How the war in Ukraine is affecting business

Businesses are bracing for repercussions of the war in Ukraine. Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing and its Endeavor Business Media sister publications are working hard to keep you in the know. 

Resin prices likely to rise again

Esteban Sagel of ChemPMC predicts a "massive increase in costs" if Russian oil exports are targeted.

3D printing companies pull out of Russia

Executives from 20 additive manufacturing companies signed a joint statement condemning the invasion and suspending business in Russia.

Stepping up to help

Messe Düsseldorf, which puts on the K Show, has suspended operations in Russia and is housing Ukrainian refugees at the fairground.

Companies involved in the plastics sector, including Engel, ABB and BASF, are donating to relief organizations and finding other ways to assist the Ukrainian people. 

Other manufacturers, including automakers and heavy equipment makers, have found ways to help, according to Power & Motion.

Another blow to the supply chain  

At IndustryWeek, Lauren Pittelli and Christopher S. Tang look at the potential effects on the supply chain.  

FleetOwner examines the impact of rising oil prices on trucking.

Material Handling & Logistics examines Ukraine's role in the global supply chain and says the disruptions will only get worse. 

Below are links to more of PMM’s recent coverage of the supply chain crisis: 

Experts stress the importance of communications, digital planning and monitoring tools as the automotive manufacturing industry powers through supply chain difficulties. 

Talking Points: The semiconductor shortage has hit manufacturers hard. Intel’s plan to bring production to the U.S. will shorten this essential supply chain. 

Consultants urge predictability and simplicity in managing supply chain challenges. 

As extreme weather events cause disruptions, leaders in the supply chain industry are focusing on circularity and sustainability. 

The recent turmoil in resin pricing and availability could inspire changes in an era of just-in-time-manufacturing. 

Global trade issues

A former chief of National Security & Cybercrime breaks down the latest info on doing international business in the region and sending aid to Ukraine.

Cybersecurity threats 

President Biden warns companies to harden their defenses against cyberthreats.

Russian cyberattacks could threaten everyone from large institutions like government and banks, all the way down to small processors. Here’s how your company can protect itself. IndustryWeek also offers short-term defense strategies.

Security Info Watch reports that cybersecurity experts are studying the situation in Ukraine and planning for future conflicts. 

Will Russian state-sponsored cybercrime, already a tremendous problem for American companies, get worse? IndustryWeek asks experts.

Changing strategies at FlexBlow 

FlexBlow, a Lithuanian company that makes blow-molding equipment, is reconsidering its customer and supplier relationships. 

More reading 

Here's a rolling list of stories from Endeavor Business Media publications about the crisis in Ukraine.