Dave Dunn's January 2016 column.

Doing business in the Asia-Pacific region today is not the same as it was 50 years ago. Around the region, countries are pushing for greater connectivity through initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (B&R) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) efforts to integrate and harmonize regulatory regimes.

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) are lightweight and high-strength composites designed for enhanced performance in a number of applications. They offer improvement in structural, functional or cosmetic properties.

In today’s world of rapid innovation, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to gain a competitive edge. H.B. Fuller intends to put its latest acquisition to work to fast-track engineering adhesives innovation in markets such as automotive; electronics; solar; wind; maintenance, repair and operations (MRO); appliance; and heavy machinery.

A fire gutted a 9,000-sq-ft building at the Canadian head office and manufacturing and distribution center of the Henry Co., a manufacturer of commercial and residential foundation coatings, roofing products, caulks, adhesives, driveway sealers, and other building products marketed under the Building Envelope Systems® trademark.

The beginning of a new year has long been time to reflect on the past year and make plans for a fresh start. For me, that fresh start came a bit early, as my computer’s hard drive decided to fail during the production of this issue.