- 07 August 2006 -
Maintaining—and Building on—an Institution
By Reginald Tucker, re.tucker@elsevier.com

First and foremost, I would like to thank Greg Valero, Metal Finishing publisher, as well as REED Elsevier—which publishes the magazine—for granting me this tremendous opportunity to contribute to a well-respected magazine and, by extension, a great industry. In the short time I've been on board, I already have a good sense of the commitment and dedication exhibited by those who live, work and breathe this business.

Although I come from a seemingly unrelated universe, professionally speaking, I can draw immediate parallels between the industry I leave behind and the one in which I am now entrenched. What possible connections could I draw between the hardwood flooring manufacturing and finishing field and metal coating, you ask? For one, the North American wood flooring business is facing increasingly fierce competitive pressures from offshore suppliers, China chief among them. (Sound familiar?) Another common challenge: Fluctuations in energy and raw materials prices are putting a tight squeeze on both the operating costs and profit margins of suppliers and contractors alike. As a result, manufacturers and other industry participants are being forced to revisit their business plans to come up with more creative ways to remain viable, profitable, and relevant.

Similarly, industry associations serving the manufacturing, installation, and standards-setting facets of the hardwood flooring sector are in a constant state of evolution as they re-evaluate their respective roles in an ever-changing business environment. Even groups that have been in existence for decades or more find themselves transcending beyond the traditional responsibilities typical of the industry associations of yesteryear. Rumor has it, the metal finishing community is in the midst of a similar identity makeover. (So, you see, you're not alone.)

My hope is to draw on my past experiences—from not only my most recent position but also my former lives with a half-dozen other trade titles and industries—to bring a fresh perspective to Metal Finishing magazine. I'll also seek to tap into the vast knowledge pool of the MF staff—a talented ensemble of professionals with a long history in this business. I won’t use this space to drone on an on about all the great ideas and plans we have moving forward, but I will state that it is my sincerest intention to learn more every day, work hard every day and contribute to the magazine’s success.

For sure, I will also need your help in identifying areas in which we can improve. I openly welcome your comments and ideas. Feel free to contact me at re.tucker@elsevier.com or by phone: 212-633-3885.

Let's work together to build on tradition.