With a large cadre of American workers ready to retire, training and educating the next generation of technicians and engineers is a critical need in manufacturing.
Growth in emerging markets is driving activity, despite the need for manufacturers to tackle economic challenges, cut costs, ensure operational efficiency and decrease environmental impact.
The current economic climate is reshaping the face of our industry like never before, with many of the largest food and beverage companies obtaining more than half of their income from outside their home markets.
Systems development can create strange bedfellows. Take, for example, the alliance between an Alabama road construction firm and food scientists addressing animal welfare issues.
The days of management by walking around the plant are long gone, and more collaborative work sessions and wireless tools will be embraced by future manufacturing leadership.
OK, readers, what’s going on out there? I am very surprised to report four food and beverage quality issues that occurred on consumer purchases I made in the past six weeks.
Even though most sectors of the food and beverage manufacturing industry fared well during the recent economic meltdown, food makers continue to be challenged by an evolving, complex and sometimes strange marketplace.
