The Annual Paint & Automotive Outlook 2018

2018 looks to be a promising year for the chemical products industry. In spite of seismic changes to the economic and political environment, scientists and researchers continue to forge new paths forward, creating innovative new products and finding ways to be active in new fields and markets. Green science and sustainability continues to be a major theme of the industry; major companies continue to dedicate efforts to finding sustainable solutions and reduce their environmental impact.

Meanwhile, the automotive industry continues to prosper in the United States. Interest in electric cars continues to trend upward as costs decrease and new innovations improve battery technology. Sales of electric cars such as the Tesla and the GM Bolt rise as driving ranges approach 300 miles and price tags continue to drop.

The excellent presence and interest in National Manufacturing Day each October is a testament to the continued resilience of American manufacturing. More than 18.5 million Americans are employed in the industry, with each dollar spent on American manufacturing creating an additional 40 cents for the United States economy. Events connected to National Manufacturing Day were aimed at creating awareness of the breadth and depth of American industry and how it ranges from the shop floor and scientist lab to a number of residential, commercial, and military applications.

In that vein, support for science and manufacturing education continues to increase on campuses across the country. Since the 2008 recession in particular, enrollment in STEM programs and support by government administrations at all levels has been on a steady rise. As a result, the total number workers in these fields have grown at a 3% clip through 2013 compared to 2% for the general workforce.

Gage Products Company continues to stand at the forefront of these changes, offering efficient, sustainable solutions in these and a number of other industries. We’d like to thank all of our customers, partners, and employees for a successful and exciting 2017 and look forward to an even better 2018!

For the latest updates from Gage make sure to continue following our blogLinkedIn, and Twitter pages.

Or, for any further questions we welcome you to contact us today.

2017 Industrial Paint & Auto Wrap Up

This year the Gage Products’ team took on several causes that drive industry progression, innovation, and success. Wildlife conservation, Earth Day, National Safety Month, and National Manufacturing day are only four of many causes that we partake in throughout the year. The automotive industry, in and of itself, has also seen major advancements. In 2017, EcoCar and EV took a front seat throughout the sector.

In March, we hosted the Detroit Zoo’s inaugural Wildlife Conservation Gala. The event supported the zoo’s world-renowned wildlife conservation efforts. Presentations included their multifaceted conservation programs with aims to save and protect local, national, and international wildlife. The Detroit Zoological Society helps with the care and rescue of animals, endangered species, field research and conservation projects, support of other conservation organizations, educational initiatives, and response to environmental emergencies like oil spills.

Another environmental cause Gage supports is Earth Day, celebrated in April. Our products are ever present in the U.S., European, and Asian-Pacific automotive industries. At Gage, we offer our clients paint area solutions that are compatible with green technology, help to reduce manufacturing costs, and work to advance their company objectives. We also work with the aerospace, textile, industrial, marine, gas/ oil, government, printing/packaging, and furniture industries, providing solvent recycling programs and custom fuel blends. Our team also comes up with solutions for paint line cleaning programs, paint booth cleaners, solvent reclamation, recycling programs, and solvent & waterborne purge solvents–all of which are environmentally compliant.

National initiatives that we backed this year included National Safety Month and National Manufacturing Day. The sensitive nature of supplying wide range industries with chemicals, fluids, solvents, and specialty products demands that attention. We work diligently to ensure ongoing compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard with an aim to limit workers’ exposure to toxic substances and protect them from various health hazards. As an industry leader, we work hard to raise awareness with all of our clients, partners, and affiliates.

The annual goal of National Manufacturing Day is to address ongoing industry struggles to work towards community and industry solutions. Current concerns include the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, outsourcing of American job placements overseas, and uneven gender numbers in the field. For an update on this year’s statistics visit the NMD website.

The 2017 EcoCar3 winners were announced in May. EcoCar3 is a product of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series. It is North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competition. This year’s challenge was to redesign a Chevy Camaro to reduce environmental impact. It also needs to  maintain “the muscle and performance expected from this iconic American car.” The teams were asked to incorporate alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies to lower greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions. Sponsors of the 2017 event included the DOE, GM, and Gage Products. Management was done by Argonne National Laboratory.

As the world is at a crossroads regarding energy efficiency and carbon emissions, car manufacturers are driving to meet goals for clean vehicles and sustainable products. One of the automotive industry’s greatest strengths has been developing products to meet the needs of consumers. Electric cars (EVs) are topping the trends lists for all auto manufacturers for 2017.

The auto industry is moving into the future with sustainability and renewable energy at the forefront of its technologies. As environmental sustainability advocates, we’re excited to watch the sector take initiative on reducing emissions and planning for future environmental protection. We look forward to the new technologies that will emerge in 2018, making sure to keep our audience informed of any new developments.

To learn more about our products and services that increase sustainability throughout the auto industry and more, please contact us today. You can also stay up-to-date with Gage and industry news by reading our blog, and following us on both Twitter and LinkedIn.

We wish you all a happy holiday season and look forward to reconnecting come the new year!

Hydrocarbon Reporting in Gasoline

The August/September issue of Petro Industry News features our discussion of a new method to improve the accuracy of hydrocarbon reporting in gasoline.

Achieving Better Hydrocarbon Reporting

The VUV PIONA+ Method uses a combination of single-column gas chromatography (GC) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopy for a more precise detection of hydrocarbon group types and certain hydrocarbon compounds in finished gas. VUV Analytics Inc. crafts this revolutionary method that provides bulk PIONA compound class characterization in one measurement, rather than requiring several other hydrocarbon analysis methods, as required previously.

The new method uses VGA+ 100, the first-ever VUV absorption GC detector, and VUV Analyze software that automates the process. The three-dimensional absorbance data is a step up from legacy methods, eliminating both pre-column tubing and the need for valve timing adjustments. Also, VUV PIONA+ can take on co-elution among different species and hydrocarbon classes. The result is more confidence in the automated process and reduced risk of error, including shorter runtimes. The new automated software reliably reports compound types, identifying complex hydrocarbon content in blended gasoline samples.

Seeking Sustainable Solutions

The robust VUV Analytics solution is integral for quality control and has fewer limitations and errors than alternative detection methods. The PIONA analysis does not require extra complex equipment, and it complies with government regulations.

By shortening runtime and improving accuracy, the VUV PIONA+ Method can save businesses money and time. The real-time application can improve sustainable performance. Good reporting practices are also integral to maintaining stakeholder engagement and putting your company’s values into action. We are proud to be a leader in sustainable manufacturing, with a commitment to environmental management systems.

What to Expect from Us

At Gage Products, we embrace sustainability, from our closed-loop recycling systems to toll blending.

As a customer-focused company, we supply chemical-related products and processes to various paint-related applications. This includes: high-performance solvent blends, calibration fluids, specialty product solutions, and more.

Our ultimate goal is to achieve a greener, cleaner environment.

Stay up to date on new sustainable solutions and internal updates by following our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. See for yourself how we can apply our products and services to meet your paint-related needs when you contact us today.

Gage Products Supports National Manufacturing Day Friday, October 6th!

This October Gage Products is highlighting the national efforts of Manufacturing Day. The annual goal of the National Manufacturing Day initiative is to address each struggle within the industry in hopes of working towards community and industry solutions. Current concerns include the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, outsourcing of American job placements overseas, and uneven gender numbers in the field. At Gage, we study these discrepancies daily to see what we can do to contribute to the solution of each matter.

On Friday, October 6, manufacturing companies across the U.S. will join the aim of National Manufacturing Day and open their doors to host industry related events. The MFG organization encourages participants to register their events on the official MFG Day site and mark it as public or invitation-only pending company preference.

On this day, active members vouch to recognize and honor the work that has been done and that continues to be done to progress the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing now supports more than 18.5 million jobs in the United States, and every dollar spent creates an additional 40 cents to the dollar for the U.S. economy.

Manufacturing offers a variety of STEM careers, some of which include machinists, electricians, computer programmers, assemblers, human resources, and sales. This is just a small portion of the many jobs that the industry has.

Public perceptions of the manufacturing industry have been outdated for too long. To be a part of today’s industry doesn’t mean you’re restricted to factory and shop work on the floor. Instead, the industry is currently seeing progress in technological advancements, STEM skills, secure job placements and benefits, as well as country and worldwide economic growth.

And initiatives go beyond National Manufacturing Day too. One of our favorite STEM events is the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that Gage participates in annually. Not only does a job in manufacturing represent security, but enjoyable events, the pursuit of personal interests, and global industry progression.

As a supplier of chemical-related products and processes, we strive to support our industry and community by creating viable chemical solutions. Gage has pioneered toll-blending capabilities and sustainable, closed-loop recycling systems to create a cleaner, greener environment.

For more MFG Day and industry updates, remember to follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Contact us today for more information!