Ideas

With little or no forewarning, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee stunned the community by announcing in April that it was nearly $30 million in debt and needed a plan to restructure.

Grafton-based Microbrush International has acquired the Dry Tips product line from Swedish surgical and wound product manufacturer Molnlycke Health Care.

The OEM Industries Division of FNA Group Inc., which manufactures pressure washers for home and industrial markets, is establishing a new manufacturing, distribution and research and development facility in Pleasant Prairie.

Milwaukee-based Pflow Industries Inc. has purchased a 26,000-square-foot building across the street to make room for growth.

Glendale-based global manufacturer Johnson Controls Inc. recently held a fiscal 2015 forecast and mid-term financial outlook in which it predicted record profits in fiscal 2015.

Sussex-based Quad/Graphics Inc. plans to close its direct marketing plant in Atlanta, Ga., in early 2015.

Sheboygan Falls-based sausage manufacturer Johnsonville Sausage has opened its first retail store, in Naples, Fla.

Racine-based outdoor recreation equipment manufacturer Johnson Outdoors Inc. reported a fiscal fourth quarter net loss of $786,000, compared with a net loss of $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.

One of the reasons lean is powerful as a management philosophy is that it brings together various and often diverse stakeholders, empowering them to collectively effect change. It achieves this by validating or dispelling past beliefs, piercing cultural boundaries within the organization and creating a common vision among employees regardless of tenure, knowledge or experience.

Manufacturers with new and improved products that stimulate the life and growth of the country are encouraged to apply for the Governor’s New Product Awards by Monday, Feb. 16.