Trellis Earth Products acquires Indiana based manufacturing facility

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Trellis Earth Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of disposable food service goods based out of Oregon. Recently, the enterprise acquired the former operations facility of Cereplast, Inc. as a result of its bankruptcy proceedings. Despite being located outside of Indiana, Trellis Earth Products is determined to invest in the state's manufacturing economy by relocating their operations to Cereplast's former facility in Seymour, IN.

Trellis Earth Products' decision to invest its operations in Indiana should come as no surprise. The Hoosier state has been able to attracted domestic and international manufacturing enterprises due to its tax friendly business climate. Indiana's Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith spoke to the role that the state's economic policy making had in attracting Trellis' business.

"There's a reason why Indiana leads the nation in manufacturing job growth. Indiana provides growing companies like Trellis Earth with an affordable business climate, a central Midwest location and a skilled team of Hoosiers ready to prove why Indiana is a state that works." said Smith.

Further proof of the influence policy making has in adding to Indiana's manufacturing economy was evident through the role that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) had in procuring Trellis' acquisition. The IEDC offered the Oregon based company up to $1.1 million of conditional tax credits as well as up to $50,000 in training grants that will facilitate the hiring of Indiana residents. The IEDC continues to play a vital role in cultivating a business friendly environment in Indiana.

The takeover of the Seymour facility will require Trellis' to institute new ERP to enable the success of their acquisition. By utilizing business management software for manufacturing, the company should enable a seamless transition into its operational expansion.

Accent Software, Inc. offers enterprises like Trellis Earth Products business management software solutions that can catalyze the success of their growing manufacturing operations.

US manufacturing growth highlights need for ERP solutions within the industry

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The resurgence of America's manufacturing industry has created optimism in the midst of a stagnant economic recovery nation-wide. A study done by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) forecasts that 2014 will be a significant year for manufacturing growth.

The ISM study indicates that this growth is expected to result in  4.4 percent revenue growth for American manufacturing enterprises. Capital expenditures are projected to increase by a whopping 8 percent. The juxtaposition of these figures with that of non-manufacturing growth statistics that were determined by the study shows that the state of the manufacturing industry is in better standing than others.

Non-manufacturing revenue is projected to grow by 3.6 percent while capital expenditures are expected to increase by 4.6 percent. Each of those statistics fails to meet the statistical expectations for manufacturing growth. Bradley J. Holcom, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee spoke to the bright future of American manufacturing.

"Manufacturing purchasing and supply executives expect to see continued growth in 2014. They are optimistic about their overall business prospects for the first half of 2014, and are even more optimistic about the second half of 2014," said Holcomb.

American manufacturers presently employ nearly 12 million individuals. Over half of a million of those manufacturing jobs have been added since 2010. Growth within this sector of employment combats the popular sentiment that American manufacturing is on the decline. The logic behind that widespread belief is constructed around factors like off-shoring manufacturing positions.

Statistics show that adding manufacturing jobs from the global labor marketplace into the domestic market have been a factor in the industry's resurgence. Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, spoke to that point.

"Since January 2010 about 100,000 U.S. jobs have been created by companies that brought their operations back to this country." said Moser.

As growth within the United States manufacturing industry continues, enterprises should seek manufacturing software solutions to implement success ERP.

Accent Software, Inc. offers software for manufacturing that can enable the growth of enterprises within this thriving industry.

Brinly-Hardy Company, Inc. invests in Indiana’s manufacturing sector.

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Growth within Indiana's manufacturing sector continues its rise. In recent months, several manufacturing enterprises have announced new investments including expansion efforts within the Hoosier State. Brinly-Hardy Company, Inc. is another example of a manufacturing enterprise that has been able to contribute to Indiana's economic development.

Brinly-Hardy Company manufactures lawn and garden equipment for its green-thumbed consumers. The enterprise announced plans to expand its operations in Jefferson, IN. By doing so, the business will invest more than $4.5 million into its existing facility.

News of operational expansion comes after the lawn and garden manufacturer acquired Louisville Tin & Stove Co. Buying the Kentucky-based enterprise suggests there may be an effort to relocate its operations to Indiana. Brinly-Hardy's ability to complete the acquisition speaks to the state of their profitability which has been encouraged by Indiana's business-friendly economic policy making.

Part of the reason Brinly-Hardy Company chose to purchase the Kentucky-based residential gas and propane-fired equipment manufacturer is due to the similarities of their respective manufacturing processes. Jane Hardy, CEO of Brinly-Hardy Company, Inc. spoke to the role those operational similarities had in motivating the acquisition.

"Our manufacturing processes are so similar. We've invested significantly in lean production methods, and we see tremendous opportunity to do that with Louisville Tin & Stove as well. It also gives us both the work force flexibility that we need across multiple seasons." said Hardy.

By purchasing Louisville Tin & Stove Co., Brinly-Hardy Co. has poised put itself in a position to diversify its business operations. Utilizing business management software for manufacturing will be implemented as part of their ERP for the recent acquisition.

Accent Software, Inc. provides enterprises with manufacturing business software that can facilitate their growth. As Indiana's manufacturing sector becomes more diverse and competitive, these software solutions are essential for local businesses.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV continues to be at the forefront of manufacturing ERP software.

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For manufacturing enterprises, having ERP that fits their subjective needs is an imperative business management strategy. Specified manufacturing processes make cost reduction strategies and responding to customer demand a very nuanced project. By having business management software that has the capability to balance their unique needs, a manufacturer is able to operate more profitably.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV offers manufacturing enterprises the opportunity to implement software that can accelerate the productivity of their operations. By providing solutions for supply chain management, finance, manufacturing resource planning, human resources and operations management the totality of a manufacturer's ERP can be address by a singular business management software solution.

Another step in implementing ERP that can improve manufacturing output is finding  trusted counsel to rely upon while formulating business strategies. By finding a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner, a manufacturing enterprise can implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV by relying upon vendors that possess expert experience about the ERP software. Combining software expertise with a knowledge of a given marketplace enhances the improvements that Microsoft Dynamics NAV can have on a manufacturer's operations.

Manufacturing enterprises in search of ERP solutions in the state of Indiana have access to a trusted Microsoft Business Solutions Partner with an intimate understanding of the Hoosier State's manufacturing sector. Accent Software, Inc. is that resource for more than 130 companies within Indiana's economic marketplace.

For the last 15 years, enterprises within Indiana have benefited from the industry expertise that Accent Software, Inc. possesses. Employees of Accent Software possess a thorough understanding of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. That understanding has been gained over a decade of experience implementing the the business management software solution.

By implementing Microsoft Dynamics NAV, manufacturers improve their ability to operate efficiently as ERP solutions streamline the manufacturing process. Accent Software, Inc. brings that ability to businesses in the state of Indiana.

Alliance Barrier Films brings new jobs to Indiana’s manufacturing sector.

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Indiana's ability to solidify its place as one of, if not the leading manufacturing destination within the United States, has strengthened the state's economy. In doing so, the Hoosier state has enabled its workforce to become comprised of highly skilled manufacturers. This high level of expertise has brought advanced manufacturing jobs to the state's economy.

The resource that Indiana's labor force provides business has resulted in the addition of enterprises that employ in high-skilled manufacturing employees. Alliance Barrier Films is a manufacturer that brings more state-of-the-art manufacturing to the landscape of Indiana's economy. The enterprise produces high quality commercial film.

Alliance Barrier Films will situate its new manufacturing facility in Washington, Indiana, located within Daviess County. News of economic growth within the region has excited residents and politicians alike. Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann spoke to the state's economic climate which has encouraged growth in the manufacturing industry.

"We are grateful that Alliance Barrier Films team has shown confidence in Indiana as a place to grow their business. Governor Pence and I are committed to providing the infrastructure, the tax policy and a regulatory environment that encourage the growth of businesses in Indiana and the creation of jobs for Hoosiers." Ellspermann said.

The new operations facility is expected to bring up to 70 jobs to the area. Having access to highly skilled manufacturing jobs allows Indiana residents to remain within the Hoosier state to find employment. Keeping domestic, skilled laborers employed within the state is a measure that should continue the growth of Indiana's manufacturing sector. 

Unique business manufacturing software solutions are necessary for manufacturers that engage in highly skilled production processes. Accent Software, Inc. provides these enterprises with expertise that will enable them to achieve business strategies that will catalyze their success.

Quality Hardwood Sales expansion demonstrates domestic manufacturing growth for local businesses

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The state of Indiana has benefited from upward trends in US manufacturing growth. For the third straight year, the Hoosier state has continued to attract domestic manufacturing enterprises. In doing so, the state has been able to stimulate growth among manufacturers with a long history of success in Indiana.

Quality Hardwood Sales is one example of a Indiana-born manufacturing business that has been able to grow despite increased competition from enterprises that have relocated to the state. Since its inception in 2001, the company has built wood interior furnishings for the recreational vehicles. The manufacturer will expand its operations base in Nappanee by 50,000 square feet to its already existed 78,000 square foot facility.

Nappanee has been a unique marketplace for the goods Quality Hardwood Sales manufactures. Elkhart County, which Nappanee is a part of, has become known as the recreational vehicle capital of the world. Being able to expand operations while retaining its location is a perfect situation for the company.

In addition to a larger manufacturing headquarters, Quality Hardwood Sales will add 25 new jobs to its current 85 employee full time staff. The jobs that are expected to be added include skilled machine operating positions. These additional jobs allow Indiana's labor force of skilled manufacturers to apply their expertise to industry within the state's thriving economy.

Manufacturers within the Hoosier state hope to expand their operations to capitalize on Indiana's robust manufacturing sector . In order to do so successfully, business management software for manufacturers is an essential part of ERP that will enable a manufacturing enterprise to achieve its potential.

Accent Software, Inc. provides manufacturers with business management software solutions and insight into Indiana's manufacturing economic that will facilitate growth by sustaining success.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV key tool for job costing strategies.

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For manufacturers, job costing is a vital component of enterprise resource planning. Accurately calculating the cost involved of manufacturing goods is a fundamental responsibility of accounting departments within manufacturing enterprises. By implementing a successful job costing strategy, manufacturers can understand the individual costs of different projects in order to provide customers with more accurate quotes.

Increased demand for production of a commodity can overwhelm basic accounting software. Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides enterprises with manufacturing accounting software that can accurately document the cost of different, simultaneous projects. Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides accountants with the ability to associate a product with its manufacturing process. In doing so, costing information is more accurate and its analysis allows for more accurate profit margins to be forecast.

Once a production system is understood, Microsoft Dynamics NAV can implement a process to understand when inventory must be replenished. Instead of ordering inventory on a preparatory basis, Microsoft Dynamics NAV utilizes an inventory management system that can replenish inventory based upon the needs of a job as they arise. Its ability to calculate when inventory must be replenished allows manufacturing enterprises to make more cost efficient orders by having data ahead of time.

Another key aspect that Microsoft Dynamics NAV has in creating efficient job costing is its ability to quickly produce financial statements. Allowing accountants to have financial statements that are readily accessible is key in understanding the costs associated with a particular project. Bing able to frequently produce financial statements allows accounting departments to see opportunities for further cost reduction as they arise, instead of analyzing data in hindsight and not being able to make alterations to the production process that are more cost efficient.

Accent Software, Inc. is a trusted Microsoft business partner with expert insight into operating Microsoft Dynamics Nav. Manufacturing enterprises that can implement a job costing strategy through the use of manufacturing accounting software allow their enterprises to achieve cost reduction and thus greater profitability.

Nello Corporation promises more jobs for Indiana’s manufacturing sector

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On Tuesday, July 15th, the South Bend Area Plan Commission paved the way to add 650 manufacturing jobs in South Bend. These added jobs will come from Nello Corporation, Inc. The company is a manufacturer of galvanized steel towers and poles for the telecommunications industry. Hoping to benefit from Indiana's skilled manufacturing labor force, Nello Corporation, Inc. will relocate its headquarters from Texas to South Bend, Indiana.

The move will add up to 650 jobs to Indiana's manufacturing sector by 2023. Further economic stimulus will be catalyzed by the move as construction begins on the South Bend-based manufacturing facility in the early part of 2015.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence spoke to the state's economic climate as being a major factor in Nello Corporation Inc.'s decision to relocate.

"Global companies like Nello recognize they have an abundance of location choices. Its decision to locate its Texas operations here is the latest proof that Indiana, with our central location coupled with a competitive tax environment and the best workforce in the nation, continues to be a state that works over the long haul." said Pence.

The arrival of Nello Corporation, Inc. into Indiana's manufacturing sector will enable the state to have a greater role as a manufacturing base for the wireless communications industry. Nello Corporation, Inc. is contracted by wireless service providers such as Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. The influx of telecommunications manufacturing jobs into the state increases the relationship that telecommunication giants like Verizon have with the state of Indiana.

By providing more manufacturing for the telecommunications industry, Indiana hopes to increase the presence of this industry within its marketplace. Doing so would allow Indiana's manufacturing sector to add more specialized manufacturing jobs from technologically-driven industries. South Bend Deputy Mayor Mark Neal spoke to the role Nello Corporation will have in growing advanced manufacturing in the region.

The promise of a union between the telecommunications industry and Indiana's manufacturing sector was conveyed by Nello Corporation Inc.'s President, Dan Ianello.

"Our main goal was to locate and establish a permanent home for our company's continued expansion while simultaneously improving our ability to reach our customers in a timely fashion and deliver a superior product to our growing customer base." said Ianello, highlighting the impact that Nello Corporation Inc.'s move will have on the future of Indiana's manufacturing sector.

The advancement of specialized manufacturing in Indiana requires the utilization of manufacturing business software. Manufacturing ERP software that can facilitate the industry of telecommunications manufacturing will be essential for the success of Nello Corporations new facility in South Bend.

Accent Software, Inc. offers business manufacturing software to accommodate production as advanced, specialized manufacturing becomes more prevalent in the industry. By utilizing software for manufacturing to facilitate the success of this industry, businesses are able to continue to stimulate growth in Indiana's manufacturing sector.

Mobility key for modern ERP strategy

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More companies are looking for ways to embrace mobility and make it a value-driving trend within their operations. For manufacturers, the back office could be the place to accomplish this, taking business management software mobile and utilizing ERP solutions to drive efficiency and flexibility.

According to Enterprise Apps Today, mobile ERP has been on the rise for a little while, and as more firms embrace it the value of doing so becomes more apparent from their success. Adam Cheatham, an ERP consultant, noted during a webinar that mobile manufacturing ERP software offers "an opportunity to eliminate gaps and streamline processes in real time."

"An increasingly connected world leads to increasing speed of business," Cheatham continued. "You can interact in real time with people from around the world. We are seeing a push for having a single source of truth and being able to interconnect it throughout the globe."

In order to succeed with mobile ERP, however, there are a few steps that companies have to consider:

Function – The functionality of the ERP systems in the first place is essential. Many firms may realize that they need to update their manufacturing software in order to make mobile a reality.

Form factor – Mobile devices function in a very different way than desktop and laptop PCs. The primary issue is the smaller screen size, which can be troubling to some workers. This makes them excellent for performing quick and minor tasks, but a full audit or sales pitch will likely need to be performed on a bigger machine, the news source noted.

Connectivity – The primary advantage mobile devices offer is the "any where, any time" accessibility of data. However, this means increased focus on connectivity in the workplace and remotely. Companies will need to potentially update their networks and improve access to ERP apps in order to deliver on performance demands.

Usability – User experience relies on the usability of these apps and devices. From the operating system to the apps that the business invests in, they have to align with user expectations and needs. Cheatham noted that pulling out a tablet to perform work sets a certain expectation of efficiency and function, and if the app or UX falls short of that expectation it will ruin the experience, even if it is better than an older system overall.

Security – The final key issue that manufacturers have to contend with is the high security demands of mobility. While these devices aren't by necessity less secure than other computing options, they do require a different approach to security that companies will need to prepare for.

While the news source offers further advice on improve mobile integration with ERP solutions, companies will benefit most from investing in assistant with taking their back office operations to the next level and leveraging these tools to maximum efficiency. Mobile ERP trends are just starting to catch on and companies that embrace them early on will be able to gain a clear competitive edge.

Indiana makes high grades in manufacturing sector

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The state of Indiana has made several strides in recent years to improve its standings as a key place for companies to set up a business. Now, according to a new report, it's starting to gain a place among the top areas of the country.

Conexus Indiana's 2014 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card was released this week and shows that for the fourth year in a row, the state has earned an "A" for its manufacturing and logistics sector. This factors into helping the Hoosier state become one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to the highest share of manufacturing employment per capita and the highest manufacturing sector income share of total income.

The report was also prepared by Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER).  According to Michael Hicks, CBER director and Ball State economics professor, Indiana's growth in economic activity continues to be "relatively robust." The data used to create the study is conclusive evidence of the competitive edge that the state has in the post-recession economy when compared to neighboring states and the rest of the country.

The state also showed strength in several other key business areas. This includes an "A" grade for tax climate and a showing in the top 20 percent of all states when it comes to income tax, sales tax, unemployment insurance and property tax for fiscal year 2014. The ability for companies in Indiana to do business around the globe also earned an "A" grade for the sixth consecutive year.

One of the only major areas of concern is the human capital sector. While the state did increase the grade from a D to a C- and improved worker benefits costs from a C- to a C, it is still among the bottom 10 percent in terms of percentage population with a bachelor's degree.

Steven Dwyer, the president and CEO of Conexus Indiana, was interviewed in a recent article for Inside Indiana Business and spoke about this topic. He said that there has been a substantial shift when it comes to fostering talent with middle-skills necessary to succeed in a landscape that is using more advanced manufacturing software and logistics solutions. This area is important because a stronger workforce can help create a better and more stable state economy.

He added that there is recognition that the manufacturing jobs of the future will be much different from what is used today. That is why employees need to start learning about them to get ready.

"We must redouble our efforts in preparing students for careers in manufacturing," Dwyer said. "While we're moving in the right direction, there's no doubt we must continue building the educational resources to create a pipeline of trained workers ready to step into not only newly-created middle-skill jobs, but those that will soon be vacated by the retiring 'baby boom' generation."

Being prepare for the latest business management software is not easy and can be a hurdle for any organization that finds trying to adapt. With the help of a solution provider, any company can gain a hand when it comes to deploying these system successfully and training employees to use them.