New RFQ Tools

In an effort to further serve our customers and simplify the RFQ process, we recently released a new suite of tools designed using Flex, which significantly improves the buyer's user experience. The new tools simplify the process to create an RFQ by increasing both flexibility and efficiency throughout the duration of the RFQ creation. If you are working on a slower Internet connection or do not have Flash 8, the classic html RFQ creator is still available. We hope you are enjoying the new tools and we look forward to continuing to hear your feedback.Make sure to also check out our new homepage where we provide a new tool that tracks new RFQ opportunity – in real time!

The first half of 2006 was record breaking. In the past six months alone over 15,000 RFQs have been posted on MFG.com's site equating to over $1 billion worth of opportunity value for our suppliers!

We expect continued growth throughout the second-half of the year as the global manufacturing indexes points to an increase throughout the world.

Industry News - Economic Activity Grows

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in June for the 37th consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 56th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business.

The report was issued by Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “Manufacturing growth continued in June, and although the rate of growth slowed slightly, renewed strength in June's New Orders Index provides encouragement for the third quarter. The sector is benefiting from the weaker dollar and business investment. While energy and raw material prices are still a concern, our members indicate that they are coping with the challenges, and generally see their businesses in a continuing growth mode.”

According to Eurostat, when comparing May 2006 to May 2005, basic metals and fabricated metal products grew by 27% in the European region and by 25.6% in the EU25 region. Manufacturing of machinery and equipment rose by 19.2% and 17.8% respectively. Electrical and electronic equipment gained 13.1% in the European area and 11.8% in the EU25 area. Chemicals and chemical products increased by 11.5% and 11.3% respectively. Textiles and textile products gained 8.1% in the European area and 6.9% in the EU25. Transport equipment grew by 6.9% and 5.2% respectively. In May 2006, total manufacturing working on orders rose in all the Member States for which data are available. The highest increases were registered in Poland (+32.4%), the Czech Republic (+30.9%), Belgium (+23.3%), Slovakia (+23.0%), Lithuania (+20.2%) and Germany (+19.5%).

When you start a new business you are always faced with the same question – how are you going to win customers and ultimately start building revenue? This task can be difficult, time consuming and often times expensive. You know that the customers are our there – but how do you find them, especially when you serve a niche industry? Here is one example of how one laser cutting shop went from unknown to well-known and very busy.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies is a leader in the development of spacecraft, sensors, systems and components for government and commercial programs. With a staff of over 700 employees in several locations Ball Aerospace & Technologies runs the gamut from A to V -- antennas to video systems -- with stops in between for GPS equipment, high-tech subsystems, and systems integration.

“We exclusively use MFG.com as our sourcing tool at the Albuquerque location of Ball Aerospace & Technologies,” says Mason Hutchison, Mechanical Engineer for Ball Aerospace & Technologies. “If we come across a supplier that doesn't use MFG.com we tell them, if you want to work with us, we suggest you get on the site. By using MFG.com, we have managed to keep our quotes in order and have saved a ton of time.”