News

Annual Inflation Rate Accelerates to 2.7% in November, as Expected

Consumer prices rose at a faster annual pace in November, a reminder that inflation remains an issue both for households and policymakers. The consumer price index showed a 12-month inflation rate of 2.7% after increasing 0.3% on the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday.... Continue Reading

68% of Companies Rely on Manual Hiring Processes, Struggle to Scale Efficiently: Report

Phenom releases its State of High-Volume Hiring: 2025 Benchmarks Report, which analyzed 101 companies on their maturity and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technology to hire frontline, hourly, seasonal and high-turnover roles. Phenom releases its State of High-Volume... Continue Reading

Nearshoring: A Strategic Manufacturing Necessity Even Before Trump's Election

The shift from offshoring to nearshoring continues, driven by resilience, flexibility and proximity to core markets. In an era of constant threat of disruption, nearshoring has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a strategic imperative for global manufacturers. For decades, offshoring... Continue Reading

MTI Announces 2025 Spring & Fall Meeting Locations

One of the most exciting reasons companies join the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) is the unparalleled opportunity to network and build meaningful connections with top executives and business owners in the industry. MTI’s highly anticipated national meetings are the ultimate gateway to these... Continue Reading

MTI Hosts Economic Forecast and Technical Specification Webcasts

Two of the biggest challenges for heat treat plants and suppliers are navigating economic uncertainty and keeping up with constant changes to audit compliance checklists and specifications. With ongoing political headwinds, recession predictions in the news, and continuous updates from Nadcap,... Continue Reading

How to Break Through the Creative Block

When British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng was tasked with creating new uniforms for British Airlines, he didn’t sequester himself in his studio and invent designs out of thin air. Instead, he began by meeting with employees—baggage handlers, engineers, flight captains, and more.... Continue Reading

Struggling to Get Consistent Vital Behaviors in Your Organization?

Leaders can make employees more productive by identifying and nurturing Vital Behaviors. Julie Smith and Lori Ludwig outline a five-step process. “Why do our in-home technicians do things that upset our cable customers? I hit the roof when we had to shell out $5K to fix the mess... Continue Reading

What Your Body Language Says About Your Leadership Impact

Have you considered the ripple effect your body language has on your leadership capabilities? Picture this: you're meeting with your subordinates or engaging in a one-on-one conversation with a team member. Are you fully present, or is your body language betraying your disinterest? Your nonverbal... Continue Reading

Ensuring Workplace Safety in Warehouses

Here are four of the best practices for improving workplace safety in warehouses heading into 2025 and beyond. Warehouses are critical to thriving modern economies and supply chains. They can also be dangerous places to work. The fast-paced work environment, use of heavy-duty industrial... Continue Reading

What Makes a Supportive Manager? 5 Key Traits Employees Value Most

More than salary or benefits, employees want a supportive manager. Dominic Ashley-Timms and Laura Ashley-Timms outline 5 qualities to develop. A supportive manager is one of the most critical factors of a job and only marginally second to salary, according to Owl Labs’ 2024 State of... Continue Reading

Retail Sourcing Trends to Watch in 2025

Trade wars, inflation, geopolitics and disruption are factors companies will need to address next year. A recent report, 2025 Supply Chain Trends, from TradeBeyond, found that supply chains will embrace AI, automation and sustainability. Other priorities include building a resilient and... Continue Reading

Annual Inflation Rate Hit 2.6% in October, Meeting Expectations

Inflation perked up in October though pretty much in line with Wall Street expectations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. The consumer price index, which measures costs across a spectrum of goods and services, increased 0.2% for the month. That took the 12-month inflation... Continue Reading