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The 8^th Annual Top Shops survey of injection molders is open for ����ý.

Top Shops is a benchmarking and recognition program designed to help injection molders understand, measure and assess how their ����ý compares with similar ����ýes. Developed by Plastics Technology and parent company Gardner Business Media’s Gardner Intelligence group, the program is the only source of benchmarking data collected via online surveys that covers four main ����ý pillars: operations, technology, ����ý strategy and human resources. All U.S. molding operations, regardless of size, industries served and location, are encouraged to participate.

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We know you want the benefit of benchmarking and recognition without investing a ton of time in a survey. That’s what you told us. And we listened. For example, this year’s survey is divided into “core and modules.” Core questions have been answered by most people in the past. The rest of the questions are organized into modules. You may pick and choose modules based on areas of particular interest to you/your ����ý. Once you select a module, we encourage you to answer all of the questions it includes.

Results from the free, anonymous survey will be reported in the October 2024 issue of Plastics Technology, and molders who complete the questionnaire will receive a customized report compiled by Gardner Business Media’s Gardner Intelligence unit. These reports will show the participants how their individual facility ranked against the collective survey results.

The in-depth survey measures a variety of manufacturing metrics for the facility reported, including scrap rate, order lead time, capacity utilization, on-time delivery rate, quality, capital spending, customer retention, sales per employee, sales growth, profit margin, inventory, machine uptime, wages, labor turnover, supply-chain practices, marketing practices, certifications and more. The survey also asks, among other things, profile questions such as industries served, as well as materials, processes, tooling types and inspection technology used.

Each shop that completes the survey receives a customized report showing responses they entered along with anonymous responses from other participating shops. This relative read indicates how other shops are performing, often providing evidence that higher levels of performance are attainable. The report also indicates which metrics stand out for a shop so they can be sure to maintain their strengths.

Selected questions are scored and summed per participating shop to determine which ones are designated Top Shops. Top Shops typically represent the top 20% of scores.

What You Get for Participating

Molders that participate in the Top Shops survey get:

• Custom Benchmarking Report: Using your report, you can assess the effectiveness and efficiency of your manufacturing operations, identify optimal shopfloor practices and gain insight to apply in your strategic planning.

• Top Shops Status: One of the most coveted and prominent accolades in the industry today, being a Top Shop recognizes those who perform the best and have ����ý practices to be emulated.

• Consideration to be Selected to Receive Special Recognition: Up to four Top Shops will be selected to be honored for survey responses that set them apart.

You have until April 30 to complete the survey. to begin.