Dan Emerson, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q3 2018)
With U.S. natural gas costs being so low, the U.S. plastics industry continues to grow, while keeping an eye out for supply chain challenges brought about by changes in trade policy.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2016)
Mike Molnar, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, describes what’s being done to maintain U.S. leadership in this arena.More
Geraldine Gambale, Editor, Area Development Magazine (Directory 2015)
Although some states are rolling back or banning fracking due to potential environmental impact, overall, U.S. shale gas development and production is surging and helping to trigger a resurgence in manufacturing.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q4 2014)
U.S. manufacturers are investing in advanced equipment, automation, and robotics in order to drive down the cost of production and compete in the global economy. The net result has the potential to transform our industrial base.More
John Minervini, Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc. and Andy Mace, Managing Director, Global Business Consulting , Cushman & Wakefield Business Consulting (Q2 2014)
In many key sectors, the initial alignment of corporate and production operations has shaped regions and influenced the industrial landscape in a very permanent way.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2014)
The southern states have embraced the transition from traditional to knowledge-based economies and work hard to attract new projects and the high-paying jobs that come with them.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 2014)
American manufacturing is on the upswing, with advances in innovation and productivity buoyed by decreased energy and transportation costs, and new efforts to increase work force skills.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Directory 2014)
The automotive industry, in particular, has been taking advantage of metal-to-plastic conversion for years to meet stricter federal guidelines for improved fuel efficiency by 2025.More
Scott N. Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) and Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Directory 2014)
Scott N. Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, discusses how government policy supports U.S. manufacturing growth, the perceived “skills gap” and mainstream media’s recent focus on U.S. manufacturing. More
According to a recent paper from the Deloitte University Press entitled “The Transformation of Manufacturing,” advanced materials, new production technologies, and digital techniques are allowing manufacturers to remain competitive despite numerous challenges.More
Craig Guillot, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q4 / Fall 2013)
State sources report that Louisiana’s economy held strong during the recession, and that during the past five years, its GDP growth was about 50 percent faster than the national average.More
Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Q4 / Fall 2013)
While 3D printing started out more than two decades ago being a means for producing primarily prototype parts, the use of AM technologies in both polymers and powdered metals, for direct production of end-use parts, continues to grow. More
Dave Claborn , Staff Editor, Area Development; Director of Development and Community Relations, Ohio State University, Marion (Q3 / Summer 2013)
Sixty percent of the U.S. and Canadian population lies within a day’s drive, making Ohio an ideal location for manufacturing — machinery, automobiles, plastics, appliances, and steel, among others.More
David Cox, President/CEO, Purple Platypus (Q3 / Summer 2013)
Recently, we spoke with David Cox, president/CEO of Purple Platypus, a 3D printing technologies seller, and Purple Porcupine, a service bureau with 12 machines that print 3D parts for a variety of customers and markets. 3D printing hasn’t exactly been an overnight success, after 25 years, the industry is finally getting the attention it deserves — some good, some bad.More
Noel Ginsburg, CEO & President, Intertech Plastics (Q2 / Spring 2013)
Area Development speaks with Noel Ginsburg, CEO and President of Intertech Plastics, about the reshoring trend, why OEMs are returning to the U.S. to manufacture their goods, and the impact that’s having on his business.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 / Winter 2013)
Exhibiting know-how and innovation, U.S. manufacturers are adding to their payrolls and
economic growth across the nation. We have identified 19 states where manufacturing is leading the way...More
Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Q1 / Winter 2013)
Regional sourcing is helping manufacturers save time and money; with that in mind, savvy suppliers are moving closer to the end users of their products.More
Doug Woods, President, The Association For Manufacturing Technology (Fall 2012)
As manufacturing powers our economic recovery, Area Development and AMT President, Doug Woods, discuss how to continue building sustained U.S manufacturing strength and job creation.More
From coast to coast, U.S. Navy shipyards have been converted into industrial parks with facilities occupied by small, medium, and large companies employing from fewer than a dozen people up to several hundred.More
Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development (Location USA 2012)
Foreign companies are finding plenty of opportunities to invest in manufacturing across the country, including steel fabrication, advanced materials, information systems, semiconductors and electronics, alternative energy, chemicals and plastics, heavy equipment, appliances, and rubber products. More
Hal Johnson, President and CEO, Upstate SC Alliance (November 2011)
Although industry clustering may not be the economic development "Holy Grail", an effective clustering strategy is still a proven recipe for successMore
Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (June/July 09)
The collapse of the auto industry has hit the plastics industry hard. But new medical products and greener plastics are keeping the industry moving forward.More
Clare Goldsberry , Staff Editor, Area Development (Jun/Jul 08)
There are many ways that plastics can offer true "green" alternatives in a variety of applications. And the industry is working overtime to keep the products coming.More