Newsroom
So Many Things to Talk About!
To serve as a leader in the manufacturing sector, it is critical that Alexandria Industries share news that is important to our customers and industry partners. The articles below – featured in national, regional, local, business and trade media – offer expert, third-party insight into industry trends and issues.
Learn how we help:
- Manufacturers and design engineers discover new ways to create innovative product development solutions
- Educate customers about industry issues
- Develop our future leaders
- Change the beliefs people may have about working in manufacturing to help fill the skills gap
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Alexandria Industries completed an investment project at its operations in Alexandria, MN, where the company has expanded its manufacturing space, installed a new 7 inch, 26 MN front-loading extrusion press line with advanced automation capabilities, and added a new front office and entry. The new press line allows the company to increase its capacity and extrude harder alloys, providing access to new market opportunities, while facing off against market challenges.
The pandemic came and may be on its way out soon, but it didn’t change one fundamental thing for Alexandria Industries: The company needs more workers, and needs them badly. So CEO Tom Schabel is trying to navigate Alexandria’s shortage of labor while keeping some other important things in mind, too. “I’m spending every waking moment trying to figure out how to satisfy customers,” he told Chief Executive.
We need no reminder that 2020 was shockingly different from any year we have experienced before. Each of us could probably name several struggles we’ve endured. For those of us in the manufacturing industry, however, this challenging time has generated opportunities to resolve our ongoing worker shortage issue.
It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Fishing For the Cure Ice Fishing Challenge.
BUT... CANCER DOESN'T STOP! Even for a pandemic! So, we won't stop donating to this fight either! We hope those who are able, will consider donating what you would normally spend at the tournament to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
Watch for news for our 2022 event! We can't wait to make the 15th annual tournament BETTER THAN EVER!
We look forward to seeing everyone in 2022!
Nancy Waldorf and Robbie Betterman
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on many manufacturers’ supply chains as global borders closed and shipments slowed. Now that U.S. consumers are realizing the true value of domestically manufactured products, OEMs have the opportunity to reshore their products with U.S. suppliers while also attracting consumers looking for U.S.-made goods. This article is part of a three-part series about checking your supplier's business health. Part I: Supplier financial health check, Part 1: Manufacturers must be careful during COVID-19 crisis. Part II: Supplier financial health check, Part II: Supply chain clairvoyance a must for manufacturers.
The manufacturing supply chain will continue to evolve during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Now is the perfect time for manufacturers to evaluate suppliers to ensure they can meet production needs when COVID-19 has passed. This article is part of a three-part series about checking your supplier's business health. See Part I here: Supplier financial health check, Part 1: Manufacturers must be careful during COVID-19 crisis.
From Industrial Widgets to Hospital Goods: COVID-19 Forces Minnesota Factories to Pivot. Reporter Dee DePass shares stories about Minnesota manufacturers, including Alexandria Industries, in this article about how, Industrial factories statewide have shifted into hospital mode, saving jobs in the process.
Five tips to use dimensioning and tolerance in the design stage. In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, it can be difficult to set aside time to define tolerances for a new aluminium extruded component design. Pressed for time, OEM design engineers often default to title block tolerances. This might save a little time, but it risks adding unnecessary cost to the part due to poor fit and function
COVID-19 has exposed weak links in the global supply chain, and product manufacturers are taking notice. As the virus runs its course, many manufacturers will likely have suppliers that do not survive. Being confident in your suppliers’ stability needs to be more than a gut-check today. You will need to dig in and conduct your due diligence to understand your suppliers’ financial health and ensure they will be there when you need them.
The organizers of the Alexandria Industries’ Fishing For the Cure Ice Fishing Challenge raised a whopping $75,000 for Relay for Life of Douglas County. Patty Hoffman says they also had record-breaking attendance with 1,436 entry ticket holders. The event was held out on Smith Lake near Nelson on Saturday February 15th. This is the 14th annual fundraising fishing event that Alexandria Industries has conducted in their efforts to raise money to help with cancer research and outreach.