Management

Speedgrip Chuck acquired by Stratford-Cambridge Group

Speedgrip Chuck Inc., an Elkhart, Ind.-based designer and manufacturer of highly engineered workholding mechanisms, has been sold to an affiliate of Stratford-Cambridge Group, a private investment firm headquartered in Plymouth, Mich. Speedgrip announced the transaction in a news release issued Dec. 16.

Customized technical training

MATC provides customized training for Kinetic Company's incumbent workers

Like many manufacturers across the U.S., Greendale’s Kinetic Company faces a shortage of skilled labor. Long-term, highly skilled employees are retiring, leaving the knife-making company with a younger, less experienced workforce. With that challenge in mind and armed with a Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) grant, managers from Kinetic Company teamed with Milwaukee Area Technical College to enhance the skills of their incumbent workers.

Tour Toolingtrader.com portal for surplus tooling

The new Toolingtrader.com is said to be the industry's most complete interactive web portal for buying and selling surplus tooling for the machining industry. The site also features industry forums, technical data sheets, and the ability for sellers to upload multiple products at once.

Feds report rise in productivity, predict workforce decline

Labor productivity in the manufacturing sector increased at a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.1 percent during the third quarter of 2015—the largest gain recorded since a 6.1 percent increase during the third quarter of 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Output increased 3.2 percent while hours worked decreased 1.8 percent.

College takes aim at computerized tooling, adds CNC lab

As Kirtland Community College puts the finishing touches on its new Computer Numerically Controlled lab, the Roscommon, Mich., school is nearly set to launch a certificate program aimed at meeting the growing demand for workers with computerized tooling training.

NAM lists top 20 facts about manufacturing

Manufacturers contribute $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), a Washington, D.C.-based association representing small and large manufacturers in 50 states. Up nearly 28 percent since the second quarter of 2009, the amount spent by manufacturers leads off the "Top 20 Facts About Manufacturing" posted on the NAM website.

Purchasing managers index down for 2nd straight month

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in December for the second consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 79th consecutive month, according to the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. The report, issued Jan. 4 by Bradley J. Holcomb, chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

Osborn names new sales manager

Osborn, a leading supplier of industrial brushes, polishing compounds and buffs, recently hired Steve Economos as its Western territory sales manager for its Load Runners® division of idler rollers, cam followers and rail systems. As sales manager, Economos is responsible for managing, motivating and growing Osborn’s sales team in California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Texas and Montana.

Fives Machining adds service center in Seattle

Fives Machining Systems is set to open a service center in Seattle today as the company expands to meet the needs of its customers nationwide, according to a news release issued by the Fives Group. The Seattle center will stock spare parts, repair unit assemblies and dispatch service engineers to customers in the Northwest.

Methods Machine Tools appoints new marketing manager

Peter S. Jung, who has specialized in creating and managing marketing and sales tools using emerging technologies, is the new marketing manager for Methods Machine Tools Inc. Jung will be responsible for branding and content creation for the company's digital, print and website media. In addition, Jung will oversee the company's sales collateral, trade shows and open houses.