Viewpoints

All too often, companies lose sight of what should be their core focus: providing value to customers.

The future of plastic manufacturing in the United States is far from certain, but many trends are beginning to take shape. From the accelerating pace of 3D printing innovation to new production procedures, plastic manufacturing will likely continue to be a strong yet steadily changing segment of the manufacturing industry overall.

Milwaukee business executive Kevin Seiberlich and Hamilton Henry Capital have acquired Waukesha-based V&L Tool Inc.

Kenosha-based plastic injection molding company Xten Industries LLC has been sold out of bankruptcy to Mundelein, Ill.-based Commercial Plastics Co.

Sussex-based Power Test Inc. is holding its third annual tree lighting celebration on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Open to the community and local businesses, it will take place at its location at N60 W22700 Silver Spring Drive.

Glendale-based Sprecher Brewing Co. has released two new bourbon barrel-aged brews: the Czar Brew and the Commando. They became available in the Sprecher Gift Shop and at additional retail outlets earlier this month.

Companies interested in investing in energy efficiency and waste reduction projects can apply for low interest financing by Monday, Dec. 8. The funding is available from the new Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Manufacturing Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF), a program jointly managed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Shorewood-based Northwoods Web Solutions is offering a free web strategy workshop for manufacturers on Tuesday. Called “Successful Manufacturing Websites & Online Catalogs,” the workshop will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Northwoods Web Solutions, 1572 E Capitol Drive in Shorewood.

Since 2000, Racine-based SC Johnson has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from global manufacturing sites by 50.5 percent, as well as reduced global manufacturing waste by 71 percent. Both surpassed the company’s goal of 48 percent and 70 percent by 2016, respectively.

*Friday, Nov. 21, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will present MAM After Dark Happy Hour at the Milwaukee Art Museum,...