It’s been said that manufacturing is the cornerstone of America. In these trying times, manufacturing has been a constant amid a chaotic economic storm. Because manufacturing is an important part of economic wellbeing, there are many benefits to advocating for it. In a recent USA Manufacturing Hour Twitter chat, host, Michael Womack from NJMEP in New Jersey, led a discussion about the benefits of advocating for manufacturing and how to make an impact.

A modern machine shop automatically adds value within a manufacturing operation. For starters, a modern machine shop houses equipment, usually old and new, that enhances manufactured products in some way. The machine shop is a value-added aspect because anything that happens in the machine shop further enhances and completes a product that is being produced in a facility. Adding value is the enhancement of a product during the process. Let’s look at why a machine shop adds value.

Any machine in a machine shop environment that is machining, plating, polishing, cleaning, or assembling is making money for a manufacturing operation. The nature of adding value is the transformation of the item during the process.

Surplus inventory is often talked about but not always clearly defined. What is the definition of surplus inventory? Where does it come from? Why is selling surplus a good idea? Here are answers to your surplus questions.