Category: News

Increased production levels in U.S. manufacturing

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automobile industryRecently, American manufacturing industries have seen dark days as economic decline over the past few decades has claimed more and more good paying jobs every year. The factories and manufacturing lines that made the United States a world power haven’t stopped production entirely, but they’ve slowed considerably. Still, there are signs that America is starting to make a turnaround in this important aspect of our economy.

The strongest gains have been felt in the housing and automobile industries, which is great news for those two markets as both have been maligned in recent years. According to this piece from Bloomberg.com car manufacturers are producing vehicles at their fastest rate in six years. The factory output for American-made furniture and appliances has also eclipsed its previous highest level, set in 2009.

These increased production levels have led to a need for additional workers for many top employers around the country. For instance, one Ford plant in Flat Rock, MI, may see a hiring explosion of 1,400 new employees as the corporation debates whether to increase production of its Fusion vehicle line. Overall, auto manufacturing assembly plants produced an annualized rate of 11.25 million units produced during the month of August, the fastest pace since June 2007.

Not only are manufacturing firms healthy now, but a backlog of unfilled orders promises to keep many companies in business through the coming years. For other industries, even minor gains are signs of improvement for the future. Domestic production of computer and electronics increased by 1.6 percent over the past year, while construction materials also increased in output by 0.3 percent.

In order to keep manufacturing operations in line, a corporation needs to make sure that they have the right fabrication machinery on hand. Marshall Fabrication Machinery is proud to offer a long line of products that can aid a wide variety of manufacturing goals. From plate roll machines to press brakes and shears, our equipment can be implemented in various assembly situations. We also provide high quality rebar benders and cutters for construction applications.

*Image courtesy of Andrey Shadrin

The solution to the economy? Be more like metalworking machinery

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It’s impossible to turn on the TV, pick up the paper or go online without seeing some news story about the deteriorating US economy or the vanishing middle class. This is, however, far from the truth. At C. Marshall Fabrication Machinery Inc., we know the manufacturing industry and the middle class is as strong as ever. We’re just going through a brief period of change.

Last month, President Obama gave a speech in Galesburg, Illinois. He declared, “What we need isn’t a three-month plan, or even a three-year plan, but a long-term American strategy, based on steady, persistent effort, to reverse the forces that have conspired against the middle class for decades.”

Yes, we must make the middle class stronger. The way to accomplish this is to prop up the manufacturing industry once again. You see, America rose to prominence through manufacturing. It was the backbone of the American economy. Not only did manufacturing help citizens become part of the middle class, it helped put their children through college. Millions of those jobs have vanished, leaving a gigantic hole in America’s heart. Are we broken? Not quite.

In the article, “Obama’s Speech Is a Confession of Impotence,” Megan McArdle of Bloomberg writes,

The problem in America is not that we suddenly lost our manufacturing mojo. In fact, we’re still very good at it. […]But our manufacturing employment is down by one-third, because production is highly automated in most industries. Even small metalworking operations now use computer-aided design and robots as much as they do grizzled machinists.

The manufacturing industry is far from impotent. Although McArdle asks, “Are machinists vanishing?” we must not take it to heart. Again, we’re just going through a period of change. When all is said and done, we’re still strong! Computers and robots will never be able to replace the human heart.

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Henry Ford once said, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” Hmm…

An uplifting quote of perseverance, wouldn’t you say? Nowadays, it seems like everything is going against the economy. It feels stuck, whether it is due to falling wages, the disappearance of the middle class, an overabundance of McJobs, etc. This is, for lack of a better word, depressing. Ford’s quote reminds us that we always have a backbone. We must use it, because we’re always taking off against the wind.

In a way, we must be more like metalworking machinery. Imagine modeling our lives after these beautiful pieces of machinery…like the plate roll. We must be fully hydraulic and heavy-duty, with no need for proprietary replacement parts. Or we can be like angle rolls, hydraulic motors attached directly to each of our planetary drives, eliminating loss of torque. What do you think?

At C Marshall Fabrication Machinery, Inc., we know the manufacturing industry and the middle class is as strong as ever. We’re just going through a brief period of change. After all, we have over 30 years of experience and know what we’re talking about! The metal fabrication industry helps pump America’s blood. We will help you find the right machine!

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-24/obama-s-speech-is-a-confession-of-impotence.html

America’s strong manufacturing presence

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All over the country, manufacturing firms are rebounding since the most recent economic struggles in the late 2000s. Manufacturing is seen as a great source of jobs in this country, even though the sector has lost about 2.5 million employees over the past decade. Still, there are signs that in some significant states, these industries are experiencing a major comeback.

Between 2009 and 2011, Michigan reported the highest rate of new job growth in manufacturing industries of any state. This has huge implications for the auto industry, as each of the Big 3 American automakers are headquartered there. Manufacturing accounted for 16.3 percent of that state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011, according to this USA Today article. About 5 percent of that total came from the automobile industry.

In Indiana, strong gains in manufacturing have greatly increased hopes for the economy of that state. Manufacturing made up a massive 28.2 percent of Indiana’s entire economy in 2011, and has been bolstered by recent expansions into the state from global corporations like Honda. The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is another large presence in the state and is a big reason why chemical manufacturing made up 7 percent of Indiana’s total GDP.

States that already have a strong manufacturing presence are continuing to make gains. With $88.25 billion in manufacturing output in 2011, North Carolina had the fourth-best manufacturing economy in the country. Chemical manufacturing was responsible for most of this, but food, tobacco and beverage production also made up significant portions of that state’s economy.

The past few decades have been trying times for the American economy, especially when it comes to factory jobs. As we adapt and move forward in a new, globally-connected world, manufacturing can again be the creator of viable jobs across the country. When companies are ready, C Marshall Fabrication Machinery, Inc. will be sure to standby with all of the equipment they’ll need to get ahead.

Is American manufacturing on the upswing?

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manufacturing in AmericaManufacturing in America has been a cause for some concern for decades. Much debate has been made about the effects of outsourcing factory work to other countries and the loss of high-paying American manufacturing jobs. However, some key indicators are painting a much different and brighter future for the state of the economy in our country.

Different industries in the United States have been reporting some very encouraging gains in productivity. Orders for durable goods, which are meant to serve consumers for at least three years, rose by 4.2 percent this year, about triple the amount that forecasters had predicted. In June, American auto sales sold at an annualized rate of 15.9 million, meaning that about 1.25 million cars had been sold that month.

The increased growth has led to great news for American job seekers. Automobile manufacturer Ford announced that it would add 3,000 salaried positions to its corporation this year, which is about 800 more positions than it had originally intended to add.

Backlog in manufacturing production are another sign that factory work in America is on the rebound. Order backlogs at American factories increased by 2.1 percent during the month of June. This increase, the largest since late 2007, means that more businesses are looking to buy American goods. This keeps money at American factories and encourages businesses to take on even more workers.

No one is more excited about this news than Marshall Fabrication. More manufacturing work means that there’s more need for our specialized equipment. If your factory or facility is in need of superior metalworking or fabrication machinery, call us for a quote. We have a wide range of plate rolls, angle rolls, hydraulic sheer, press brakes and other equipment with plenty of manufacturing applications.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-25/orders-for-u-s-durable-goods-rose-more-than-forecast-in-june.html

*Image courtesy of avelkrieg

Where does the 3D Printer stand in the future of Metal Fabrication?

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Lately, there has been a lot of chatter surrounding the 3D printer and its capabilities as a manufacturing machine.  For people in the metalworking industry, innovative technology continues to push the industry and allow for faster production.  Just look at our 4 plate rolling machine. We’ve tried to transform the way companies bend metal, including the elimination of gear transmission, gibs & ways, bushings, clutches and synchronization devices. 3D printing machines are trying to do the same thing.  They want to transform and create new innovative ways to increase production and profits.

 

For some people, they worry about the future and how the 3D printer might change the manufacturing community.  For now, 3D printers strictly work in plastics and haven’t moved onto metal or mixed use materials. There are different opinions on the subject. Could the 3D printer put metal fabricators on the backburner, or will it provide new supply options? Metal Miner, a sourcing and trading intelligence for global metal markets had this to say in an article written by Stuart Burns earlier this month. “Any technology that creates new supply options for metal buyers has got to be a good thing in our books.”

 

For now, the future of 3D printing still seems unclear.  There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to every new technology.  The companies that evolve and push the envelope of creativity and efficiency generally win in the battle for longevity.

C Marshall Fabrication Machinery, Inc. has over 30 years’ experience in the metal fabrication industry. Over that time, we’ve seen many different innovations come and go. The 3D printer certainly is another exciting possibility, but appears to be years away from coming to fruition for the metal fabrication industry. As always, finding you the right machine to remain competitive and profitable is our goal, no matter what type of technology exists.

Stop By Our Booth At The Offshore Technology Conference

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In a couple of weeks, C Marshall Fabrication Machinery will be attending the 2013 OTC in

Offshore Technology Conference

Image Courtesy Of: OTC Facebook

Houston, TX.  The Offshore Technology Conference is the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. Attendees from all over the world, including 110 different countries make the trip to Texas for the conference.  From May 6-9, people who visit the conference will have access to the leading technology, equipment exhibitions and networking opportunities.

There are plenty of reasons to attend the OTC; from learning the latest developments in technology, to the opportunity to meet new people in your field or network with others who share the same goals and interests.  More than 80,000 people attend the event annually. You can also meet with perspective clients, metal manufacturers or others interested in your business or products.

Here are a few reasons listed on the OTC website on why you should think about attending.

  • In the World’s Energy Capital: Combine OTC with client meetings, business proposals, and company training.
  •  Investing Back in the Industry: OTC’s sponsoring organizations use revenue to provide many other important programs for its members, such as training and technical journals.
  •  Always Something New: Encounter different languages being spoken, never-seen-before technologies, and C-suite speakers that you might not hear anywhere else.

We’ll be in booth #857, and we are going to be there representing and showing the MG plate roll line. We hope to see some new faces as well as some old colleagues while at the conference.  Stop by and take a look at our great metal fabrication machinery to help you in your business. We’d be more than happy to meet you and talk.

The Benefits of Using A 4 Roll Plate Bending Machine

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MG Plate Rolls & Plate Rolling MachinesMetal-working companies who need to optimize their production look for a machine that can pre-bend and roll their metal efficiently to produce the products they in turn sell. We carry a 4 roll hydraulic plate bending machine and a 3 double pinch plate bending machine which both offer great benefits. The 4 roll machine offers great precision, productivity, versatility as well as speed, safety and ease of operation. For companies in the fabrication industry, they need top-quality machinery in order to maximize production and profits.

 

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of using a 4 roll plate machine and why you should consider it for your manufacturing process.

 

Speed – The most accurate bends come from the 4 roll machines. Our model “MH” has both upper and lower rolls, which are hydraulically powered to grant minimum friction and a precision rolling.  Even when the machine is at maximum capacity, the machine will roll with precision, allowing for more production.

 

Accuracy – The rolls operate in such a way to form an accurate pre-bent and rolled part.  Pre-bending on the three-roll machine requires a downward tilt as plate is fed in the machine. In a four-roll machine a horizontal load feed level for pre-bending is used, which allows motorized feed tables to feed the plate without having to re-position the material.

 

Ease Of Use – For three roll machines, an operator pre-bends both edges and then rolls the part.  Four-roll machines do not require such operation. Instead, the four-roll machine is more efficient. Less operator skill means less chance for error, but more importantly, more time for production and cost saving.

 

Plate rolling has really taken off recently in the manufacturing sector and a demand for plate rolling machines is high.  Consider a four-roll machine from C Marshall Fabrication Machinery, Inc. For jobs large and small, we have the machines to help you become more efficient.

MG March 2013 Newsletter

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SAIPEM DO BRAZIL chooses MG for offshore platforms in the Atlantic Ocean

The multinational colossus SAIPEM, the biggest Italian company that deals in the Oil & Gas Industry, has chosen MG’s MH460Y with full accessories. The plate roll that is a 4 roll, 12′ machine, capable of rolling up to 2-3/8″, will be installed at Guaruja near Santos in the Sao Paulo region of Brazil. It will be used to build offshore platforms for PETROBRAS in the Atlantic Ocean off the Brazilian coast.

Click the HERE or the picture to see the a full-screen version of the Newsletter.

The Machine of the Month

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Plate bending machines: Lengths with multiple shapes

The optimization of the productive process leads companies to review their production phases and, where possible, cut down output time and costs. For example, in the construction of large tanks, the use of long plate bending machine helps to reduce further processes, such as welding, yet keeping a high quality standard.

In a period in which the economic crisis is influencing the markets worldwide, MG in Fossano (Cuneo), with over 50 years’ experience, records an increasing demand for big plate and section machines. With its productivity of 2, 3 and 4 rolls plate bending machines, special machines, section bending machines with accessories, MG can satisfy all demands from a minimum length of 20” to a maximum of 27”, and for a thickness from .040” to 12”. Normally plate bending machine inquiries are from 40” to 10’ length; however, lately the trend seems to be towards longer machines – considerably longer from 12’ to 27’.

Massimo Roccia, president of MG

“It’s basically – says Massimo Roccia, President and Co-owner – a range of machines dedicated to the constructions of big tanks for the transport and storage of fluids and fuels.”

This tendency meet the need to optimize the various processes in the realization of the final product – to bend a longer piece means reducing weld joints, thus, saving time and money.

Translation from LAMIERA February 2013 – www.lamieranews.it

Original article by Di Gianandrea Mazzola

 

Read the full article by clicking HERE or the picture on the top.