In case you missed it: Immigrants in the workforce, entrepreneurial minds, Absolute Haitian at 20
In June, we turned a spotlight on the vital role of immigrants on plastics shop floors, and how processors can navigate the current, turbulent climate. We also profiled two entrepreneurs and their approaches to make their companies stand out. Absolute Haitian turned 20, and we considered their impact on the North American injection molding market.
If you missed them the first time, here's a quick roundup of the coverage generating the most interest among PMM readers.
Cover package: The immigrant workforce
Foreign-born workers help fill critical manufacturing roles
As labor shortages persist, many plastics manufacturers increasingly rely on immigrant workers to keep production running. Our cover story examines why foreign-born employees have become an important part of the industry's workforce and what that means for manufacturers planning for the future.
Read the story: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/manufacturing/article/55379422/for-plastics-manufacturers-immigration-is-a-workforce-issue
UnDesked helps tackle the language gap
The software platform UnDesked uses AI to instantly translate manufacturing documents, improving safety and operational efficiency on the shop floor. It supports multilingual onboarding, training, incident reporting and digital signage, making information accessible to all employees and making it easier to integrate foreign-born workers effectively.
Don’t let important info get lost in translation: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/manufacturing/article/55379425/undesk-tackles-language-gap-in-multicultural-workforces
Preparing for immigration enforcement
What happens if ICE comes to your facility? We outline practical steps manufacturers can take to prepare, emphasizing documentation, compliance and understanding employer responsibilities before issues arise.
Make sure you’re ready: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/manufacturing/article/55379508/what-to-do-if-ice-shows-up-at-your-workplace
Building a resilient workforce strategy
Immigration is one piece of a broader workforce puzzle. This commentary from John Dorer, CEO of EB3.Work, explores why manufacturers should combine domestic recruiting, employee development and lawful immigration pathways into a flexible, long-term staffing strategy.
Here’s how to do it: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/manufacturing/article/55385516/when-immigration-rules-get-murky-workforce-planning-gets-harder
Serial inventor Jim Bradac keeps finding niches to fill
Inventor and entrepreneur Jim Bradac has built a career by spotting manufacturing problems others overlook and developing practical solutions to solve them. His Ceme-Tube replaced failure-prone cardboard forms for concrete light pole bases with a colorful and durable blow-molded version. He then adapted that design to make the Kitty Tube, an insulated shelter for outdoor cats. Another product keeps rodents out of infrastructure wiring.
Take a look inside his plant and his creative mind: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/blow-molding/article/55378510/serial-inventor-jim-bradac-keeps-finding-niches-to-fill
Absolute Haitian reshaped the injection molding market
Twenty years after entering North America, Absolute Haitian has grown into one of the region's most influential injection molding machine suppliers. The company has combined competitive pricing, expanded service and support, AI-enabled machine technology and domestic assembly to challenge established competitors and reshape how customers perceive Chinese-made machinery.
Read Editor Emeritus Ron Shinn's column: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/injection-molding/article/55379571/absolute-haitian-dispels-doubts-amid-continued-growth
Social media helps Paking Duck take wing
You don't need massive marketing budgets to build business. Jason Wong, the 28-year-old founder of packaging maker Paking Duck, uses social media to showcase the company's work, connect with customers and recruit employees, demonstrating how an authentic online presence can become a competitive advantage for plastics processors.
Could this approach work for you? https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/ manufacturing/article/55379584/social-media-helps-paking-duck-take-wing
CES statistics provide insights into machinery market
Readers got an inside look at the Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) Cross Sector Analysis report from the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). Chief economist Perc Pineda discussed how the quarterly report combines equipment statistics, economic analysis, trade data and forecasts to help companies interpret market conditions and make more informed business decisions.
PLASTICS’ column is here: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/manufacturing/article/55385717/plastics-cross-sector-analysis-report-puts-business-intelligence-at-your-fingertips
Phlox and paradox: Plastic waste follows me into the garden
Even after years covering plastics recycling, Managing Editor Lynne Sherwin still wrestles with the contradiction between the “green” hobby of gardening and the plastic waste it generates. She explores why nursery pots remain difficult to recycle and why meaningful progress will require better infrastructure, new materials and stronger industry commitment to circularity.
Read the essay: https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/recycling/blog/55381410/phlox-and-paradox-plastic-waste-sows-guilt-with-my-garden
In the news
Haitian International and Hennecke entered a partnership to develop in-mold PU coating solutions. Mold technology maker Kebo is merging with Plastisud.
PLASTICS announced workforce transformation expert Shola Richards will be the keynote speaker for the National Plastics Conference in September.
On the personnel side, Husky Technologies named its new CFO and chief human resources officer, Econ GmbH made management moves, Rapid Granulator has a new West Coast sales manager and Eriez-USA has a new GM.
About the Author
Lynne Sherwin
Managing Editor
Managing editor Lynne Sherwin handles day-to-day operations and coordinates production of Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing’s print magazine, website and social media presence, as well as Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. She also writes features, including the annual machinery buying survey. She has more than 30 years of experience in daily and magazine journalism.