U.S. Economy: No Sparks Yet in Current Recovery The current recovery recently celebrated (by some estimates) its third anniversary, but don't start popping the champagne corks just yet. By Scott Franklin

Composites Wish List for 2005
It's a new year! Erasing the disposable employee paradigm, regulatory outflow, off-shore competition, and employing current technology are this year's hot issues to wish upon.
By Bob Lacovara

Cover Story: U.S. Composites Market Outlook: 2005 and Beyond
Last year the U.S. composites industry shipped an estimated record volume 4 billion pounds of finished product to domestic consumers. U.S. composites is starting its fourth year of business recovery and can reasonably expect another "few or more" years of healthy demand. What's up for 2005 and how will this year measure against historical trends?
By Ray MacNeil

Regulatory Issue 2005: EPA Considers Styrene Health Effects Classification
EPA will soon release a draft assessment of styrene health effects, which may include the first-ever carcinogen classification for styrene by a U.S. regulatory agency. How should the composites industry respond?
By John Schweitzer

Composites Market in Europe Compares with U.S.: Mid East Presents Ground Level Challenges
In Europe, the composites market has matured to the point of straight-up comparisons to the U.S. In spite of political problems in some countries in the Middle East, the nascent composites industry is thriving.
By Brent Strong and Frederique Mutel

Top Tech Questions for 2005
Imports? Emission factors? MACT compliance? What answers do manufacturers need in the coming year?
By Larry Craigie

Latin America: Composites Industry Heavy on Anti Corrosion
Composites are gaining ground throughout South America, much of it focusing on corrosion resistance.
By Phil Bridges

Advanced Composites Market for 2005
The boom is back! Demand for high performance materials is strong in a number of industries and should remain so throughout 2005.
By Bill Benjamin and Chris Red

No Surprise: The Composites Story Along the Pacific Rim is About China
China is flexing its manufacturing muscles and it is having a tremendous impact throughout the world economy.
By Steve McNally

Truck Beds Lead Charge for Automotive Composites in 2005
"There is no better application for the benefits of composites than a pick up truck bed," said Meridian Vice President of Sales and Automotive Composites Alliance President David White. "This choice of composites for the newly designed Toyota Tacoma and all new Honda Ridgeline is truly a watershed event."

Marine Market 2005: Cautiously Optimistic Boatbuilders Seek to Improve Employee Training and Mitigate Raw Materials Costs
An expected strong product demand and stable U.S. economy have boatbuilders looking forward to a productive 2005 despite an increase in raw material costs.
By Scott M. Lewit and Keith Johnson

Boat Building and the European Market
European boat building is in a state of flux. The strong euro and increased environmental regulation of composites manufacturing plants are more and more becoming driving forces in the industry.
By Scott Lewit and Jos Vaes

Closed Molders Could Shift Paradigm in Composites Industry with New Technology
Closed molding has transitioned from a concept that many industry insiders were simply talking about to a full-fledged production method that some companies, with appropriate parts and volume, have implemented. With new technologies on the horizon, how will closed molding evolve through 2005? By Hank Yeagley

No Longer the New Kid on the Block, Composites Will Make Headway in Infrastructure Projects
Advances in FRP design and the development of codes will continue to influence acceptance of composites in the concrete industry.
By Scott Reeve

Record Remodeling for Kitchen and Bath Last Year Sets Stage for Strong 2005
Unfortunately, this segment of the composites industry got a little help from mother nature in the form of hurricanes.
By Ed Pell

Where Will Composites Manufacturers Find Skilled Employees in 2005?
More than 80 percent of manufacturers say they have trouble finding qualified employees, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. This could be the biggest challenge the composites industry faces for 2005 and beyond.
By Lori Luchak

Communication Issues in Small Business for 2005
People and technology. For small business, having information technology expertise and laying the "golden egg" of teamwork will be critical for success in 2005.
By Jeanette Martin

COLUMNS

Tribute to Wes Hoch
One of the industry's greatest souls passed away this past Christmas.

DEPARTMENTS

CM's 2005 Supplier Market Review
Advertiser Review
Marketplace and Classifieds