is to influence the Senate to keep the good provisions of the tax bill while tinkering with the rest.
• Can the U.S maintain world leadership in manufacturing? That question is yet to be answered.

Learn about three top stories of the week:

• As the U.S. Senate debates President Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” we look at what it could mean for plastics processors.
• Henning Stieglitz, CEO and CTO of the German company that manufactures Battenfeld Cincinnati extrusion machines, talked with the VDMA about sustainability, artificial intelligence, post-consumer material and problems with the circular economy.
• Universal Robots has launched the UR15 collaborative robot, promising high performance and greater speeds.