Advanced Manufacturing Technology Investment Patterns

Article Abstract:

This study presents a longitudinal analysis of patterns of investment in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) and financial performance. Investments in AMT from fifty manufacturing plants in the metalworking industries are examined. Data was collected via mail surveys administered to fifty manufacturing plants at three separate data collection times: 1994, 1996, and 1998. This study seeks to fill a void in the area of technology management, which is comprised primarily of cross-sectional studies that do not address the dynamic nature of investments in technology. The results suggest differences in the evolutionary profile of several technologies, including e-mail, bar coding, robotics, and computer aided design. Further tests indicate that there is a positive relationship between many of these technologies and plant financial performance. Finally, the longitudinal data suggest that there is approximately a two-year time lag between investment in technology and performance improvements.

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing, Research, Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Evaluation, High technology industry, Finance, Investments, Metal products, Metal products industry, Metalworking industry

Carriers' empties are piling up

Article Abstract:

The trade imbalance from the Asian financial crisis has caused a storage container crisis, and could threaten the US import industry. As a result, US ports like New Jersey's Port Newark are clogged with hundreds of empty containers awaiting shipment back to Asia. New Jersey Marine Terminal manager Ken Spahn reports that the Port Authority of New Jersey and New York are desperately scrambling for any alternate storage space to house the backlog of empty containers.

Comment:

Asian trade imbalance has caused a storage container crisis, and could threaten US importers

Foreign Trade Companies NEC, Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Wholesalers, Shipments data, Trading companies, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Black River Produce named SBA winner

Article Abstract:

Stephen Birge and Mark Curran, co-owners of Black River Produce are selected as the US Small Business Administration's (SBA) 2004 Vermont Small Business Persons of the Year. The award is recognition of the company's staying power, employee growth, increase in sales and response to adversity and community contributions.

Executive changes & profiles, Officials and employees, Achievements and awards, Birge, Stephen, Curran, Mark, Earth Brothers Ltd.