ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom - Industrial Market Trends

Independence Day: Did You Know?

dbutcher — 2009-07-01T13:36:26-05:00

With July 4th falling on Saturday, your workplace may already be operating with a skeleton staff. Still, someone has to keep things going while everyone else is at the beach, and if that someone is you this week, ease your way into the holiday weekend with these fun figures.

U.S. Manufacturers Face Critical Threats to Competitiveness

jfontelera — 2009-06-30T12:22:15-05:00

Two new reports identify significant threats that could impede the ability of U.S. manufacturers to successfully compete in the global economy, including the public perception of pursuing a career in manufacturing.

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Boeing Delays Dreamliner's First Flight (Again)

dbutcher — 2009-06-29T14:17:04-05:00

Plus: Automakers Receive Fuel-Efficiency Loans, Durable Goods Orders Rise, Unemployment Rate Persists and MORE.

Light Friday: Unusual Economic Indicators

jfontelera — 2009-06-26T11:48:29-05:00

Plus: Quarter-Shrinking Machines, Carnivorous Furniture, Gravity-Defying Shoes and MORE.

U.S. and E.U. File Trade Complaints Against China Over Exports

dbutcher — 2009-06-25T13:39:39-05:00

In a coordinated filing this week, the U.S. and the E.U. complained to the WTO that China's export duties on raw materials were distorting the global market and hurting their manufacturers of steel and other products.

How New Gas Mandates Can Fuel Detroit Three Rebound

jfontelera — 2009-06-24T12:41:19-05:00

U.S. automakers have a chance to increase profits and gain market share due to President Obama's fuel efficiency mandate, according to a new report.

What's Your Corporate Culture?

ileybovich — 2009-06-23T10:07:27-05:00

From Enron to Google, corporate culture says a lot about an organization's character, influencing how it's perceived by customers, employees and competitors.

Benefits à la Carte

jfontelera — 2009-06-23T10:05:52-05:00

To compensate for cutbacks in employee benefits programs, increasingly more companies are offering voluntary benefits plans that allow workers to pick the perks that fulfill their needs.

13 Types of Irritating Coworkers

dbutcher — 2009-06-23T10:05:44-05:00

Whenever you isolate many different types of people into one workspace, chances are you'll have some personality clashes. Some behaviors, such as those listed here, are annoying but not necessarily toxic.

Changing Jobs, Not Employers

jfontelera — 2009-06-23T10:05:11-05:00

As companies reorganize to cut costs and minimize layoffs, some employees' roles may be redefined to fit the new structure. Here are some ideas for adapting to a new post at the same place.

Tips: When Home is Your Workplace

jfontelera — 2009-06-23T10:04:00-05:00

Whether telecommuting or running a home-based business, distinguishing "home life" from "work life" can be a struggle. Here are some tips to separate personal and professional tasks — even when they occur in the same space.

Inspired Design Tools to Come

dbutcher — 2009-06-23T10:03:55-05:00

One of the most drastic changes over the last eight decades has been in the tools engineers use. The future promises another wave of technological innovation.

Couples Split on Retirement Planning

jfontelera — 2009-06-23T10:01:52-05:00

A new study shows that many married couples aren't on the same page when it comes to retirement finances. These days, it's more important than ever to have a unified plan for retirement.

The Future of U.S. Space Flight

dbutcher — 2009-06-23T10:00:03-05:00

The people of NASA have the privilege of doing things that have never been done before. What will the space agency's visionary scientists, engineers and, of course, astronauts pursue next?