This edition of Plastics Business announces the name change of MAPP from Mid-America Plastics Processors to Manufacturer's Association for Plastics Processors.

The Summer issue of Plastics Business Magazine is full of high impact information that plastics processors can use to improve their operational efficiencies.

Ironwood Plastics is this issue's highlight company who demonstrates key differentiators that make them stand out from the "common" molders.  Ironwood's open book management philosophy, technology adoption, and view of servicing the customer show why they are a world class company.

The Summer issue of Plastics Business also features a special story on why it is key to have a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy for your company's web site.  In summary, not having an SEO strategy is similar to not even having a website!

This issue also features a Buyer's Guide to Blending Systems and tips to finding the right tool maker every time.

     PRD, Inc., an injection molder is the featured manufacturer in the April 2008 issue of Plastics Business Magazine. PRD produces materials for the automotive, industrial, medical, business equipment, noise/vibration control, hearing protection, and military industries. PRD has achieved and maintained success in part by remaining essentially debt free by putting its profits back into operations, as well as having an annual employee turnover rate under two percent, far below the industry average of 30 percent.

     This issue also covers topics of updating your costing and quoting process, real-time data, marketing strategies, operational assessments, and resin purchasing strategies.

     The Winter 2008 issue of Plastics Business Magazine features Team 1 Michigan, a horizontal injection molder and producer of small plastic molded parts mostly for the automotive industry.  Team 1 has found success using a four shift production schedule with a day and night team that is fully cross-trained.

     This issue also includes articles on cooling and chilling systems, current benchmarks in the area of raw materials, reducing energy and material costs to increase operations efficiency, and quoting strategies.

     Polymer Conversions, Inc., of Orchard Park, NY is the feature manufacturer for this issue. Polymer Conversions employs over 82 people with more than 38,000 square feet on a 15 acre site. The company has full in-house capabilities ranging from design to finished products, clean room molding capabilities, and serves the medical, automotive and industrial markets.

     This issue also covers testing laboratories, service agreements, implementation of a standards-based QMS, and a feature on Fremont Plastics, a thermoformer that supplies product to the health care industry.

     This issue features Metro Plastics Technologies, Inc., a cotnract molder specializing in thermoplastic injection molding, decorating, assembly, packaging, insert molding and two-shot molding, for a broad range of industries including consumer electronics, medical, automotive, house wares, and specialty products.

     This issue also features articles that focus on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), automation, life settlements, benchmarking, and the effect of the internet marketplace on buyers and suppliers.

     This issue of Plastics Business Magazine features Plastic Components, Inc., a custom injection molder whose automation and non-traditional marketing and communication techinques have created a globally competitive successful manufacturer.

     This issue also focuses on auxiliary equipment, LEAN Manufacturing techniques, R&E Tax Credits, and contractual partnerships.

     The Summer 2006 issue of Plastics Business Magazine features Makuta Technics, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of micro-injection molded componentry for the medical, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries. 

     This issue closely examines the ERP/MRP software being used in the marketplace, the transition to new and better systems management, as well as strategies offered by successful business owners on cost effective ways to increase profits and return on assets.