IPFA Corner

With the first quarter of the New Year drawing to a close, many of us start to assess the current state of our business’ and the manufacturing sector in general. Is the economy truly slowing down or are the markets overreacting to the whim of the analysts and talking heads?

There is no question that in the plastics industry the rumor mill has been working overtime trying to stay on top of all the recent mergers and acquisitions. Spartec, GE, and Ensinger most recently have been extremely busy. The plastic stock shapes landscape has changed very quickly with many unresolved issues still unfolding. With the consolidation of major industry players, many questions still need to be answered. Will prices continue to skyrocket? Am I going to maintain my current material lines? Are manufacturers going to take big accounts direct? Time will tell…

The one thing that I see more clearly as the dust settles is that it has become more important to form solid relationships with your suppliers and your customers. In order to be successful, especially in today’s economy, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses inside and out and understand your customers needs better than your competitors do.

The intent of the International Plastics Fabricators Association is to provide the resources and information for your business and our industry’s growth. It becomes very important that our ranks in the fabricators industry stick together in order to better compete in these changing times. By improving our knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques, new equipment and supplies, we provide better products to our customers. Coupled with the IPFA website and an expanded mix of member benefits, we work to help you ultimately be more productive and increase your profit margins. Please visit our website at www.fabricators.org for membership information.

Lastly, put Saturday, May 19, 2001 on your calendar. The IPFA will be presenting a regional workshop in Rosemont, IL entitled "Plastic Fabricating: Practical Applications". Topics will include fixturing and set-up, tooling selection, routing and sawing, bonding and adhesives, and finishing. Interested parties can register online through the IPFA website or contact the association at 630-988-4740. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders. Just one time saving technique or solving one reoccurring problem, will make it worth the trip!

For more information, contact the IPFA at 630-980-4740 or see www.fabricators.org.