Plastics
Project Announcements
New Tech Plastics Plans Piqua, Ohio, Operations
Swiss-Based Georg Utz Plans Sumter, South Carolina, Packaging Operations
Global Polymers Plans Charlestown, Indiana, Headquarters Operations
Lithium Battery Company Plans Tampa, Florida, Battery Pack Production Operations
Revere Plastics Systems Expands Clyde, Ohio Operations
PRET Advanced Materials Expands Johnsonville, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
Baxter Manufacturing Expands Westminster, South Carolina, Operations
Plastipak Packaging Expands Rapides Parish, Louisiana, Warehousing Operations
EPC-Columbia Plans Fremont, Ohio, Manufacturing Operations
Pratt Industries Plans York County, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
Canada-Based Lefko USA Plans New Braunfels, Texas, U.S. Manufacturing Operations
Sweden-Based The Lamiflex Group Plans Borden, Indiana, U.S. Manufacturing Operations
Swedish-Based PolyFlex Products Plans McMinnville, Tennessee, Manufacturing Operations
Ring Container Technologies Plans Whitestown, Indiana, Operations
Recent Features
Regional Supply Chains: A Win for OEMs and Their Locations
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.
New Natural Gas Technologies Firing Up Manufacturing
The natural gas boom is a "game-changer" sparking a "manufacturing renaissance."
Defense Cutbacks Lead to Novel Industrial Parks
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.
Industry Clusters: Importance of Place still Relevant to Business Success
Although industry clustering may not be the economic development "Holy Grail", an effective clustering strategy is still a proven recipe for success
Plastics Industry Thrives Despite Automotive, Appliance Troubles
With its ability to cater to different sectors, the outlook for plastics is bright despite storm clouds over automotives and other industries.
Plastics: Relying on Innovation to Ride Out the Recession
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.
Location Notebook: Union County, SC, Moves Forward
Union County, South Carolina, has pieced together a diverse economy from its historical textile roots.
Shale Gas Revitalizing U.S. Manufacturing Industry…While Environmentalists Have Their Say
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.
The Role of Labor in Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing will continue to be reliant upon human interaction for the application and management of technology.
The Production and Corporate Headquarters Connection
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.
The Southland Delivers a Solid Economic Performance
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.
Manufacturing in America: Bigger, Better and Bolder
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.
Metal-to-Plastic Conversion Allows for Creativity & Reduces Shipping Costs
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.
First Person: Putting U.S. Manufacturing Front and Center
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.
New Technologies Transforming Manufacturing, Changing Competition
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.
Louisiana: Climbing the Economic and Business Climate Charts
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.
Additive Manufacturing Becomes National Technology Focus
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.
Special Investment Report: Ohio
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.
First Person: A Frank Discussion on 3D Printing's Evolution and Future
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.
First Person: How One Regional Supplier is Investing to Meet the Demands of Reshoring OEM Customers
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.
The States Leading the U.S. Manufacturing Resurgence
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...
First Person: AMT President Calls for Permanent Manufacturing R&D and Innovation Incentives
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.
Market Report: Plastics Industry to Follow Manufacturing's Growth Trend
Plastics categories are often interconnected with other industry clusters.
Hot United States FDI Sectors: Advanced Manufacturing
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.
The Baldrige Process: World Standard in Manufacturing Quality Improvement - But Still Relevant?
Baldrige is a pathway that leads to improved innovation - the very thing American industry needs in a global market of low-cost competitors.
Market Report: Plastics Focuses on Diversification to Thrive
The plastics industry is focusing on diversifying the industries it serves - and the locations it selects - to grow.
Southern Exposure Equals High-Tech Innovation
This in-depth look at 14 southern states shows how technology is sparking development in a variety of industries.
Plastics: The Bioresin Revolution
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.
Plastics and Packaging Prosper
This growing sector continues to thrive by adapting to the needs of customers and responding to environmental concerns.
Plastics Industry Bounces Back
Opportunities are growing as U.S. plastics manufacturers stay ahead of global competition with new processes and innovations.
