Columnist Matt Kirchner tells us what reality TV can teach us about transforming your finishing shop.

Columnist Matt Kirchner writes about a recent Super Bowl commercial of Paul Harvey’s adage that on the eighth day, God created the farmer. But the ninth day was productive as well.

A recent Super Bowl commercial reminded us of Paul Harvey’s adage that on the eighth day, God created the farmer. But the ninth day was productive as well.

Finishers all over the United States are using Kaizen events to improve efficiency and better respond to the voice of the customer. Though some are achieving their goals, many —­ if not most — are failing.

Plan around what you can expect from each month of the year.

They may be a hassle, but purchase orders save countless mistakes and unnecessary costs.

What if there was a way to determine how we are performing financially compared with companies similar to our own? What if we could compare our results with theirs on an even playing field? What if we could determine where others are outperforming us and then take steps to improve in those areas?

How company mindset in a quandary can make or break a finishing operation.

Higher barriers to entry, minimal competitive rivalry, fewer substitutes and less powerful customers and suppliers—pay heed to Porter’s Five Forces and your next expansion will more likely be a lucrative one.

The driving force of changes is often a generational battle, too.

What underperforming finishers don’t know (that good ones do)

At the ECOAT 2012 Conference in Orlando, Fla., last month, we addressed the topic “What Underperforming Finishers Don’t Know (That Good Ones Do).”

Consider the following finishing industry trends and the opportunities they create in our markets

Consider market and industry trends, and modify strategy to take advantage of them

Imagine for the moment you could predict the future. Suppose you could foretell how your customers, employees or suppliers would behave during the next year or two. How would you use the information? Would you introduce a new finish to the market before anyone else?

When it comes to getting maximum throughput and optimal first pass yield from their finishing departments, Metalcraft of Mayville has quite a story to tell.

Matt writes: With nearly one in five American workers either unemployed or underemployed it seems inconceivable that coaters and manufacturers alike would have such a difficult time finding the right people.

With nearly one in five American workers either unemployed or underemployed it seems inconceivable that coaters and manufacturers alike would have such a difficult time finding the right people. Mention this problem to a friend working outside the manufacturing sector and your statement produces a confounded gape. Raise the issue with a coater and watch for the knowing acknowledgement. What’s the problem? There are three, actually.

Eight memorable quotes to run your business by.