CMTC Manufacturing Blog

Posted by Steven Brand

Last year, the United States exported $2.5 trillion—yes, trillion—dollars worth of goods and services to foreign countries. Our nation is the third-largest exporter in the world, trailing only China and the European Union. Within our borders, California is by far the top exporting state, shipping out nearly $280 billion worth of goods and services in 2018. Have you got in on global trade yet, or are you letting the competition reap all the rewards? For many small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), entering the exporting arena often comes down to a matter of knowledge and cost. But did you know that there federal programs available to assist you?

Posted by Steven Brand

Technology is evolving at an astonishing pace, changing the way we live and the way we do business. Of course, it’s not just Silicon Valley tech companies that need to keep up with these advancements. Today, businesses big and small, across all industries, need to prioritize technology in order to effectively compete, keep operations running efficiently, and deliver greater value to customers. Manufacturers that allow themselves to fall behind simply enable others to step up and steal their customers, and potentially their entire business.

Posted by Steven Brand

Industry 4.0, sometimes called the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Smart Manufacturing has blurred the lines between the physical and the digital worlds. It’s comprised of transformative technologies that will impact all manufacturers, using intelligent or smart machinery to automate and optimize the shop floor, in turn producing more and wasting less—at lower costs.

Posted by Steven Brand

Today, October 4th is Manufacturing Day, or MFG Day! That means manufacturers across California and the country will be opening their doors to students, educators, elected officials, and the media to spread the word about the importance of manufacturing, the benefits it brings to our nation, and career opportunities within the industry. This event has grown in size since its inception in 2012, and last year, more than 580 sites hosted, participated in, or sponsored events in the Golden State alone. The tremendous success of this initiative has led to the creation of Manufacturing Month in California (MFG Month-CA), which kicks off today as well and runs through October.

Posted by Steven Brand

If you remember the woodworking, metalworking, and auto shop classes that used to be taught in high school, you already have an idea of what a makerspace is. Makerspaces, sometimes called Maker Labs, are defined as “a place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.” Of course, today, there is usually a lot more technology involved, as makerspaces put more focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts.

Posted by Steven Brand

The food industry is evolving rapidly, with consumers demanding quality, authenticity, and transparency from food manufacturers. And they’re not just demanding it, they’re “voting with their dollars,” supporting companies that align with their personal beliefs. To keep up with consumer demand—and to keep up your bottom line—it’s important to understand their needs and make changes that support them. In doing so, you can improve your product quality, reduce waste, inspire brand loyalty, compete more effectively, and avert potential media or food safety disasters.

Posted by Steven Brand

The government and other organizations have put food manufacturers under a microscope in an effort to ensure they’re following food safety standards and complying with regulations. While practices that ensure safety, quality, and consistency may require an initial investment, they pay off in the long run. After all, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) estimate that the average cost of a recall for food companies is $10 million.

Posted by Steven Brand

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is still in its early stages, but it has already begun to change the way we live and work. Its impact on society is going to be enormous, with experts predicting the industry to reach $370 billion over the next four years.

Posted by Steven Brand

Whether you’re a B2B or B2C manufacturer, your customers are the lifeblood of your business. While many small and medium-sized manufacturers often look inward for ways to improve business and processes, such as adopting new technology or improving employee training, it’s also important to venture outside your own doors and listen to your customers. 

Posted by Steven Brand

Today’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) face many challenges—and many opportunities. And while there are a wealth of resources out there, sometimes it can still seem like you’re operating in a vacuum, cut off from the rest of the manufacturing world outside of the occasional networking event. To remedy this situation for California’s SMMs, Peer Council groups were created.