PMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing Podcast

Extrusion innovations from K 2025

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM Insight, Editor Ron Shinn and Managing Editor Lynne Sherwin discuss new extrusion machinery introduced at the K Show. Labor s...

Changes at Husky, glass fiber dosing, rocking out with Glenn Frohring: Machinery Minutes

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly roundup of news and features with PMM Editor Ron Shinn: Three top executives are departing Husky Tec...

Wilmington Machinery expanding, robot orders for plastics lag: Machinery Minutes

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly roundup of news and features with PMM Editor Ron Shinn:  Linda and Yousry Sayed, new owners of Wilm...

Why should plastics processors and equipment makers care about recyclers' troubles?

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM Insight, a commentary with Editor Ron Shinn: Business seems to be in a downward spiral for plastics recyclers. There is no nat...

Wages and benefits on the rise; new thermoformers from WM and Gabler: Machinery Minutes

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM’s Machinery Minutes, our weekly look at significant stories from the past week, with Editor Ron Shinn:  Total cost of wa...

AI preserves and shares thermoforming know-how: Machinery Minutes

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly news podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn rounding up some of the top stories of the past week:  Therm...

What plastics processors and OEMs are telling us about 2026

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a discussion about the annual PMM Machinery Buying Survey, with editor Ron Shinn, managing editor Lynne Sherwin and senior staff repor...

Robot gets quick ROI; Dr. Boy goes electric at K: Machinery Minutes

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly news podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn rounding up some of the top stories of the past week: Dr. Boy...

What will 2026 bring for the plastics industry?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this PMM Insight commentary, Editor Ron Shinn gives you his list of what the plastics industry needs for 2026, including:  Significant improvemen...

New top executives at Netstal Americas, Arburg, Hasco: Machinery Minutes

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly news podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn rounding up some of the top stories of the past week:  We lo...

Injection molding innovations from the K 2025 show floor

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

PMM Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna interviews Editor Ron Shinn about the new injection molding machines he saw at the K Show. Among the points they...

PLASTICS-SPE merger is finalized; a look at Wittmann's K introductions: Machinery Minutes

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn, discussing three top stories of the past week in the plastics industry:  ...

Has the lights-out era finally arrived for plastics?

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Lights-out production has been a goal for the plastics industry for three decades, but until now, machines have still required operators to set them...

New injection molding machines from KraussMaffei, Tederic, Stork: Machinery Minutes

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, we discuss three stories about new injection molding machines introduced at K 2025, which we are covering in ...

PMM's top stories and editor's picks for 2025: Machinery Minutes

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Machinery Minutes, PMM Editor Ron Shinn gives his three favorite stories of 2025 and compares his list to the top three stories ...

Recyclers will suffer with no Global Plastics Treaty agreement

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the PMM Insight podcast, a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn:  2025 will be remembered as the year worldwide treaty talks to end pla...

LS Mtron expands, Wittmann USA president talks: Machinery Minutes

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast, in which PMM Editor Ron Shinn discusses three top stories of the past week:  LS Mtron is continu...

Job losses in plastics and rubber; Universal Robots will be built in U.S.: Machinery Minutes

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly podcast roundup of three important stories on the plastics industry:  The number of people working ...

How can plastic packaging be made more sustainable?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this podcast episode, Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Reporter Karen Hanna talk about sustainability issues with flexible packaging, including:  An e...

Robot orders fall for plastics and rubber; Asano enters thermoforming market: Machinery Minutes

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly roundup of top stories with Editor Ron Shinn:  A good sign for U.S. manufacturing: Industrial robot...

New leader at Conair, merger in injection molding: Machinery Minutes

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s Machinery Minutes podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn, we round up these three essential stories in five minutes:  John Erkert, CEO of P...

What is advanced recycling, and why is it important?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the PMM Insight podcast focuses on advanced recycling, which uses heat, chemicals or a combination of both to turn waste plastic into ...

Is it possible to make affordable, sustainable packaging?

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is what you will learn on today’s Machinery Minutes podcast with Ron Shinn, in which we round up three impactful stories from the past week:  ...

A big honor for a blow molding innovator: Machinery Minutes

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here's what you'll learn on today’s Machinery Minutes podcast, in which PMM editor Ron Shinn rounds up three top stories from the past week:  Are ...

What was trending in plastics machinery at K 2025?

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM Insight, a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn about hot topics heard on the show floor at K 2025:  Competition – particularly f...

Husky Technologies is acquired, PLASTICS announces NPE2027 theme: Machinery Minutes

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you will learn on today’s episode of PMM's Machinery Minutes podcast, in which we round up three top stories from the past week in five minutes...

Increased recycling would create jobs, boost economic output: Machinery Minutes

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you’ll hear on this episode of PMM’s Machinery Minutes podcast, in which we round up three top stories from the past week in five minutes:  ...

Innovations in plastics recycling, Conair's new conveying system: Machinery Minutes

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you will hear on today’s PMM Machinery Minutes podcast:  A comprehensive story about the state of advanced recycling revealed some interest...

Looking ahead to NPE2027: How are booth sales going?

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s PMM Insight Commentary by Editor Ron Shinn looks ahead to NPE2027:  Despite industry headwinds, early booth reservations are on track.  ...

Analyzing the advanced recycling market; Hillenbrand sold for $3.8 billion: Machinery Minutes

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on today’s Machinery Minutes podcast from Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing:  The recycling industry has been stuck in a pe...

Three highlights from the K 2025 show floor: Machinery Minutes

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s Machinery Minutes, PMM editor Ron Shinn reports on three innovations he's seen so far at the K Show in Germany:  Processors who have al...

10 plastics equipment innovations to check out at K 2025

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast:  The K Show has opened and PMM Editor Ron Shinn lists 10 things he is excited to see.  Engel is un...

PLASTICS, SPE agree to merge; more tariff threats: Machinery Minutes

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you will learn on this episode of Machinery Minutes:  The Plastics Industry Association and the Society of Plastics Engineers are mergin...

How Cavalier Tool became a world-class mold builder: Machinery Minutes

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What we're talking about in this episode of Machinery Minutes:  Cavalier Tool has become one of the world’s best mold builders by following a simp...

How and why to run a supersized injection molding machine

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM Insight, Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Reporter Karen Hanna discuss high-tonnage injection molding machines. You'll learn:  Som...

The plastics industry's impact on the economy: Machinery Minutes

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key takeaways on today’s Machinery Minutes podcast with PMM Editor Ron Shinn:  The plastics industry still faces headwinds, but employment is out...

Arburg is getting out of additive manufacturing: Machinery Minutes

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s Machinery Minutes podcast:  Arburg is leaving the additive manufacturing market, 12 years after introducing the Freeformer series o...

With no treaty, how does the world solve the plastic pollution problem?

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast episode, a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn:     After more than two years of negotiating, talks f...

Tariffs complicate plastics machinery imports: Machinery Minutes

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes:  Expanded steel and aluminum duties may slow investment and complicate equipment imports, warns PLASTICS chie...

Preparation is key to surviving a cyberattack: Machinery Minutes

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this episode of Machinery Minutes:  Retaining a cybersecurity expert in advance can help with negotiating a ransom payment, re...

How to defend your plastics plant from cyberattacks

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM Insight, Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Reporter Karen Hanna discuss cybersecurity:  Any given company has a 50-50 chance of bei...

LS IMM president retiring; AI for blow molders: Machinery Minutes

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

These are the stories you will hear on this Machinery Minutes podcast episode:  Peter Gardner, president of LS Mtron Injection Molding Machine USA, ...

Plastics machinery shipments rise in Q2: Machinery Minutes

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you will learn in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:  North American shipments of injection molding and extrusion equipment in the ...

What does the new tax law mean for plastics processors?

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast episode, a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn:    The new tax and spending law reinstates 100 percent ...

Processors have capacity for new business: Machinery Minutes

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

These are the stories covered in today’s Machinery Minutes podcast:  Plastics processors say they have plenty of unused capacity immediately avail...

The challenges of mold making in the U.S.: Machinery Minutes

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here are the stories covered in this week’s Machinery Minutes podcast:  Mold making in the U.S. is an up-and-down business. Mold shops are expand...

Yaskawa will bring robot manufacturing to U.S.: Machinery Minutes

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

These are the stories covered in today’s Machinery Minutes podcast:  Yaskawa America plans to build a state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing faci...

Plastics mold and tool makers embrace technology to compete

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of PMM Insight, with Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Reporter Karen Hanna: Mold makers continue to face tough competition from foreign co...

Mold makers meet demand for precision: Machinery Minutes

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes:  Mold makers are taking on intricate projects requiring precision that was unattainable just a few years ago, ...

Injection molder gives back with STEM camps: Machinery Minutes

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes:   Meet Geoff Foster of injection molding company Core Technology, whose non-profit provides free STEM camps ...

Get ready for the plastics factory of the future: PMM Insight

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast episode, a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn:   We are in an era of manufacturing transition, from huge...

Are you ready to take on new business? Machinery Minutes

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:  As the national conversation on manufacturing expansion and reshoring continues, we want to know:...

Family roots hold strong for Rocheleau, Hoffer: Machinery Minutes

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast: Hoffer Plastics and Rocheleau Tool & Die, both third-generation family-owned plastics businesse...

Changing hands: The state of M&As in the plastics industry

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn in this PMM Insight podcast, with Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna:    Merger and acquisition activity i...

Managing mergers and acquisitions in plastics: Machinery Minutes

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast: Managing mergers and acquisitions: Whether you're buying, selling or keeping your...

Plastics machinery sales fall again: Machinery Minutes

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast: Shipments of injection molding and extrusion machinery in North America fell 17.5 percent in the fi...

Is the "big, beautiful" budget bill good for plastics?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What you'll learn on this PMM Insight podcast episode , a commentary by Editor Ron Shinn:  The Plastics Industry Association and National Associat...

Budget debate, new UR cobot, extrusion's future: Machinery Minutes

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about three top stories of the week: As the U.S. Senate debates President Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” we look at what it ...

Sustainability struggles; Epson's new robots; plastics publisher dies: Machinery Minutes

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points from this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast: Corporate sustainability goals are colliding with the reality of a political climate d...

Behind the scenes at Bekum; SPE Thermoforming award; Wittmann's latest granulator: Machinery Minutes

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes: Bekum America builds application-specific extrusion blow molding equipment and prides itself on customer suppor...

How plastics leaders can find opportunity in tough times: PMM Insight

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points from this PMM Insight podcast, with Editor Ron Shinn and Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna:   Leaders can put their heads down and cope...

Digital transformation; self-leadership; PTi upgrades extruder: Machinery Minutes

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points from this episode:  Digital transformation holds the key to making better decisions about your customers’ needs, machine maintenance, s...

Trump's tariffs and how to manage through the chaos: Machinery Minutes

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points from this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast: A survey of PMM readers found processors and equipment suppliers are unhappy and are a...

Readers speak out on Trump tariffs in PMM poll

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points from this PMM Insight podcast episode:  Processors and others responding to a PMM survey said they believe that the Trump administration’...

Reshoring hits snags, automation and smart factory adoption lags: Machinery Minutes

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:  There are significant stumbling blocks to reshoring, including our labor shortage, la...

Andrew Wheeler of W&H; gen AI in manufacturing; Engel redesigns valve: Machinery Minutes

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:  Andrew Wheeler, president of Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp., discusses how packagin...

The benefits of harnessing your machine data: PMM Insight

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points from this podcast episode: Collecting operational data has become easy. Using it effectively is the difficult part. For our recent cover s...

Putting your machine data to work; recycled plastic noise walls: Machinery Minutes

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:   Modern processing machinery collects plenty of data, but using it can be problemati...

Molding bioresins; 3D printing machinery market; covering tariffs: Machinery Minutes

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Key points in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:  Molding bioresins takes patience, skill and determination. Having a good partner helps...

Auto industry, suppliers need support: Commentary

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The domestic auto industry is in big trouble, with no sign that things will get better anytime soon. The industry was making progress in transitioning...

Trump's tariffs and plastics; reshoring's future; Stork's new IMM: Machinery Minutes

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Machinery Minutes: President Trump’s latest round of tariffs were condemned by industry trade groups, including PLASTICS, VDMA a...

Trash becomes resin; thermoforming PET caps; state of the plastics treaty: Machinery Minutes

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

UBQ Materials has developed a process to turn organic waste into biobased composite materials. Think banana peels, dirty diapers, chicken bones, greas...

Is the 3D printing market slowing down? Commentary

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new market study says that high interest rates are causing processors to delay buying 3D printing equipment. Some resin makers and equipment manufac...

Equipment sales slump; biopolymers on the rise; a rockin' career: Machinery Minutes

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Plastics machinery sales are down — again. On this episode of Machinery Minutes, hear more about the latest figures from PLASTICS' Committee on Equi...

Engel in Mexico, Husky's new acquisition, expansion at PRI: Machinery Minutes

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast, you'll hear about the new production facility Engel has opened in Mexico, aimed at providing faster ...

Building a data-savvy workforce for the future: PMM Insight

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manufacturing jobs are evolving, and your hiring practices need to change as well if you want to be prepared for the future.  Modern equipment genera...

Unemployment spikes, new Haitian IMMs, modernizing your plastics business: Machinery Minutes

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode of Machinery Minutes, learn about a spike in the unemployment rate in plastics and rubber, its highest since the pandemic. It's a...

KraussMaffei's U.S.-built extruders; Conair startup service; 'swimming professor': Machinery Minutes, March 3, 2025

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, you'll hear about the two large extruders KraussMaffei is building at its facility in Florence, Ky. The move is ...

Data-savvy workers, automation safety, LSR dosing system: Machinery Minutes, Feb. 24, 2025

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, we focus on our deep dive on the future of your workforce. The need for tech skills to take advantage of increas...

Plan for the future of your plastics operation: PMM Insight

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PMM Editor Ron Shinn has visited a lot of plastics processors. In this podcast episode, he shares thoughts on what the best plants are doing to prepar...

Plastic scrap sourcing, automation sales slump, Wilmington Machinery sold: Machinery Minutes, Feb. 17, 2024

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, you'll hear about U.S. plastics processors and recyclers searching for domestic suppliers of plastic scrap as th...

Trump tariff threats, Milacron sale, QC for bright parts: Machinery Minutes, Feb. 10, 2025

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Machinery Minutes, senior reporter Bruce Geiselman looks at the potential ramifications of President Trump’s announcement that he...

Trump's tariffs and the recycled plastics market: PMM Insight

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The proposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico have the potential to affect plastics recyclers and the processors who buy their resins. The U....

Wittmann IMM upgrade, integrating cobots, selling your business: Machinery Minutes, Feb. 3, 2025

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's Machinery Minutes podcast, we give you a quick rundown on these three stories: Wittmann's SmartPower Combimould line of injection moldi...

How to add cobots to your plastics plant: PMM Insight

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Taking the first step for adding collaborative robots need not be a daunting task, according to Chris Buse, Universal Robot’s Applications Engineeri...

2025 predictions, recycled railroad ties, 3D printing for anyone: Machinery Minutes, Jan. 27, 2025

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Machinery Minutes, senior reporter Bruce Geiselman updates you on a roundtable in which the PMM staff discusses what may lie ahead for...

Our 2025 outlook for plastics machinery sales: PMM Insight

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The year ahead looks uncertain for many plastics machinery OEMs and processors. Will lower interest rates spur investment in equipment? What effect mi...

Trump expectations, Netstal in Mexico, Wasp's large-format 3D printer: Machinery Minutes, Jan. 20, 2025

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's Machinery Minutes podcast, summarizing three important stories from the plastics machinery world, begins with our take on the story everyo...

Public education makes a city recycling program profitable: PMM Insight

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The city of Akron, Ohio, implemented the Recycle Right public education program to curb costly contamination in the recycling stream. It's been so suc...

Machinery outlook for 2025, Proco's cobot spinoff, Geiss thermoformer: Machinery Minutes, Jan. 13, 2025

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Machinery Minutes, learn about the results of our annual survey of processors' machinery investment plans, and what OEMs anticipate...

What's next for the Global Plastics Treaty, and what if it fails? PMM Insight

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest round of talks to establish an international treaty on the use and disposal of plastics ended in December with the sides still far apart. A...

Expansion at W&H, cybersecurity and PLASTICS' young leaders: Machinery Minutes, Jan. 6, 2025

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's Machinery Minutes podcast, Senior Reporter Bruce Geiselman briefs you on an expansion at Windmöller & Hölscher's North American headq...

The many benefits of lean; Flexiv upgrades programming; looking back at 2024: Machinery Minutes, Dec. 30, 2024

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Senior Reporter Bruce Geiselman looks at the benefits of lean beyond sustainability gains; an upgraded robotic programming system f...

Embracing lean can have green benefits: PMM Insight

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For her latest series on lean manufacturing and how it's practiced in the plastics industry, Senior Reporter Karen Hanna looked at a lesser-known bene...

A visit to Engel; new cobot conference; large-part printer from Formlabs: Machinery Minutes

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast, you'll hear about PMM's visit to Engel's North American headquarters and what their leaders h...

Lean leads to sustainability; Jim Healy retires; software tracks recycling data: Machinery Minutes, Dec. 16, 2024

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of our Machinery Minutes podcast, you'll hear about a molding shop that implemented lean practices and discovered a side benefi...

Diversys helps recyclers keep tabs on EPR and sustainability goals: PMM Insight

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Extended Producer Responsibility policies and recycling mandates are taking root in the U.S., putting pressure on plastics recyclers and processors to...

Supply chain issues linger; Engel unveils new IMM; Rethink names management team: Machinery Minutes, Dec. 9, 2024

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's Machinery Minutes podcast, you'll hear how the supply chain issues of the past several years continue to ripple through the market. It'...

Entek’s battery separator plant, Rethink's AMR, our 10th anniversary series: Machinery Minutes, Dec. 2, 2024

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast, you'll learn about a big financial boost for Entek's new plant for manufacturing battery sepa...

PMM turns 10, and we're looking back and ahead: PMM Insight

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing has covered dozens of trends, 120 industry figures, and more than 5,000 new and improved products for plastics ...