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Midstate Mold & Engineering

Precision Plastic Injection Molders

Tool relocation

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The Effects of Hydrocarbon Restrictions on Plastic Injection Molding

Azovstal industrial sector in Mariupol, Ukraine before the war.

With the new year, it’s important to look back on the shortages of last year, their sources, and what they mean for 2023. While these last few years we’ve felt numerous shortages due to the pandemic and labor shortages, in 2022 we saw a new one with the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine causing a shakeup of hydrocarbon restrictions—specifically natural gas and other derived chemicals—through both sanctions and the ripple effects of the conflict.

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Traits of a Good Sustainability Partner in Injection Molding

Increasingly around the world – especially in the west and the United States in particular – is a push from consumers, employees, and regulatory agencies to increase sustainability in companies. From green power and carbon offsets to making greener products, it’s something everyone is searching for – especially when working with plastic injection molded parts. Learn what to look for when finding your sustainability partner in injection molding, including how being more sustainable comes in many shapes and forms.

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Dealing with the “New Normal” of Plastic Manufacturing Logistics

A cargo container ship at port with a city skyline in the distant background.

COVID-19 had a massive impact on the global supply chain, as nations entered lockdowns and implemented safety regulations which slowed the flow of trade. With the supply chain still reeling from the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine has only further damaged global logistics. With China’s zero-tolerance COVID-19 measures, we are also continuing to experience shipping bottlenecks. As the supply chain will continue to encounter obstacles for the foreseeable future, it’s time we learn to deal with the “new normal” for plastic manufacturing logistics.

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Ever Given Underlines Fragility of Logistics in Plastic Injection Molding

A side shot of the Ever Given with "Evergreen" printed on the side floating in a canal, used to represent the fragility of logistics underlined by the Ever Given.

Everyone witnessed the Ever Given causing a six-day traffic jam in the Suez Canal this March. Even with the cargo ship dislodged, it’s creating a nightmare of logistical issues for manufacturers. While the holdup didn’t affect Midstate Mold, it has further revealed how delicate supply chains are that utilize international transport, such as resin shipments or tool relocation. Given the fragility of logistics underlined by the Ever Given, let’s look at how to shorten supply lines in plastic injection molding to avoid undue production and distribution delays.

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Think About Tool Relocation During the COVID-19 Shutdown

COVID-19 lockdown shown on cell phone next to keyboard and face mask

The COVID-19 virus has laid bare the vulnerabilities in parts of our businesses, from the strain of social distancing on supply and demand to the tenuous links in our supply logistics that keep stock on the shelves of manufacturers and retailers alike. In the world of injection molding and plastic parts, you may find yourself or your supply in lockdown from state orders or issues with supply or staff. In this pause, it’s time to think about using this time for tool relocation to keep your business going now and into the future.

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What Does It Take to Relocate an Injection Molding Tool?

Yellow forklift with box.

There are many reasons why businesses might want to relocate their injection molding tool (also known as a mold) from one injection molding business to another. It might be logistical, wanting to move the tool, therefore their manufacturing, closer to their company or market. It might be economical, moving to another region or country to capitalize on another rate. It might be due to quality control issues or many other factors. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to handle tool relocation.

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