Saturday, July 04, 2009

Steel Imports Drop Again in May

The rapid decline in U.S. steel imports continued unabated in May, marking the fifth consecutive month that steel imports decreased. Total steel imports fell 17 percent in May from the previous month according to preliminary data issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The data also showed that May hot-rolled steel imports—the product most sought after by metalformers—dropped 16 percent from April’s levels, while cold-rolled imports fell 44 percent in May.  Read the press release.

Business Conditions Report: June 2009

According to PMA’s June Business Conditions Report, metalforming companies expect little change in business conditions during the next three months. Twenty-one percent of participants predict an improvement in overall economic activity (up from 19 percent in May), 58 percent expect that activity will remain unchanged (up from 46 percent last month) and 21 percent reported that activity will decline (compared to 35 percent in May). More information is available in PMA’s press release or by viewing the full report. 

PMA East & West Michigan Districts Form Alliance with MIOSHA

PMA’s East and West Michigan Districts have signed an alliance agreement with the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA) to promote the safety and health of workers in the metalforming industry. Through the alliance, the districts will work closely with MIOSHA to provide Michigan metalformers with detailed information and easy access to training resources that will help protect employee safety and health.  Read the press release for more information. 

Seminar to Address Job Quoting in the Current Economy

PMA will present a seminar on July 16 in Cleveland, OH, to help metalformers accurately determine costs and prices for manufactured products. The seminar, called Pricing Jobs in Today’s Economy, is designed to teach standardized methods for costing and quoting jobs for metalforming companies. Topics include cost standards, price standards, accounting considerations, activity-based costing, quality control, capital budgeting overview, and how to price jobs in a global market. Register today or contact Deanna Nwosu for information. 

GM Bankruptcy Deal Must Protect Tier 2 and 3 Auto Companies

PMA and the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) are urging the U.S. government and bankruptcy courts to ensure the continued solvency of middle-market suppliers by requiring that Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for General Motors Corporation include payment of outstanding accounts owed to their supply chain, particularly Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers of components and tooling.  Read the press release. 

Companies Applauded for Outstanding Industry Achievements

PMA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2009 Awards of Excellence in Metalforming.  Presented annually, the awards recognize innovators in the areas of design, safety, process control, training and education, productivity, product development and quality.  See each award-winning achievement.