In this issue of Insights, we talk with Michael Ulbrich, the president of Buffalo Manufacturing Works, which runs the Shift program. Shift helps small and midsized manufacturers start the process of identifying and investing in achievable and implementable technology. Three years ago, he returned to his hometown after years in New York and Europe. Here, Ulbrich shares his thoughts on the exciting Shift

How many dollar bills laid end to end would you need to reach the moon?  Find out soon!  We’ve got big news!

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched Round VIII of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative, officially kicking off the annual competition for more than $750 million in state economic development resources.  As of May 1, 2018, the online Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) is open to applicants across the five-county Western New York (WNY) region, which includes

The Institute for Supply Management’s closely watched PMI Index fell 2 points to 57.3 for April indicating continued manufacturing expansion, although it is the lowest reading since last summer and falls below the 12-month average of 58.4.  According to the report, “lead time extensions, steel and aluminum disruptions, supplier labor issues and transportation difficulties continue. 

Cyber criminals are no longer satisfied stealing volumes of low-profit user information, such as credit card numbers. Today, these virtual criminals aggressively target manufacturers’ intellectual property or perform other acts of industrial espionage, thereby exposing confidential information.  Manufacturers have never considered themselves targets for cyber criminals. Not surprisingly, few have taken more than modest action

By Ben Rand Small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMM) today are faced with a huge challenge: A wave of new technologies and innovations that may both threaten their business and offer opportunities for competitive advantage. How can SMM owner/operators wade through this sea of technology, understand and identify which innovations have the most potential for their business and then implement?

A SAMPLE OF PROJECTS THAT INSYTE RECENTLY CONCLUDED WITH WNY COMPANIES: Developed a sales and marketing strategy to help a Wyoming County electrical manufacturer diversify into new markets to expand its business. Helped an Erie County pressure sensor supplier to the aerospace and automotive industries upgrade to the ISO 9001:2015 standard to retain existing business and attract new clients that require the certification. Worked

The Empire State Manufacturing Survey for April indicated continued manufacturing growth in New York State, albeit at a slower pace as the index  declined 6.7 points to 15.8 (a reading above 0 indicates expansion). In startling contrast, the Forward-Looking Business Conditions Index, based on NYS manufacturers’ expectations of conditions six months from now, plunged -25.8

Bitcrusher has won the prestigious University at Buffalo Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition and along with it over $50,000 in cash and services. Bitcrusher is a UB student technology start-up that has created a device for guitars that allows a user to control digital sound effects right on the instrument.  They were coached by

Insyte’s Jack McGowan was recently featured as a “Heavy Hitter” in a Business First Article highlighting the growing early-stage investment scene in Buffalo. Jack is the Executive director of the Buffalo Angels – a network of 69 accredited investors, and leads the Western New York Venture Association, which holds regular meetings that give local startups