The U.S. steel industry bounced back smartly from the "death watch" some
observers were predicting just a few years ago, but steel makers still find
themselves battling cheap imports as well as an increasing movement by
manufacturers to adopt alternative materials. This article looks at the overall
health of the industry, what challenges it faces, how U.S. steel companies are
addressing them and how they're preparing to compete for the future.
July: Oil & Gas
The oil and gas industry is in a tough spot. The world's
seemingly endless appetite for more energy is driving urgent calls for
increased output, even as the heavily regulated industry faces competition from
renewable fuels and scrutiny for its contribution to climate change. Several
high-profile safety incidents also have brought the industry's maintenance
practices into question. This article explores the technologies and tactics the
oil and gas industry is using to meet customers' demands safely, efficiently
and profitably.
November: Food & Beverage
The food industry is under constant scrutiny by government agencies and
consumer watchdogs who are rightfully concerned about keeping the food chain
safe. Despite all the safeguards, as companies rely ever more on offshore
producers, contaminated food continues to enter the U.S. marketplace, with
high-profile examples of manufacturers who have gone out of business after
expensive recalls. This article explores the steps food processors are taking
to ensure their products remain healthy and healthful.
Nearly one-fifth of
IndustryWeek's readers are in process industries and 4 out of 5 of them expect
their capital expenditures to increase over 7% in the coming year.
December: Pharmaceutical & Biotech
Pharmaceutical companies are coming to recognize that focusing on supply chain
management is a key component to profitable operations. With new products
taking many years to develop and win governmental approval, pharma
manufacturers have to leverage every advantage they can, from strategic
sourcing and purchasing of raw materials, to the coordination of product
forecasting and production schedules, to the use of RFID and other technologies
to thwart counterfeiters and the gray market. This article looks at best
practices in use at several pharma and biotech companies.
