Displaying items tagged: Harbour Results Inc
Auto suppliers prepare for more slow growth, challenges, as forecast begins to brighten
While automotive suppliers in West Michigan may hope to finally emerge from the “dark winter” of the last three years, the vehicle
production outlook for 2023 portends more challenges ahead, although some bright spots are beginning to dot the mid-term forecast.
Manufacturers ramp up reshoring to avoid supply chain setbacks
Facing widespread supply chain disruptions over the past two years, manufacturers across the U.S. are increasingly sourcing components closer to home to bolster resilience and ensure product reliability.
Kentwood manufacturer’s bankruptcy filing highlights industry swings
KENTWOOD — A Grand Rapids-area manufacturing group that made recent and significant investments in the casino gaming machine industry has filed for bankruptcy after accumulating more than $10 million in debt.
Aging workforce complicates succession planning for manufacturers
Family-owned manufacturing companies are facing similar challenges as the industry at large as succession planning is complicated by an aging workforce.
Supply chain woes trickle down automotive industry, cause significant challenges
When asked how his company is managing the fallout of a microchip shortage that has crippled the automotive industry, Neil Boehm paused.
Manufacturers shift from pandemic shutdowns to supply unpredictability
Laurie Harbour compares life in today’s manufacturing industry to a game of whack-a-mole as company leaders find themselves addressing one problem only to encounter another.
Manufacturing faces talent problem heading into a crucial 2021
As manufacturing continues to lead both in statewide and nationwide economic recovery, the sector will still need to address a chronic issue that has only worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Great Lakes trade center helps manufacturers compete with imports
More than five years ago, Avio-Tech Ltd. quoted a project to produce control panels and components for industrial conglomerate Textron Inc.
Market downturn could spur M&A activity among global auto suppliers
The recent and sudden downturn in the automotive industry is likely to lead to a flurry of bankruptcies and sell-offs by distressed suppliers, not unlike what the industry witnessed on the heels of the Great Recession.
Report predicts slow manufacturing rebound while some remain optimistic
While the COVID-19 pandemic was quick to hit, instantly styming manufacturing throughout Michigan and the country, the bounceback will likely not be as swift.
Shutdown could delay new vehicle launches, increase pricing pressure
Automakers are delaying or rethinking the timing of new vehicles as production disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic linger into the spring.
Negative outlook continues among auto suppliers
The collective outlook among automotive suppliers is moving deep into negative territory as trade tensions, declining volumes and weakness in the U.S. economy weigh on the minds of manufacturers.
‘SIGNIFICANT ASSET’: Amid slowdown in launches, new threats, West Michigan tooling industry braces for change
The challenges confronting Michigan’s tool, die and mold makers are deeply rooted. The state hosts more than twice as many tool and die workers compared to any other state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the undisputed leader of the industry, Michigan also suffers the greatest consequences of its uncertainty.
TIME OF REINVENTION: Tool & die shops prioritize savvy investment strategies to avoid getting over-extended
While tool and die shop owners are hunkering down and tightening their belts in anticipation of a decrease in available work, some small- to mid-sized operations in West Michigan have already been forced to close their doors.
Q&A: Laurie Harbour, President and CEO, Harbour Results Inc.
At Southfield-based Harbour Results Inc., Laurie Harbour leads a company of analysts and consultants who use data and experience to help small- to medium-sized manufacturers develop strategies to improve their operations, reduce risks and optimize business.
Writing on the Wall? West Michigan auto suppliers react to expected slowdown
With 2018 shaping up as slower than expected for the automotive supply chain, West Michigan-based tool and die makers are embracing diversification to counter the cyclical industry.
Dienetics adjusts to changes in automotive industry landscape
JENISON — The changing automotive industry is forcing West Michigan manufacturer Dienetics to adjust how it does business.
Betz Industries to add machining capabilities with new facility
WALKER — Citing increased demand from its automotive customer base, Betz Industries Inc. wants to expand its manufacturing capabilities at its sprawling West Michigan campus.
Paragon Die & Engineering invests in machinery, facility
GRAND RAPIDS — Driven by customers’ needs to lightweight large components, Paragon Die and Engineering Co. is adding new equipment and expanding its facility in West Michigan.
Slowdown ahead? Tooling execs remain optimistic, but concerns emerge over auto plateau
While most economists still believe in the strength of the overall economy, some West Michigan manufacturers say their business has begun to soften, indicating a slowdown could be starting to emerge.
West Michigan mold builders plan to hire, raise wages this year
GRAND RAPIDS — Many West Michigan mold manufacturers are looking to get ahead of the oncoming wave of employee retirements by hiring more employees this year.
Competitive forces: Despite projections for a record 2018, tool and die suppliers brace for a cyclical downturn
With 177 new vehicle launches expected by 2020, tooling suppliers like Walker Tool & Die Inc. are bracing for another busy period in what’s been a string of good years for the industry.
Automotive industry braces for ‘talent crisis’ in tooling
The sector that provides the majority of tooling, fixtures and molds required to manufacture automotive components is facing a crisis.
Tool and die makers brace for busy two years, while analysts urge restraint
The next two years are shaping up to be a busy time for tool and die makers in West Michigan and beyond.
For Middleville Tool & Die, growth comes from production, not tooling
MIDDLEVILLE — Backed by a new investment, Middleville Tool & Die Co. wants to ramp up its manufacturing capabilities that will pull it further away from its legacy business.
Raising the performance of tool and die companies
Tool and die shops are practitioners of highly skilled craftsmanship, doing the rigorous and precise work needed to build tooling for high-volume production of automotive components.