Monthly Archives: November 2011

Evolving landfills into alternate energy sources

Posted on November 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

A CNN video (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/11/30/javaheri-landfill-solar-methane.cnn) describes a landfill in Atlanta that uses a polyester based fabric with solar panels to cover up a landfill. the solar panels generate electricity that is fed to the grid. But the organic waster generates methane, … Continue reading →

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Turkey tails, Samoan obesity concerns and WTO entry

Posted on November 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Nov 28, 2011) describes the quandry faced by Samoa, which was forced to drop its ban on turkey Tails, the 78% fat content part of the turkey.  Obesity is rampant in Samoa, with the fatty imports … Continue reading →

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New Caterpillar US plant location and state level competition

Posted on November 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal article (Nov 25, 2011) describes a decision by Caterpillar to move its small excavator production fom Japan to the US, to be closer to customers. The $150 million plant, expected to generate 1000 jobs, has set … Continue reading →

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The “Save our Industries Act” Poplin agreement Involving the US and Philliphines

Posted on November 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

A report on the “Save our Industries Act” (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342819/shorter-garment-export-categories-okayed) describes the potential agreement between the US and Philippines under which poplin cloth, exported from US producers to the Philippines for garment manufacturing, would be granted zero duties when exported back … Continue reading →

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Creston Electronics and US manufacturing

Posted on November 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Forbes (Dec 5, 2011) describes Creston Electronics, a N.J. based company that creates over 1,500 complex electronic products in small volumes with low errors. The company’s founder claims that his strategy was to bring outsourced work in … Continue reading →

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The Northern Distribution Network to Afghanistan

Posted on November 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the CNN.com site (http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/asia/afghanistan-military-railroad/index.html?hpt=hp_c1) describes a route for supplies of toiler paper, bottled water and socks to Afghanistan from the North.  One of these routes involves shipping to Riga in Latvia, moving on trains across Russia, crossing … Continue reading →

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Light Bulb regulation in January 2012 and supply chain impact

Posted on November 26, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in he New York Times (Nov 16, 2011) describes the impending regulation that bans manufacturing of the traditional light bulb in January 2012. While sales from inventory can continue, new light bulbs will be required to be more … Continue reading →

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Paper pallets at IKEA and supply chain benefit

Posted on November 26, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Nov 28, 2011) describes efforts by IKEA to replace its 10 million annual usage of wood pallets with paper pallets. The paper version is 90% lighter, designed to pack more load, is single use and can … Continue reading →

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Private Label growth in US grocery retail and branded goods impact

Posted on November 26, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Nov 28,2011) describes grocery retailers like Safeway and Kroger rejuvenating private label products for antibiotic free meat, frozen pizza, pasta etc.  Consultants such as Mckinsey estimate that 75% of customers who try private label brands are … Continue reading →

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Walmart’s environmental efforts in China and US retail impact

Posted on November 26, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Atlantic (December 2011) suggests that 70 % of Walmart’s $420 billion in sales are provided by 20,000 Chinese suppliers. Walmart’s efforts at decreasing waste, pollution etc thus impact its supply chain in China significantly, and increase … Continue reading →

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