Brief commentary on workers' compensation claim case where age and repetitive motion were at issue. The court upheld a jury verdict in Plaintiff's favor finding her injuries developed over time as a result of her employment although her responsibilities did not consist of continuous repetitive movement. 

In an economic environment where industrials are feeling the pinch, operational efficiency and effectiveness are as crucial as ever to achieve. And when it comes to integrating acquisitions, success is mixed.

The European Central Bank is making another attempt at stability through dramatic measures. Europe's falling prices, currency, punitive rates on bank profits, and convoluted politics all complicate the effects of policymaking. Recent data on industrial production and GDP have been promising, however. 

The MAPI Foundation today released its latest U.S. Industrial Outlook, a quarterly analysis of 27 major industries, which found that manufacturing industrial production was unchanged from the third to the fourth quarter of 2015. The analysis indicates that such factors as high inventories, a strong dollar, falling commodity prices, and risk aversion have not dissipated and are the cause of this slow growth. 

A new study by the MAPI Foundation, Productivity Dynamics in U.S. Manufacturing, analyzes productivity growth in a range of manufacturing subsectors over the past 25 years and provides compelling statistical evidence on the importance that capital investment and educated labor have on productivity performance.

 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is seeking public comments due April 1 on proposed changes to its EEO-1 report that would require employers with 100 or more employees to submit W-2 earnings data and actual hours worked for all employees.

Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, we’re revisiting our interviews with female executives in manufacturing and recent articles from our staff.

In a decision that adopts the minority position of two courts of appeals out of a total of eight that have ruled on the issue, the Supreme Court held that ERISA health benefit plans may not seek reimbursement from third-party settlements plan participants receive when the participant has spent the funds on nontraceable items. While the case in question concerned a health benefit plan, the implications for other types of ERISA plans, including pension and disability plans, is unclear.

Trade compliance professionals are used to constant change—new regulations, ever-larger potential fines, and widening ranges of sanctions. Keeping up with developments seems impossible for one person . . . how well do you know what’s going on in the world of trade?
 

Today’s manufacturers face many challenges in an ever expanding global market.  Building and cultivating a trusted supply chain is essential to your success.  Reducing cost, volatility in the supply chain, and leveraging expertise are things every company is challenged with.  The 2nd Annual MAPI