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Stamping biz news is good news

For a while, the saying “No news is good news” resounded even more loudly in the stamping industry than others. For years, every bit of news about the industry, it seemed, was of yet another shop closing and selling its equipment to the highest bidder.

When is the last time someone asked those of you in the stamping industry how business is, and you answered, “Good” or even, “Best year ever!”?

The recovery is happening at last and news is good— at least for western Michigan, one die design/software business relayed to me last week.

“Most of the shops western Michigan are filling with new work fast. We are currently designing several dies for these shops. The work is automotive—there’s even a project for the Chevrolet Volt,” reported Mark Hansen, design manager of 3-D Solutions Design Service in Rockford, Mich.

“2010 was our best year for die design software sales and training. So far this year we are seeing software sales continue and also a significant increase in die design activity.” Hansen expects the tool and die business activity to continue ramping up, he added. “It’s refreshing to see so much work released in the eight weeks.”

Indeed. It’s great to be able to glance at industry headlines again without flinching.

GM added a third shift, restored 750 jobs, at its iconic Flint, Mich. assembly plant, Just.auto.com reported today. This factory makes the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups.

CNN Money’s reports echo the same rosy tune. “The nation's automakers posted double-digit percentage sales gains for January on Tuesday, as Americans appear to be returning to showrooms after a long hiatus.”

Isn’t it so good to hear good news again?
About the Author

Kate Bachman

Contributing editor

815-381-1302

Kate Bachman is a contributing editor for The FABRICATOR editor. Bachman has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor in the manufacturing and other industries.