Since February of 2022, the PLASTICS Equipment Council has held a quarterly Moldmakers Forum — a gathering during which a robust slate of top-level updates is covered to meet the informational needs of those who buy, build and run molds.
The forums offer members an opportunity to stay updated on current projects, hear pertinent updates from key PLASTICS staff, share ideas with peers and explore shared experiences among companies.
Forum topics include updates on mold standards, moldmaking activity, advocacy and market outlook. The association also looks to attendees for ideas on resources PLASTICS can add to its current offerings for the audience.
Whitney Taveras, director of industry engagement (equipment) for PLASTICS, emphasized that all members of PLASTICS are welcome and encouraged to attend the Moldmakers Forum. “The more we can connect and share information throughout the plastics supply chain, the stronger we will be as an association,” she said.
“Attendees of these forums are from all aspects of the tooling world,” said Glenn Starkey, PLASTICS Moldmaking chair and president of Progressive Components. “It is valuable to hear the read on the market from such a variety of professionals, including mold designers, mold builders, hot runner suppliers and mold buyers.”
Offering an actionable agenda
“Recognizing that time is valuable, the Moldmaker Forums are a quick, mold-specific touchbase,” shared Starkey, who chairs the meetings. Open only to members of PLASTICS, the forums attract attendees from throughout the supply chain for updates such as:
- Government affairs issues including taxes, trade and tariffs that affect the moldmaking industry.
- Quarterly economic updates from PLASTICS’ Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, including a detailed look at the latest mold trade monitor and the most recent results from the Survey of Professional Forecasters.
- Reports on the revision of essential documents and materials, such as Customs and Practices of the Moldmaking Industry, released in 2023. Upcoming revisions include Standards and Practices of Plastics Molders and the AR-106 Mold Finish Guide.
Letting voices be heard
Each quarterly Moldmakers Forum wraps up with an open discussion, typically in a roundtable-style format, to get an idea about current business conditions and the opportunities and challenges members are facing.
“The Moldmakers Forum is a great way to stay on top of the pulse of mold making,” said Brenda Clark, engineering manager with Hasco America. “The economic updates and current government subjects that arise in the forum help to keep me up to date within the plastics industry. With like-minded members, the open discussion roundtable gives all a chance to voice their outlook and hear from across the USA what is happening in a safe and protected environment.”
The next Moldmakers Forum will take place Thursday, August 22 at 2 p.m. ET.
PLASTICS members interested in attending the upcoming Moldmakers Forum can email [email protected] for information.
