Spring Is Everywhere

As the early flowers and buds of spring begin to emerge, the economy also seems to be waking up. I have spoken with many who have seen resurgence since the first of the year. Economic indicators are also pointing to a recovery and, while it will be a long road, many feel we have seen the bottom and are now heading in the right direction.

In spite of the current economic state, we continue to report on companies expanding into new territories and forging new relationships to develop new products. And with quoting up, sales are sure to follow.

In honor of spring, we have redesigned the cover and feature articles in the magazine. We hope you like our new look. We will continue to provide you with the most targeted news, coverage of new products and information you need to stay current and competitive.

We would also like to welcome a new addition to our staff. Riia O'Donnell has joined as our new Editorial Associate. She has already made a strong contribution to the magazine. Please join us in welcoming her.

The March/April issue contains many exciting features. From the U.S. introduction of the HRP/D Automatic Feed Linear Heater by Edge Finisher Company and Shannon, to Laser Processing Of Plastic Sheet, by Tim Christopherson, this issue is packed with information you will not find anywhere else - equipment and technology that will enable you to increase production and the capabilities of your shop.

In Plastic Welding, Andy Bramer addresses Inspection and Testing - a critical area that will be under scrutiny in the coming years as our country begins to replace and repair its crumbling infrastructure with thermoplastic pipe. With U.S. plastic pipe demand projected to grow by at least 2.4% per year through 2005, this is an area of plastic fabrication that will require skilled welders and offer much opportunity.

Over the course of his yearlong series, Andy has covered virtually all the basics of plastic welding. Now he would like to turn his attention to your day-to-day questions and challenges. Please e-mail your questions or suggestions to him at abramer@drader.com or contact me at 708-447-0001, e-mail dwhelan@plasticsmag.com.

In Thermoforming Techniques, Mike Dowell discusses Trimming Thermoformed Parts. Today there is a wide range of affordable equipment available to help increase the quality and quantity of parts you can produce. See our Advertiser Directory for manufacturers who offer machinery and tooling for fabricators of thermoformed parts. Please contact them for information on their products and tell them you got their name from The Plastics Distributor® & Fabricator Magazine.

This month our regular columns offer information on Workplace Fire Safety in Safety Solutions, Taxpayer Victories of 2001in Financially $peaking, and insights into our industry through Plastic Perspectives.

Finally, our next two-issues should not be missed. May/June will bring you our Sixth Annual Nylon & Acetal Manufacturing & Fabricating special advertising section. It will feature the leading suppliers of these versatile engineering materials along with a handy reference to the grades and shapes they offer. The July/August issue will include our 2002 Buyer's Guide. The first of its kind in the industry, it continues to be the leading directory of manufacturers and suppliers offering products and services for plastic shapes distributors and fabricators. A keyword searchable version of our 2001 Buyer's Guide is currently on-line to help you find suppliers of material, machinery, tooling or accessories, click-on the 2001 Buyer's Guide and don't forget to tell them you got their name from The Plastics Distributor® & Fabricator Magazine.

I welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions for future articles or information you would like us to consider for publication, please contact me. Your continued input helps us provide the most targeted magazine for our industry - offering you the information you need to succeed. Enjoy the issue.