Spotted this sign in Harrisburg earlier this week. Timely, don't you think?

This morning I discovered a post about the fact that reshoring isn’t going as well as we’d think.  While I appreciated the solid statistics, timely citations, and overall clarity of the article; I couldn’t help but feel a little lost after that.

“What do I make of this?” I thought. “If the numbers are down on both sides, doesn’t that still mean it’s not over? What can we DO with this information?”

Those and other thoughts led me to this: what does everyone else think about the manufacturing recovery? (more…)

Machine knives are some of the unsung heroes of the manufacturing process.

They are silent, dedicated workers that help cut and shape our products from raw material to packaged product.

Without them, all the engineering skill, all the experienced labor, and all the automation in the world would yield a whole mangled heap of unfinished everything.

I’m not sure why the tools and parts that make our processes work don’t get more attention. Maybe they’re not as fun to watch as high-tech robotic automation. Maybe they’re less easy to relate to than a line of skilled workers laboring at a factory.  Maybe both are true, but that doesn’t make knives any less important.

To illustrate my point, here are just five simple things we use every day that without machine knives would be, at the very least, much less convenient.  At the very worst, they’d be impossible to use. (more…)

Earlier this week, I came across a post on The Converting Curmudgeon which resonated with me in a lot of ways. In his post, author Mark Spaulding offers a short review of the “Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability” report released by the Consumer Goods Forum.

To sum up what’s already been said, this report sheds light on the truth that while certain pressures have sent many manufacturers full steam into packaging reduction, failing to consider all the side-effects can be more harm than good.

Namely, under-packaging can be as much a detriment to your bottom line as over-packaging may make you seem a pariah. (more…)

It goes without saying that innovations in packaging materials and the evolution of packaging as we know it are great things.

We’re evolving with the expectations of a new breed of consumer.  We’re reducing waste, saving cost and resources as we invent, test, and improve new materials; making us leaner, meaner, and greener than before.

But did you ever consider how changes-for-the-better in package materials  can spell changes-for-the-worse when it comes time to cut that material down to size?

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Would you believe we’re almost halfway to 2011 already?

Honestly, it seems like just last week I was telling you about the overall success of  PACK EXPO 2009 in Vegas  – and now here I am announcing our 2010 PACK EXPO appearance.

For the uninitiated, PACK EXPO is an annual trade show devoted to the packaging industry and serving suppliers and buyers of packaging machinery, materials, components and servicesAdd to that a colocation with Converting and Package Printing Expo (CPP) for the premier trade show for all things packaging.


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“Deciding whether or not to implement a PM program for your slitter or splicer is really simple: Do you want quality or not?” …packageprinting.com

There is a great article over on Package Printing on the importance of keeping your slitters & splicers optimized and safe. Actually, slitters and splicers are the subject of example – the writeup is an excellent overview of preventative maintenance programs anyone running machines should consider.

On top of talking about the why and how of implementing an effective program (including the “where” of hiring professional help) – The article makes good mention about machine knives, and how their wear time varies between applications.  On that note, I don’t think I could have said it better myself. (more…)

We’re pretty big on converting, so naturally we were pretty upset to hear that Converting Magazine has ceased publication effective immediately.

Industry Publisher RBI has been planning this move for almost 9 months, but last Friday  it became official. Converting Magazine, along with 22 other publications spanning industries from graphics to home improvement, has closed its doors forever.

The loss of one of the converting industry’s leading voices in print is compounded by the subsequent closure of the resource rich convertingmagazine.com, which officially closes April 30,2010.  For what excellent insight and content the print edition provided, the site itself quadrupled in up to date news posts, discussions on converting sub-topics, job postings, and even additional e-newsletters.

RBI has made mention of making the intellectual property associated with these pubs available for sale, but only time will tell if that turns out to anything.

So here’s to you, Converting Magazine: thanks for over a quarter century of insight, opportunity, and dedication to the converting industry and all us manufactures, suppliers, and everyone in between.

You will be missed.

It’s a fact: somewhere between the source and the shelf, materials need to be cut and converted to enter their next stage of “life.”

In the most general sense, this happens one of three ways: slitting, perforating, and cutoff.  Three simple actions that are repeated various times in the process of raw material to end product.  Three simple actions that, without knives to make it happen, would leave us with a whole mess of material and not a lot to show for it. (more…)

Almost 5 years after Hurricane Katrina hit, groups like Rebuild Together New Orleans continue to work to restore homes and communities. This January, YSK President and CEO Mike Pickard joined some two dozen other volunteers an ongoing effort to reach out and rebuild this community.

Almost five years after Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans, communities remain in need of help rebuilding, restoring, and replacing their homes and neighborhoods. Over the past four years, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, Catholic Charities of New Orleans, and the Order of Malta have come together to help their fellow Americans. Over 800 volunteers in 21 week sessions have successfully rebuilt the homes for some 30 plus families. (more…)

At least from our viewpoint, 2010 has so far been a busy year for the machine knife manufacturing industry.  We’d like to thank our loyal clients, friends, and readers for helping us toward all our success.  I mean, without you – well – we’re nothing!

Here at York Saw & Knife, we’ve got some great news and great products in the works.  Meanwhile, we thought we’d share our most popular stories of the quarter with you.  Some are recent, and others have been around so long they’re becoming classics! (more…)