"Worry about those things that you can control," my mom used to tell me. It's a great piece of advice, especially as we struggle to deal with the weak economic rebound and the political ruckus that passes for progress in Washington, D.C.
So what's a metal fabricator to worry about? I don't run a shop, but I think this advice is pretty good for anyone looking to gain control of a hectic life. (more...)
Earlier this year, I landed at the Detroit airport en route to a conference. I got into my rental car, headed to the I-94 on-ramp, and then I saw it. There, next to the highway, was a big billboard advertising, of all things, a metal fabricator: "W Industries: Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Industrial."
Notice anything missing?
At the time, W Industries was making headlines. Local organizations were recognizing the company as one who successfully diversified outside automotive. And that was definitely something to flaunt in this economy.
But today, as the economy and credit markets get back on their feet, a wrinkle has been thrown into the diversity equation: the depreciation of assets. As Chris Kuehl, economist for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl., wryly said during a keynote panel at this year's FABTECH Intl. & AWS Welding Show, "Now [the banks] are saying, 'Gosh, we expect you to pay the money back, and we're interested in collateral.'"
The cover of Newsweek could be journalism school fodder for ways to stand out on the newsstand: "The Case for Killing Granny." That headline tugs at the soul, drilling down to the heart of the health care debate. The lion's share of health care costs in this country occurs during the final months and years of life, as doctors work valiantly to prevent our inevitable demise."
I have to be honest. Seeing the headline at a newsstand this morning made me take another direction with this blog. My first thought was to describe how the health care industry could learn a thing or two from lean and other improvement methodologies rooted in manufacturing. Doctors are paid by procedure, not results. The more tests they do, the more money they make. In manufacturing, it's the opposite. Fabricators strive to simplify. Simplifying parts, producing on demand, and making life easier for customers likely will garner more work in the long run ... right?
Last week I met with my orthopedic surgeon to discuss my upcoming hip replacement procedure. I'm one of the growing numbers, particularly those in the 45 to 64 age group (baby boomers), who are having joint replacement surgery.
I'm not a newbie when it comes to this surgery. My left hip was replaced in 2004, and so far, I would categorize that operation as a great success—so much so that I am ready to have the right replaced.
Yes, there are minor issues.
Various media have reported that a Whirlpool Corp. factory in Evansville, Ind., has suspended 39 workers who signed insurance paperwork claiming they don't use tobacco and then were seen smoking or chewing tobacco on company property. Tobacco users at Whirlpool pay an extra $500 in insurance premiums annually.
A company spokesperson said that the workers were seen by others smoking in designated areas outside the plant and could be fired for lying, pending fact-finding meetings with each worker. The Evansville courierpress.com reported that Whirlpool denied the use of surveillance cameras.
Reportedly, most of those suspended were production employees, but more suspensions could come, possibly including some administrative staff.
Why lie? And if you're going to lie, why run the risk of getting caught red-handed?
