When our company exhibits at a trade show we like to show our machinery in action similar to the way it will be running in the packaging production plants. In order to do so we need assistance from other companies. New England Machinery has been very fortunate to have worked with some great companies that are willing to help us promote our products, while getting additional exposure for their own.
For example, Shell Oil Company has generously donated their yellow Pennzoil containers every year so that we can use them to demonstrate our unscrambler and secondary orienter. Over the years our booth at the shows became so famous for the yellow bottles that we actually bought matching yellow shirts for our staff to wear. At past shows Enercon has allowed us to use their induction sealer machine so that we can demonstrate how our retorquer retightens caps loosened after induction sealing.
This year for the Pack Expo International 2012 show in Chicago along with Shell Oil Company’s Pennzoil containers, we are also fortunate to be receiving pharmaceutical bottles from SKS. This will allow us to demonstrate a pharmaceutical line that starts with an unscrambler, shows our capper capabilities and inspection/rejection system. We will also be showing how we can assist in starting the Track and Trace serialization coding on virgin containers entering the production line. Come visit our booth #S-1442 to see the other great companies that have partnered with us to put on a really exciting show!
Through the generosity of these companies New England Machinery can highlight our equipment in a realistic setting and demonstrate the fine products of our partner companies as well - increasing exposure and building business for us all.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Are Your Packaging Machines Treated Right?
Most production plants have scaled back in recent years and are running as lean as possible to effectively compete in the world economy. This sometimes leaves a gap in the area of routine machinery maintenance. Some companies cannot afford to keep on full time maintenance workers. This is an opportunity for the manufacturers of the machinery to offer routine service plans that will assure the proper, timely maintenance of the machinery without the cost and overhead of retaining maintenance personnel.
Just like any other mechanical and electrical machinery, packaging machinery needs regular maintenance performed on them to keep them running efficiently and to reduce downtime. You have heard the expression ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ This is especially true for machinery. Keep it well-maintained on a regular basis to prevent expensive and unnecessary breakdowns.
New England Machinery recognized this need and offers the owners of NEM equipment preventive maintenance programs that are customized to fit their requirements. Check with your packaging machinery manufacturer to see if they can offer this valuable service to your company.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Just like any other mechanical and electrical machinery, packaging machinery needs regular maintenance performed on them to keep them running efficiently and to reduce downtime. You have heard the expression ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ This is especially true for machinery. Keep it well-maintained on a regular basis to prevent expensive and unnecessary breakdowns.
New England Machinery recognized this need and offers the owners of NEM equipment preventive maintenance programs that are customized to fit their requirements. Check with your packaging machinery manufacturer to see if they can offer this valuable service to your company.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Do You Help Your Customers Define Their Needs?
When a customer is searching for new packaging equipment do you assist them in defining their needs, or try to sell them your equipment? Hopefully, you are helping them define their needs. In the long run, this will benefit everyone.
Our company has put together several questionnaires that we send to companies that have contacted us in need of packaging machinery. Each questionnaire covers a different type of machine, depending on what the end user is hoping to accomplish (i.e. they want containers capped or bulk containers sorted and placed on the production line). The questionnaire covers everything they could possibly consider for both their current need and potential future need for that equipment. In many cases the customer is reminded by the questionnaire to check on something they may have overlooked in their search for the right equipment. They may determine that some of the questions are not important to their needs and that is fine, but now it won’t come up later as being forgotten.
We find this method of ‘selling’ a win-win situation. By the time the customer is ready to place their Purchase Order they are confident that they are making the right decision having covered every possibility and looked at all the options.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Our company has put together several questionnaires that we send to companies that have contacted us in need of packaging machinery. Each questionnaire covers a different type of machine, depending on what the end user is hoping to accomplish (i.e. they want containers capped or bulk containers sorted and placed on the production line). The questionnaire covers everything they could possibly consider for both their current need and potential future need for that equipment. In many cases the customer is reminded by the questionnaire to check on something they may have overlooked in their search for the right equipment. They may determine that some of the questions are not important to their needs and that is fine, but now it won’t come up later as being forgotten.
We find this method of ‘selling’ a win-win situation. By the time the customer is ready to place their Purchase Order they are confident that they are making the right decision having covered every possibility and looked at all the options.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Manufacturing Job Openings in Manasota Area Are Hard to Fill
We have all heard lately that the unemployment statistics in the US are high, particularly for the past several years. What is interesting is that in our geographical area, manufacturers are having a very difficult time finding qualified employees to hire. I recently attended a meeting of manufacturers based in the Sarasota/Bradenton Florida area. We are all struggling to find employees with the experience and qualifications we need. There has even been a Gap study performed to determine the specific areas of need and how to best fill these workforce requirements. The study will be revealed to the public soon and an action plan to resolve the workforce deficit will be undertaken. But, it will undoubtedly take time to correct.
In the meantime, we manufacturers are looking at recruiting employees from other areas of the country that may have unemployed workers with the skills and experience we require. New England Machinery is currently looking for experienced employees to fill positions in our Mechanical Design Engineering, Human Resources, Accounting, and Sales Departments. We also need qualified Service Technicians, Machinists and Machine Builders. If you are moving to the Bradenton, FL region and are experienced in any of these positions, stop by and fill out an application.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
In the meantime, we manufacturers are looking at recruiting employees from other areas of the country that may have unemployed workers with the skills and experience we require. New England Machinery is currently looking for experienced employees to fill positions in our Mechanical Design Engineering, Human Resources, Accounting, and Sales Departments. We also need qualified Service Technicians, Machinists and Machine Builders. If you are moving to the Bradenton, FL region and are experienced in any of these positions, stop by and fill out an application.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Are You Keeping Up In Your Field?
The only constant in this world is that there will always be change. No matter what your area of expertise I can guarantee you that it is evolving even as you read this blog. I am an avid reader of books and thought that would be the one thing that could never change. Books have been around for centuries. The only major change was when the printing press was invented so that scribes no longer had to hand copy them. Well, now we have virtual books on computers, touchpads, and phones, not to mention audio books for the visually impaired and those who rather listen than read.
If you want to stay on top of your game you need to keep up with the changes in your industry and profession. The best way to do this is to take courses on both. I recommend attending at least one class per year on the latest technology in your industry and another class on the latest changes in your field of profession. Don’t shrug off all seminars as a waste of time because the company sponsoring it is trying to sell you something. The value you get from the new information is well worth the price of admission and/or time you spend attending. I have never attended a webinar or seminar that I did not learn at least one new thing.
Keep on top of your career and you will be the one that everyone goes to for information. It will also make you more valuable to your employer. But more importantly, it will make you more confident in yourself and your abilities.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
If you want to stay on top of your game you need to keep up with the changes in your industry and profession. The best way to do this is to take courses on both. I recommend attending at least one class per year on the latest technology in your industry and another class on the latest changes in your field of profession. Don’t shrug off all seminars as a waste of time because the company sponsoring it is trying to sell you something. The value you get from the new information is well worth the price of admission and/or time you spend attending. I have never attended a webinar or seminar that I did not learn at least one new thing.
Keep on top of your career and you will be the one that everyone goes to for information. It will also make you more valuable to your employer. But more importantly, it will make you more confident in yourself and your abilities.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Are Your Employees Cross-Trained?
Smaller companies often have individuals who are cross-trained to take over for someone who is out sick or on vacation. Companies who do not cross-train are missing out on a great learning opportunity. Everyone thinks their job is the hardest in the company. They don’t understand when someone in another department takes a ‘long time’ to get something done that they think should have taken only minutes to complete.
I’ve been fortunate to have been asked to assist in other departments when they are short handed. It has given me a whole new perspective on other people’s jobs and responsibilities and the true effort they need to do their jobs. We’ve all heard the old saying that we should not criticize another until we have ‘walked in their shoes’. This holds true for their work shoes as well.
Cross-training also enlightens you on how the company’s processes flow and how the work a person does in one department effects other individuals and their jobs in another department. I highly recommend cross-training for all companies. It will also add value to your organization by increasing the number of trained employees you have for the various positions.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
I’ve been fortunate to have been asked to assist in other departments when they are short handed. It has given me a whole new perspective on other people’s jobs and responsibilities and the true effort they need to do their jobs. We’ve all heard the old saying that we should not criticize another until we have ‘walked in their shoes’. This holds true for their work shoes as well.
Cross-training also enlightens you on how the company’s processes flow and how the work a person does in one department effects other individuals and their jobs in another department. I highly recommend cross-training for all companies. It will also add value to your organization by increasing the number of trained employees you have for the various positions.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Educate Yourself for Free
There is a plethora of free educational information available on the internet. I wish the internet had been as large and accessible when I went to college. Paper research would have been a breeze. No more spending hours at the library. No matter what your topic, field, or area of interest, there is more information out there available for free than ever before.
White papers are a great example of one source of free information available to everyone. Most companies offering white papers require the visitor to ‘sign in’ giving up information such as name, e-mail address and affiliation. Depending on the level of interest in the information, it might be a very small price to pay for this free information that might otherwise take you hours to research on your own. The internet also offers up newspaper and magazine articles on millions of topics. Then there are the blogs like mine that inform while offering opinions in the process. If you are doing research, look for opposing views or alternatives on the topic/subject. This will help in making sure the information you get is balanced.
A word to the wise, however, not all of the information on the internet is accurate. So be careful to double check all data and references to make sure it is correct and from a reliable source.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
White papers are a great example of one source of free information available to everyone. Most companies offering white papers require the visitor to ‘sign in’ giving up information such as name, e-mail address and affiliation. Depending on the level of interest in the information, it might be a very small price to pay for this free information that might otherwise take you hours to research on your own. The internet also offers up newspaper and magazine articles on millions of topics. Then there are the blogs like mine that inform while offering opinions in the process. If you are doing research, look for opposing views or alternatives on the topic/subject. This will help in making sure the information you get is balanced.
A word to the wise, however, not all of the information on the internet is accurate. So be careful to double check all data and references to make sure it is correct and from a reliable source.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Are Americans Changing The Way They Eat?
The home improvement industry has seen a significant increase in home improvement and do-it-yourself purchases over the past decade. Much of this growth can be attributed to the new television networks and shows that inspire home owners to try their hand at improving their living space. The same is happening in the food industry. The increase in networks and shows dedicated to cooking and innovative edible concoctions has encouraged individuals to try their hand at new culinary feats.
Today’s cooking shows do not cater to the simple ‘home cooking’ many Americans were raised on. These shows take great pains to introduce new ingredients and combine elements not previously paired. Add to this effect the need for more potent spices to entice the aging baby-boomers diminishing taste buds, and you have a steady growth in exotic spices, vegetables, fruits and other ingredients that were little known or appreciated in previous generations.
The American palate appears to be changing and food producers are offered a great opportunity to take advantage of this new trend. Consequently, product packagers will need to monitor this trend to keep in touch with the evolving needs for new packaging products and methods.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
Today’s cooking shows do not cater to the simple ‘home cooking’ many Americans were raised on. These shows take great pains to introduce new ingredients and combine elements not previously paired. Add to this effect the need for more potent spices to entice the aging baby-boomers diminishing taste buds, and you have a steady growth in exotic spices, vegetables, fruits and other ingredients that were little known or appreciated in previous generations.
The American palate appears to be changing and food producers are offered a great opportunity to take advantage of this new trend. Consequently, product packagers will need to monitor this trend to keep in touch with the evolving needs for new packaging products and methods.
The author, Marge Bonura, is the Director of Sales & Marketing for New England Machinery, Inc. (NEM). NEM is a leading packaging machinery manufacturer of bottle unscramblers, cappers, orienters, retorquers, lidders, pluggers, pump sorter/placers, scoop feeders, hopper elevators and much more. The company has been in business since 1974 selling to the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, chemical, household products, automotive and other industries. For more information on NEM, visit their website at www.neminc.com.
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