Current Issue

North American CFOs are optimistic about the remaining 2013. Still, uncertainty commingles with confidence. What are the fears that restrain expectations? A recent report sheds light.
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Acme Foundry specializes in high-quality grey iron castings, a focus that has made this Kansas-based company enormously successful. Dan Harvey describes this ever-expanding enterprise that has weathered recent challenges, such as the economic downspin.
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Look to building in Brazil. This construction giant has survived challenges and emerged as one of the country’s most respected and trusted companies. Reuben Ford describes a well-timed and strategic approach.
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The 1991 R.E.M. song (“Shiny Happy People”) could be referring to the product that AR Metallizing provides. Indeed, the Massachusetts company’s shiny happy offering (metalized paper) makes for more than a pretty label. It’s an effective packaging solution, and it’s environmentally correct. And that makes for shiny, happy clients (and consumers) everywhere, says Dan Harvey.
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Brazil’s fourth biggest agricultural cooperative is constantly investing in infrastructure and market innovation. Reuben Ford analyzes the results.
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It’s the Michigan-based Continental Structural Plastics Inc., reports Dan Harvey, about this innovative and adaptive composites manufacturer. Expect to see a higher profile for this ever-evolving enterprise.
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Look to precision tools. This Brazilian market leader introduces pioneering technology, changing the direction of modern agriculture. Reuben Ford reports.
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Capabilities and Customers = magnetic attraction. Iron resources transform into gold for this Minnesota-headquartered company. Lorie Greenspan describes the modern alchemy.
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The manufacturing sector – not the largest in the US, but the most powerful – faces challenges as it strengthens a troubled nation. Despite Washington’s bombastic rhetoric about manufacturing’s economic impact, the country awaits meaningful action from legislators.
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Ontario Drive & Gear (ODG) not only produces personal utility vehicles that can handle the most demanding terrains on the planet but the extremes of the moon’s harsh environment as well. Lorie Greenspan looks into the company’s ingenuity on land and on sea and on the face of the moon.
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U.S. Manufacturers realize they’ve lost the edge on global competitiveness – due in large part to off-shoring. Now they’d like to regain a leading position by bringing manufacturing back home. Re-shoring won’t be easy – the challenges are complex and numerous. What must be done to get it right?

Walmart’s recent announcement, as reported in The New York Times, has major implications. Starting in January 2013, they’ve pledged to increase sourcing of American-made products (to the tune of about $50 billion) over the next 10 years.
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Answer: Through reinventing the hand loom – as demonstrated by Southern Weaving Company. Reinvention translates into unrelenting innovation, and the foresight and ability to transform.
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Global shipping giant STX invests $150 million in new Brazilian shipyard and plans to double production. Reuben Ford investigates.
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One of Brazil’s biggest dairy producers imports important foodstuffs, increasing the blend of products available and broadening the domestic market. Reuben Ford takes a taste of Tangará.
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That’s easy – the New York-state headquartered business focuses on pools. We’re talking about the backyard variety. What’s the harder question is how the company accomplished its considerable success. But Dan Harvey places it into perspective.
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In an industry immediately associated with Brazil, one of its most solid and committed sugar and ethanol plants is raising the level of industry. Reuben Ford examines why all eyes are on Usina Estiva.
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How does it uplift itself? – By upholding its 75-year tradition of innovation and excellence.
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The question can’t be easily answered, because data issues aren’t monolithic; rather, there are numerous smaller data problems that constantly bedevil companies. How best to confront them? Using one company’s example, Wally Powers, of West Monroe Partners, offers insight and advice.
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