The Rodon Blog - A Focus on Plastic Injection Molding and American Manufacturing

Holding suppliers accountable to ethical employment standards and working conditions has become an important touch point for many retailers and brands.  The factory fire in Bangladesh, which killed over 100 people last year, was a glaring example of the safety negligence that takes place in many manufacturing facilities around the world.  Child labor, unpaid workers and hazardous work conditions underscore the need for retailers to demand that suppliers meet and comply with a higher set of standards.

During the holiday season we should take time to reflect on all of the great things that have happened throughout the year.  The Rodon Group is very grateful to have had yet another momentus year full of recognition, awards and great customers.

One of the ways a business shows its appreciation for their community is by supporting the work of organizations who make a positive impact throughout the year.  We support a local branch of the MS 150 Cyclepaths, a group of bicyclists who participate in the City to Shore Biking event that takes place in New Jersey.  Established in 2006, this local group continues to set higher goals and increase their membership.  In 2013, the 60 member riders exceeded their fund raising goal and generated over $31,000. 

Mark your calendars

On November 19th, 2013, we're encouraging consumers to buy at least one American-made product.   In Pennsylvania, this day is now known as American Made Matters Day.  It is the brainchild of the American Made Matters organization and their over 200 manufacturers and craftspeople.  They want consumers to see how easy it is to buy American-made products and begin checking tags and looking for the American Made Matters logo when shopping this holiday season and throughout the year.

While our government may have come to a standstill last week on Friday, October 4^th, Manufacturing Day at The Rodon Group continued with a few last minute changes.  Absent were our local congressman and delegates from the Commerce Department.  However, we still had a great turnout including educators, workforce development professionals and local business leaders.  Our speakers included our President and CEO Michael Araten, the CEO of Bollman Hats and Founder of American Made Matters, Don Rongione as well as John Grant, Manager of Government Affairs for SPI, The Plastics Industry Trade Association. 

Michael Araten, President and CEO of K'NEX Brands, L.P. and The Rodon Group, was interviewed by Liz Clamen of the popular Fox Business After The Bell show on Friday, July 12th.  Mr. Araten revealed a new intiative to market the K'NEX brand in China.

100 CEO Leaders throughout the country were recently interviewed in a new publication from STEM Connector®, an organization with the goal of becoming “The one-stop for STEM Information.”  According to their website “STEMconnector® works closely with corporations and other organizations to provide them with a set of tools and resources that support their corporate development, corporate structure and smart STEM investments.”   STEM Connector® offers resources to both the corporate and educational communities; all supporting the goal of compiling and disseminating information to STEM related stakeholders.

Each year, The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia recognizes local companies for their participation and dedication to bringing greater economic prosperity to the region.  The 11^th Annual World Trade Center’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony recognized three local companies.  The 2013 Member Company of the Year from New Jersey was Epicore BioNetworks, Inc.,  a software solutions company.   K’NEX Brands L.P. received the Member Company Award for Pennsylvania.  Founded in 1992, K’NEX Brands has become the world’s most innovative construction toy company.  Over 95% of its parts are manufacturer by The Rodon Group, a sister company of K'NEX, and has manufactured over 31 billion parts for the K’NEX building toy system.