Posts Tagged ‘global trade’

Metal fabricators are true knowledge workers

June 28th, 2010
By: Tim Heston

Last week DeWys Mfg., a metal fabricator based in west Michigan, launched a new Web site, and the content of that Web site is worth noting. The contract fabricator is touting its “circle of companies” concept, which is another way to describe the fact that DeWys is a one-stop shop for metal manufacturing: precision sheet metal, metal stamping, powder coating, product assembly, machining, and international sourcing.

Yes, you read that last one right: international sourcing.

As DeWys’ Web site states: “Following the principles of lean manufacturing, we strive to accomplish tasks using the most efficient manufacturing systems and following the most direct route. It is for this reason DeWys International was established. DeWys International simplifies the process of sourcing component parts and finished products from offshore manufacturers.”

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Irony in Ireland: Global trade and volcanic ash

April 19th, 2010
By: Tim Heston

‭This week has dripped with irony.

On Wednesday I traveled to a press event at Combilift,‭ ‬a forklift and material handling equipment manufacturer several hours northwest of Dublin,‭ ‬in the rolling green hills of County Monaghan.‭ ‬The company exports most of its vehicles and keeps much‭ ‬of its supply base local,‭ ‬a practice that has won the company numerous awards from Irish commerce organizations.‭ ‬The forklift-maker has achieved something local business groups anywhere would applaud. It manufactures locally,‭ ‬sells globally.

Then,‭ ‬well,‭ ‬there‭’‬s this volcano,‭ ‬which has brought a portion of global business to its knees.‭
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