Management

END USER: Aragon Surgical Inc., (650) 543-3100, www.aragonsurgical.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce costs when procuring a stainless steel part for a laparoscopic surgical device. SOLUTION: A contract manufacturer that stamps some previously machined part features and machines only the critical features. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Connecticut Spring & Stamping, (860) 677-1341, www.ctspring.com

Manager's Desk Columnist Keith Jennings urges shops to consider having a business continuity plan in the August 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Document jobs to reduce setup time when they repeat.

Observations of a retired shop owner can help improve your shop.

CTE Editorial Director Alan Rooks laments the long and winding road to economic recovery in this Lead Angle editorial in the September 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Manager's Desk column for October 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine looks at overcoming disruptions caused by information overload.

The Manager's Desk column in the December 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering addresses the importance of developing interest in manufacturing careers.

Manufacturing was a star in 2011 and looks to shine brightly in 2012.

END USER: A large aerospace manufacturer. CHALLENGE: Avoid buying a new machine by retaining use of a 25-year-old lathe. SOLUTION: Rebuild the lathe and retrofit it with a new control. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Infinity Rebuild Inc., (704) 588-4995, www.infinityrebuild.com

Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings offers some guidance for effectively screening new projects in the January 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.