PMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing Podcast

All Episodes (23)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. Get smarter, or get left behind

   Processors who reject smart manufacturing technologies are putting their future at risk, says industry expert Alaa Elwany of Texas A&M. The government is mulling ways to help manufacturers unlock Industry 4.0 innovations, while surveys indicate growing interest among manufacturers. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman looks at the state of smart manufacturing in the plastics industry in this episode of PMM Insight.Read more: Start small, think big with Industry 4.0More auxiliary equipment is getting

   May 16,2024 12:33
2. 

   2. Industry 4.0: Start small, but think big

   Manufacturing technologies are evolving quickly, and those who don’t implement Industry 4.0 risk being left behind. Start small, but in a way that allows your company to scale up, says Editor Ron Shinn.

   May 09,2024 07:21
3. 

   3. How Industry 4.0 will improve manufacturing: Mo Abuali, Wipfli

   A survey of more than 300 manufacturers found that 99 percent say they plan to increase spending in technology and Industry 4.0 in 2024. At the same time, the cost of sensors, hardware and computing services are coming down. In this episode of PMM Insight, Mo Abuali, digital director for manufacturing, retail and distribution at Wipfli LLP, told Editor Ron Shinn that these two trends have the potential to significantly improve manufacturing.  

   Apr 25,2024 21:37
4. 

   4. 10 innovations to check out at NPE: PMM Insight

   PMM Editor Ron Shinn has been to every NPE since 1991. In this episode of PMM Insight, he chooses 10 of the 111 Product Innovations featured in our April show preview issue that he's most excited to see. 

   Apr 18,2024 08:47
5. 

   5. Why you need to go to NPE2024: Commentary

   Editor Ron Shinn, a veteran of dozens of plastics trade shows, looks forward to NPE2024 in May. It's been six years since the last one, and at the rate technology is advancing, there'll be many revelations to enjoy on the show floor. 

   Apr 11,2024 05:46
6. 

   6. Smart technology for auxiliary equipment

   Auxiliary plastics processing equipment such as blenders, dryers and feeders can now collect and analyze data, make production adjustments on the fly, predict maintenance and more. These intelligent upgrades also help processors manage the lack of skilled labor in their plants. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman spoke with representatives of several major equipment manufacturers to find out how smart technology can help you.

   Mar 28,2024 26:22
7. 

   7. Competing interests threaten Global Plastics Treaty: Commentary

   The need to address the plastics pollution problem is universally acknowledged, but progress has been slow and parties are often working at cross-purposes. PMM Editor Ron Shinn gives his perspective on the struggle to find common ground for the sake of the earth.

   Mar 21,2024 05:47
8. 

   8. How private equity is changing the plastics industry, with John Hart, PMCF: PMM In Person

   Private equity investors are having an impact on the plastics industry. The results are bigger, more sophisticated plastics companies with deeper pockets that are willing to invest in technology to accelerate growth.John Hart, managing director of P&M Corporate Finance, speaks with PMM Editor Ron Shinn about the trend.

   Mar 11,2024 33:51
9. 

   9. Hiring slows, but labor shortage in plastics persists: PMM Perspective

   Inflation, high interest rates and supply chain disruptions have created uncertainty throughout the economy, but whatever the short-term outlook, one constant is clear: Finding workers will remain a challenge. Senior reporter Karen Hanna looks at the employment outlook for the plastics industry in this episode of PMM Perspective.

   Feb 22,2024 17:29
10. 

    10. Leveraging your data with Kate Brown of Wipfli: PMM In Person

    Your manufacturing data is a valuable asset. Find out how to use this information to increase productivity and serve your customers better.

    Feb 15,2024 17:04
11. 

    11. Do we need standards for recyclable bales? PMM Commentary

    Every recycler has horror stories about contaminated bales of recyclable materials, and knowing what's in a bale is essential to meet standards for recycled pellets or flake. Transparency in the marketplace would benefit everyone, but there are problems with the model that might actually discourage use of PCR, according to one industry expert. Editor Ron Shinn details the issues in this episode of PMM Insight.

    Feb 08,2024 05:24
12. 

    12. Processors and equipment OEMs look ahead to 2024: PMM Perspective

    Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing recently conducted its fifth annual survey of machinery investment plans for the upcoming year. The results, and follow-up interviews with processors, equipment OEMs and plastics industry experts, make the case for "cautious optimism" in 2024. In this episode of PMM Perspective, we look into the crystal ball to see what the year ahead holds for the plastics machinery market.

    Jan 25,2024 28:41
13. 

    13. Plastics plant leaders must embrace sustainability: PMM Commentary

    Emissions that come from the manufacturing and transport of plastic parts can and should be controlled. When plastics processors commitment to greener practices, it benefits the environment, customers, workers and the business. Explore the use of digital technology to monitor processes, and sustainable energy sources. Hear more in this commentary from PMM Editor Ron Shinn.

    Jan 18,2024 06:39
14. 

    14. Arlene Davis on educational opportunities at NPE2024: PMM In Person

    Arlene Davis, director of NPE content and experience for the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), talks with Editor Ron Shinn about the extensive conference and educational programs that will be available at NPE2024 in May, significantly enhancing the NPE experience. 

    Jan 11,2024 26:53
15. 

    15. Growing leaders from within your workforce: PMM Insight

    How companies handle promotions and professional development can go a long way toward easing challenges they might otherwise face filling job openings.  While employers might have once been able to rely on trade schools and a deep labor pool to fill roles ranging from entry-level to supervisory positions, human-resources (HR) experts say that’s no longer the case. In many instances, they have to grow their own. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna reports on success stories and tips for finding and

    Dec 28,2023 12:47
16. 

    16. Laurie Harbour, manufacturing consultant, Harbour Results: PMM In Person

    Wages and other costs for the new contract won by the United Auto Workers will trickle down to Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 auto suppliers, including plastics processors, according to industry analyst Laurie Harbour. The automotive supply chain was already vulnerable before the UAW strike because of COVID, labor shortages and lower automotive volumes.In this episode of PMM Insight: PMM In Person, Harbour also shares thoughts with Editor Ron Shinn about recovery for slow machinery sales and concerns

    Dec 14,2023 17:19
17. 

    17. How artificial intelligence can help plastics processors: PMM Perspective

    From plant design to part quality, artificial intelligence offers manufacturers efficiency advantages. Jimmy Asher, managing director and Smart Factory CTO, Deloitte Consulting LLP, detailed the ways AI is applicable to the plastics industry in this article by Bruce Geiselman.  Read more about AI:IMM makers integrate artificial intelligence to improve production.Use AI to leverage your manufacturing data.

    Nov 23,2023 09:50
18. 

    18. Tim Shestek and Robert Simon, American Chemistry Council: PMM In Person

    Representatives from the American Chemistry Council discuss two issues of growing importance to plastics processors — extended producer responsibility programs, commonly referred to as EPR programs, and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS. Tim Shestek, senior director for state affairs in the Western Region, and Robert Simon, vice president for Chemical Products and Technology, speak with PMM Editor Ron Shinn.

    Nov 09,2023 13:52
19. 

    19. Training your workforce for the future: PMM Perspective

    Plastics processors are facing challenges in their workforces as experienced operators retire and new employees need to level up their skills. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna details the efforts of OEMs, training programs and companies to educate their staffs and prepare them for the future. Read more from our package, on how training can be tailored to individual needs, and how one company is helping its workers shine.

    Oct 26,2023 10:06
20. 

    20. Matt Seaholm, Plastics Industry Association: PMM In Person

    PMM Editor Ron Shinn speaks with Matt Seaholm, CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), about the global effort to solve the problem of plastics in the environment, and the organization's role in those initiatives.

    Oct 26,2023 13:09
21. 

    21. How to assess your cybersecurity risk and take action: PMM Perspective

    Every plastics processor should take the threat of cybercrime seriously. Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman details steps you can take to make sure your data is safe, your employees are aware and your company has a plan if the worst happens. Read more stories from our report, about cyber insurance and about ransomware. 

    Oct 26,2023 19:39
22. 

    22. Lean manufacturing for plastics processors: PMM Perspective

    Consultants, company leaders and employees tout lean manufacturing as an approach that empowers employees while helping companies run more productively. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna relates how two processors, Comco and Mercury Plastics, have improved their operations. Read more from our series on lean manufacturing here.

    Oct 26,2023 16:31
23. 

    23. Introducing PMM Insight

    From Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing and plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com, we bring you our podcast! Each month we will provide interviews with plastics industry professionals; these episodes are referred to as PMM in Person. Each month we also deliver an audio article, referred to as PMM Perspective.

    Oct 12,2023 02:24