News regarding acquisitions was very popular last week.

Do you think trade-related barriers are disproportionately affecting U.S. SMEs that export to the EU, compared to larger U.S. exporters?

In the top position this week is Dow to Expand Polymer Brands.

Is it true that epoxy adhesives contain the same BPA that has been shown to be harmful when used to make drinking bottles?

I am developing an adhesive for an application that requires heat resistance greater than 80°C. A formulation based on a waterborne polyurethane polymer currently provides the best adhesion to the substrate and is a fit for the application process. What approaches can be used to achieve the required level of elevated temperature performance?

Do you have concerns about the quality of public transportation in your area?

Most manufacturers are currently or have been involved in some form of lean process. Your company may be well down the path or just starting out, or your customers or suppliers may be going lean. The Lean Enterprise Institute characterizes lean as “creating more value for customers with fewer resources.”

I'm writing this column in the midst of a very busy week. Sometime between conference calls and podcast recordings, I realized how little time I now need to spend on tasks that—even just a few years ago—took up the majority of my day.

LinkedIn recently announced it will lower its minimum sign-up age in the U.S. to 14 to try to become a resource for college-bound teens. Do you think this is a good idea?