CMTC Manufacturing Blog

Posted by Steven Brand on Apr 18, 2018 9:02:42 AM

Supply chain management has long been used to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and increase customer satisfaction. Today, many companies even believe that a lot of competition within the manufacturing sector is not just about who has the greater product or better brand, but who has the best supply chain.

Posted by Steven Brand on Apr 4, 2018 9:46:57 AM

Manufacturers are continuously working to improve safety within their facilities, and their efforts are paying off.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of manufacturing injuries have improved considerably over the years, from seven injury cases per 100 people in 2003 to just four cases per 100 people in 2016. And California, despite holding the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, also had the fourth lowest rate of fatalities in the nation (only Connecticut, Delaware, and Washington fared better).

Posted by Steven Brand on Mar 29, 2018 9:26:38 AM

Hate professional networking? You’re not alone. Unless you’re the eternal extrovert, some people find the networking experience intimidating and phony; from the elevator pitches to the “Hi my name is” stickers, it can be a bit of a drag. But did you ever stop to think, perhaps that’s because you’re going about it the wrong way?

Posted by Steven Brand on Mar 21, 2018 8:03:38 AM

California not only leads the country in manufacturing, it’s also setting the standard for workplace harassment avoidance and prevention training. The Golden State is one of just three states (including Maine and Connecticut) requiring the training, and imposing serious consequences if not complied with properly. For some small and medium-sized manufacturers, the regulations undoubtedly raise some questions.

Posted by Steven Brand on Mar 14, 2018 12:08:00 PM

As Californians, we know that it’s not a matter of if, but when the next natural disaster will strike. Losses from the recent Northern California wildfires damaged or destroyed over 700 businesses; others are still reeling from the Montecito mudslides. And the 2017 Mexico City earthquake continues to have experts speculating on Southern California’s “big one,” with expected damage of such an event estimated to reach upwards of $300 billion.

Posted by Steven Brand on Mar 7, 2018 11:42:45 AM

It’ll be here before you know it—Manufacturing Day 2018 officially arrives on Friday, October 5, 2018. This annual celebration gives small and medium-sized manufacturers in California and across the country an opportunity to showcase their products and capabilities to students, educators, businesspeople, politicians, and the media. The goal?

To spread the word about the importance of manufacturing, the benefits it brings to our country, and career opportunities within the industry.

Posted by Steven Brand on Mar 2, 2018 12:15:52 PM

 In an increasingly competitive marketplace, most manufacturers understand the importance of investing in their business. But, investing means spending money, something many manufacturers can be hesitant to do. This is a dangerous trap to fall into, however, as the long-term benefits of investing can far exceed the short-term hit on the balance sheet.

Posted by Steven Brand on Feb 14, 2018 12:57:55 PM

By 2025, nearly 25 percent of the United States population is expected to be 60 years of age or older. With this demographic preparing to exit the workforce and enter retirement, what can be done to retain their knowledge and pass it down to the next generation of employees? After all, a good portion of the knowledge that our “employee elders” possess is not written down or stored within a computer—it’s stored in their head. And this is especially true within the manufacturing sector.

Posted by Steven Brand on Feb 13, 2018 11:30:00 AM

Robotics has come a long way from when they first hit factory floors in the early 1960s. Today’s robots are more intelligent and versatile, and able to go to work with little to no human intervention. And, like anything that’s not fully understood, the rapid advancement and adoption of robotics has produced everything from the fear of "they’re taking over!" to the fear of "we're missing out and we can’t afford them."

Posted by Steven Brand on Feb 6, 2018 9:37:12 AM

The employee performance review. It’s an opportunity to congratulate workers on a job well done and celebrate their wins. It’s also a chance to provide constructive criticism and discuss ways to improve performance. But what makes for an effective employee performance review?