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The Franklin Partnership - Monthly Public Policy Deck

Date: March 11, 2024

The Franklin Partnership provides regular updates on legislation and other public policies. Compiled on March 11, 2024.

The last update includes information specific to:

  • Government Spending Extensions to March 8; March 22
  • Tax Bill Update – Senate Consideration Possible in March
  • Joint Employer Rule effective date delayed to March 11
  • Labor Department Releases Independent Contractor FAQ
  • NLRB Rules on Employee Displays on Clothing
  • U.S. Labor Department MOU with Pennsylvania AG
  • EPA Releases PM2.5 regulation for “soot”
  • SEC climate disclosure rule vote March 6
  • IRS Releases Employee Retention Credit Warning Signs
  • USITC finalizing GHG questionnaire for steel, aluminum industry
  • USTR wants Mexico action on steel import surges
  • OECD Pillar II negotiations extended
  • Labor Department Apprenticeship grants released
  • Energy Department Small Medium Sized Manufacturers Assessment Grants
  • CHIPS Advanced Packaging NOFO Released
  • Charts on Critical Minerals; Debt; Steel Pricing

Member price: Free

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February Grants and Workforce Incentives Tracking Matrix

Date: February 19, 2024

In addition to its other grant and scholarship opportunities offered, the AMBA has gathered information on other state, regional and national grants available to U.S. businesses and manufacturers. These grants, tax incentives and other sources of financial support address a variety of areas, including: 

  • Job readiness and training
  • Workforce development
  • Economic growth (local, regional and national)
  • Competitiveness in international markets
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • STEM activities
  • Public infrastructure
  • Community development
  • Workers re-entering the labor market (i.e., veterans, disabled individuals, etc.)

This is an evolving list that AMBA will continue to update.

Member price: Free

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2024 Business Forecast Report

Date: February 15, 2024

AMBA's annual 2024 Business Forecast Report showcases data on sales trends, profit levels, capital expenditures, shop and design employment levels and challenges faced in the industry. Data from this year's report is pulled from surveyed responses on 33 economic indicator questions that covers 2023 performance, fourth-quarter performance and forecasts and expectations for 2024. 

Member price: $199.00
Non-member price: $399.00

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2023 AMBA Wage and Salary Report

Date: December 7, 2023

This annual report is the leading compensation study in the U.S. mold building industry. Now in its thirteenth year, AMBA’s Wage and Salary Report contains comprehensive analyses on over 50 job classifications from mold manufacturers who serve a variety of end-use markets. This year’s report also benchmarks information related to cost-of-living increases, vacation benefits, employee incentives, salary adjustment opportunities, hiring expectations, employee demographics and more.

For the first time, five-year trends on individual wages are featured, along with select interviews from AMBA members.

Member price: $299.00
Non-member price: $499.00

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2023 Shop Rate Report

Date: August 17, 2023

This report includes charge rates specific to services supplied by U.S. mold manufacturers in engineering, moldmaking and specialty services. This year, the report particularly focuses on high-level business insights and takeaways that will help executives make intelligent decisions related to their business.

Additionally, this report includes details regarding the following:

  • Company demographics
  • Mold size and type production
  • Average overhead cost
  • Gross margin ranges by annual sales revenue
  • Current v. anticipated capacity utilization

Due to the sensitive nature of this report, its contents are available for purchase only to AMBA members in good standing with the association. If you are not a current AMBA member but are interested in joining the organization and accessing this report, please email info@amba.org.

Please note, only non-members who become members will be given an access code. 

Member price: $399.00

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2023 Operational Efficiencies Report

Date: July 25, 2023

The 2023 Operational Efficiencies Report represents a first-time collection of operational efficiency strategies and measures reported by U.S. mold manufacturing facilities. Responses were collected in both a traditional survey format prior to AMBA Conference 2023 and via a live benchmarking session facilitated by AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix and Laurie Harbour, owner of Harbour Results, Inc. (Southfield, MI) during the conference. 

Gathered results focused on member strategies and investments intended to enhance profitability, increase throughput, improve workforce utilization and effectively implement new technologies. Additionally, respondents described whether they had won business from China and other foreign competition and the key differentiators that allowed them to do so. 

Over 60 AMBA members contributed to this report, supplying over 200 unique responses that described the ways in which they have strived to improve efficiency in their mold building operations.

When purchased, this report will be available in a PDF format; to view the interactive version of this report, visit the report's Table of Contents.

Member price: $99.00

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2023 Business Forecast Report

Date: February 17, 2023

AMBA's annual 2023 Business Forecast Report showcases data on sales trends, profit levels, capital expenditures, shop and design employment levels and challenges faced in the industry. Data from this year's report is pulled from surveyed responses on 33 economic indicator questions that covers 2022 performance, fourth-quarter performance and forecasts and expectations for 2023. Advocacy- and workforce-related data also is included in this year's report.  

New this year: For the first time, AMBA has created an interactive version of this report that has been reorganized to better illustrate how this data can drive business operations. Please note that the link to view the interactive version of this report is on page three of the PDF received upon purchase.

Member price: $299.00
Non-member price: $499.00

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2022 Wage and Salary Report

Date: November 23, 2022

The 2022 Wage and Salary Report includes high, low and average rates of pay across over 50 job functions commonly found in mold building. This data allows industry professionals to determine their competitiveness as an employer, measure employee ROI and better understand the latest industry practices and trends.

In this year's report, additional roles have been included, as well as questions relative to cost of living increases, incentives to attract qualified labor and sales bonus structures.

As was the case last year, health and benefits data has been removed from this survey and will be surveyed separately in early 2023. 

Please note: All AMBA members that completed this survey receive the report at no cost. Non-members that completed this report are able to purchase it for a discounted rate. Please contact Rachael Pfenninger for more information at rpfenninger@amba.org

Member price: $299.00
Non-member price: $499.00

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2022 Shop Rate Report

Date: September 26, 2022

This report includes charge rates specific to services supplied by U.S. mold manufacturers in engineering, moldmaking and specialty services. Additionally, this report includes details regarding the following:

  • Company demographics
  • Mold size and type production
  • Average overhead cost
  • Gross margin ranges by annual sales revenue
  • Current v. anticipated capacity utilization

Due to the sensitive nature of this report, its contents are available for purchase only to AMBA members in good standing with the association. If you are not a current AMBA member but are interested in joining the organization and accessing this report, please email info@amba.org.

Member price: $399.00

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If you are a non-member with an access code, please enter it here to purchase.


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2022 Health and Benefits Report

Date: July 14, 2022

This report includes current benefit benchmarks from U.S. plastics processors, mold manufacturers and rubber products manufacturers.

While health, dental, vision, ancillary and retirement benefits were all reviewed this year, the report also reviewed the utilization of new strategies to control healthcare dollars and contain costs.

Member price: $119.00
Non-member price: $219.00

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2022 Business Forecast Report

Date: February 28, 2022

AMBA's annual 2022 Business Forecast Report showcases data on sales trends, profit levels, capital expenditures, shop and design employment levels and challenges faced in the industry. Data from this year's report is pulled from surveyed responses on 33 economic indicator questions that covers 2021 performance, fourth-quarter performance and forecasts and expectations for 2022. 

This year, additional data was collected from survey respondents regarding customer representation by industry, job hit rates, rising recruitment and hiring efforts, foreign competition impact and advocacy efforts. 

Member price: $199.00
Non-member price: $299.00

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Employee Attraction and Hiring Playbook – A Best Practices Guide

Date: January 17, 2022

To address one of the most critical challenges in workforce development facing the U.S. moldmaking industry, AMBA has published for the first time its Employee Attraction and Hiring Playbook – A Best Practices Guide. Developed in conjunction with its 2021 Workforce Development Task Force, this 65+ page playbook encompasses best practices and industry insights related to the attraction, hiring and retainment of high-quality, high-performing employees. 

Key report takeaways included the identification of unexplored recruitment avenues, opportunities to engage with local communities and/or manufacturing-related programs, the generation of white paper content and the implementation of a mentorship and/or cross-training program. Respondents also provided a review of key characteristics associated with both high- and low-performing employees and the implementation of cultural values and expectations. 

To complement the best practices shared by AMBA members within the playbook, several industry insights also are gathered to provide context and alternative perspectives and to encourage the pursuance of new opportunities related to hiring and retention. Insight areas include spotlights on varied recruitment opportunities, next-generation cultural motivations, new employee “pre-boarding” tactics and additional takeaways.

This publication is available only to AMBA members.

Member price: $149.00

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2021/2022 Wage and Salary Report

Date: January 5, 2022

The 2021/2022 Wage and Salary Report includes high, low and average rates of pay across over 50 job functions commonly found in mold building. This data allows industry professionals to determine their competitiveness as an employer, measure employee ROI and better understand the latest industry practices and trends.

In this year's report, additional roles have been added, as well as questions relative to cost of living increases, incentives to attract qualified labor and sales bonus structures.

As was the case last year, health and benefits data has been removed from this survey and will be surveyed separately in early 2022. 

Please note: All AMBA members that completed this survey receive the report at no cost. 

Member price: $129.00
Non-member price: $229.00

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2021 Shop Rate Report

Date: September 20, 2021

This report gathered data including charge rates specific to services in engineering, moldmaking and specialty services, as well as current v. anticipated capacities, company demographics and sales information. Over 20 individual services were benchmarked, while frequently offered services and specialty services were further broken down by annual sales revenue and industry, respectively.

The AMBA team also wants to thank its Benchmarking Committee for its help with the creation and editing of this report and its final data.

Member price: $149.00

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AMBA Conference 2021 Event Recap and Recordings

Date: July 14, 2021

For the first time, the AMBA staff has compiled an Event Recap for AMBA Conference 2021, which includes summaries of all of the sessions, bio and contact information for the presenters and download instructions for all general session recordings. Recordings include:

  • Keynote presentations from Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director, Ross Bernstein and Phil Van Hooser
  • A deep dive into Washington politics by The Franklin Partnership (AMBA's lobbyist in Washington) and the upcoming policies that impact mold manufacturing
  • A review of the economic landscape by Harbour Results, Inc. and the areas in which mold manufacturers can work on developing a competitive advantage 
  • In-depth perspectives from Benesch Law, Federated Insurance and an AMBA member company on how companies can protect themselves through various risk mitigation strategies 
  • ISO certification and its maintenance and implementation
  • A live-action view of virtual mold sampling and its benefits to the customer and the company

This publication is available to members-only. To access individual recordings and/or summaries, contact AMBA staff at 317.436.3102 or info@amba.org.

Member price: $299.00
Non-member price: $1,499.00

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2021 AMBA Customer Relationship Management Report

Date: June 14, 2021

More than ever, manufacturing professionals are seeing the need for new investments in areas related to sales and marketing. One area of particular interest is the use of a customer relationship management (CRM) system. For this reason, AMBA has benchmarked the use of CRM systems across three manufacturing sectors - mold manufacturing, plastics processing and rubber products manufacturing.

The final report provides executives and sales and marketing professionals with evaluations of CRM system features and overall use in these industries. CRM use has been evaluated on features offered in the following areas:

  • Prospecting and lead generation
  • Customer relationship management and database use
  • Analytics and automation
  • Investment and ease of implementation

Member price: $99.00
Non-member price: $199.00

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2021 Health and Benefits Report

Date: May 7, 2021

This year, this annual report benchmarked current benefits offered by manufacturers in three areas - mold manufacturing, plastics processing and rubber products manufacturing.

Benefits reviewed include health, vision, dental and life insurance and retirement programs. The final report includes aggregate data for all surveyed manufacturers, as well as an appendix with data specific to each industry.

Member price: $109.00
Non-member price: $209.00

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2021 Business Forecast Report

Date: February 4, 2021

AMBA's annual 2021 Business Forecast Report showcases data on sales trends, profit levels, capital expenditures, shop and design employment levels and challenges faced in the industry. Data from this year's report is pulled from surveyed responses on 33 economic indicator questions that covers 2020 performance, fourth-quarter performance and forecasts and expectations for 2021. 

Member price: $99.00
Non-member price: $199.00

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2020/2021 Wage and Salary Report

Date: November 18, 2020

The 2020/2021 Wage and Salary Report includes high, low and average rates of pay across over 50 job functions commonly found in mold building. This data allows industry professionals to determine their competitiveness as an employer, measure employee ROI and better understand the latest industry practices and trends.

*Please note that again, this year's report did not include health and benefits information, which will be surveyed separately in early 2021.

Member price: $129.00
Non-member price: $229.00

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2020 AMBA R&D Tax Credit Microsurvey

Date: August 18, 2020

The AMBA organization continually examines ways to provide value to its members focusing on best practices, operational and financial benchmarking, leadership and more. As income taxes continue to be one of tool shops most significant expenditures, it is important for all AMBA members to identify areas where they can reduce their overall tax burden in order to maintain profits and remain competitive in today’s global environment. As such, AMBA’s leadership team wanted to provide members with specific data regarding an incentive that many mold manufacturers are using to reduce their overall income tax liability: the R&D tax credit.

Member price: $79.00
Non-member price: $129.00

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2020 Sourcebook

Date: May 1, 2020

The AMBA 2020 Sourcebook contains a listing of AMBA members - both mold manufacturers and suppliers to the industry. Inside, mold manufacturers are categorized by capabilities and geographic location in an easy-to-read format that provides exacting information for the type of mold and market that is needed. Whether looking for plastic injection molds, rubber silicone molds, thermoforming, extrusion dies, die cast dies and more, the 2020 Sourcebook is the place to find the best mold builders producing the highest quality tools in the world.

This order is to receive a physical copy of the 2020 Sourcebook. For members interested in receiving a free copy, please email info@amba.org. Do not click below to order.

Member price: Free
Non-member price: $49.00

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2020 Health and Benefits Report

Date: April 15, 2020

The AMBA 2020 Health and Benefits Report represents 66 mold manufacturers and includes healthcare and benefits information, including: 

  • Types of health plans offered
  • Cost of offering employee benefits
  • Plans and correlating contributions
  • Ancillary benefits
  • Retirement plans
  • Additional benefits

Member price: $89.00
Non-member price: $189.00

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Policies and Procedures When an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

Date: March 30, 2020

Compilation of policies and resources for organizations to deploy if an employee tests positive for COVID-19.

Member price: Free
Non-member price: $30.00

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Work from Home Policies and Procedures

Date: March 29, 2020

Compilation of policies, resources and best practices for working from home during COVID-19.

Member price: Free
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Policies & Procedures

Date: March 16, 2020

[Working Document] March 16, 2020: In response to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 across the United States and the globe, AMBA's leadership team worked to generate this compilation of policies, procedures, action plans and resources. This document includes 88 individual resources submitted by U.S. manufacturers. With over 300 pages of examples, it is the purpose of this compilation to allow business leaders and their organizations to identify best practices, share resources and understand how others are approaching the COVID-19 outbreak at their facilities. 

Member price: Free
Non-member price: $30.00

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Bundled: 2020 State of the Mold Building Industry Webinar and the 2020 Business Forecast Report

Date: February 14, 2020

Now offered as a bundle! For only an extra $10, receive both the 2020 AMBA Business Forecast Report AND the 2020 State of the Mold Building Industry Webinar. 

2020 AMBA Business Forecast Report

AMBA's annual Business Forecast Report showcases data on sales trends, profit levels, capital expenditures, shop and design employment levels and challenges faced in the industry. Data from this year's report is pulled from surveyed responses on 33 economic indicator questions that cover 2019 performance, fourth-quarter performance and forecasts and expectations for 2020. 

2020 State of the Mold Building Industry 

This presentation, provided by AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix, provides invaluable data such as performance, a 12-month forecast for sales, tariff updates, capital expenditures, employment levels, profitability and primary issues. This year's State of the Mold Building Industry webinar also included a presentation from Omar Nashashibi of The Franklin Partnership, who shared recent developments as they related to tariffs and their 2020 implications for mold builders.

Once purchased, a link to download the report will be automatically sent to you. The webinar link is available on the final page of the report. 

Member price: $209.00
Non-member price: $309.00

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2020 State of the Mold Building Industry Webinar

Date: February 14, 2020

This presentation, provided by AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix, provides invaluable data such as performance, a 12-month forecast for sales, tariff updates, capital expenditures, employment levels, profitability and primary issues. This year's State of the Mold Building Industry webinar also included a presentation from Omar Nashashibi of The Franklin Partnership, who shared recent developments as they related to tariffs and their 2020 implications for mold builders.

Member price: $50.00
Non-member price: $100.00

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2020 Business Forecast Report

Date: February 5, 2020

AMBA's annual 2020 Business Forecast Report showcases data on sales trends, profit levels, capital expenditures, shop and design employment levels and challenges faced in the industry. Data from this year's report is pulled from surveyed responses on 33 economic indicator questions that covers 2019 performance, fourth quarter performance and forecasts and expectations for 2020. 

Member price: $199.00
Non-member price: $299.00

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2019/2020 Wage and Salary Report

Date: December 18, 2019

The 2019/2020 Wage and Salary Report includes high, low and average rates of pay across over 50 job functions commonly found in mold building, allow industry professionals to determine their competitiveness as an employer, measure employee ROI and better understand the latest industry practices and trends.

*Please note that this year's report did not include health and benefits information, which will be surveyed separately in early 2020.

Member price: $129.00
Non-member price: $229.00

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Efficiencies in Machine Programming

Date: September 26, 2019

Understanding how to schedule jobs and maintain efficiency in any mold manufacturing facility can be critical to a business' ability to win orders and keep existing customers - both of which significantly impact the bottom line.

For this reason, AMBA surveyed its members to benchmark programming efficiency in their shops. Gathered data included workforce representation (including total employees vs. CNC programmers and setup operators), preferred programming software, shop floor programming vs. offline programming, the efficiency of certain programming methods for repeat and new jobs and recent investments in technologies and/or machines to improve efficiency. 

Member price: $99.00
Non-member price: $149.00

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New Employee Onboarding Checklists Report

Date: May 16, 2019

Because effective onboarding can play such a strong role in employee retention and overall workforce development, the AMBA recently sought to gather examples of New Employee Onboarding checklists, as well as demographic and HR policy data from U.S. mold builders.

This benchmarking opportunity sought to not only provide HR policy data, but to also give U.S. mold builders real-world examples of onboarding practices. At the end of this report, an addendum of over 20 new employee onboarding checklists and documents are included from surveyed mold manufacturers that provide real-world examples of onboarding at their facilities. These checklists provide both a benchmark for companies with an existing process, as well as a guide for those companies interested in developing one.

Member price: $79.00
Non-member price: $129.00

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Managing the Sales Pipeline Report

Date: January 24, 2019

Deciding when to hire dedicated sales personnel, whether it's time to implement automation in the sales pipeline and how each action will affect the bottom line can be a challenge for mold builders of any size. Access the information needed to make tactical decisions regarding 2019 sales strategies with AMBA's newest report, Managing the Sales Pipeline.

Member price: $79.00
Non-member price: $129.00

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Best Practices for Recruiting the Millennial

Date: November 1, 2018

Although every mold builder faces unique challenges, stalled workforce development continues to plague the U.S. mold manufacturing industry.


According to the National Association of Manufacturers, in Indiana alone, 87 percent of manufacturers indicate difficulty in recruiting young people. However, this is not due to a lack of available job opportunities. According to a recent Deloitte Insights report, over half of the potential two million jobs that will become available over the next decade in manufacturing will likely go unfilled due to a skills shortage.

To read more about how mold builders are mitigating the workforce developments facing the industry today, purchase the report below.

Member price: $79.00
Non-member price: $129.00

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Benchmarking Publications Archives