FlexTrades Marketing Team, Author at FlexTrades

FAQs for PMG

PMG provides labor solutions to American manufacturers. That’s what we do in a nutshell and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. During that process, we end up getting asked a fair amount of questions ourselves. This blog is our effort to provide answers to the questions PMG employees get asked the most.

What is Industry 4.0?

Great question! Here at PMG, we’re big proponents of the continuous improvement mindset necessary to adapt and adjust to the consistent changes Industry 4.0 requires of manufacturers and fabricators. But what is it, actually? Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and the rise of digitization and automation in pursuit of “Lights Out Manufacturing”.

Earlier industrial revolutions happened with steam and water power, electricity and assembly lines. Finally, computerization transformed then-standard models for production. This latest revolution is all about the confluence of those previous breakthroughs through use of integration technologies to create interconnected networks of systems that can communicate with each other. Basically, Industry 4.0 is the point where our cyber and digital worlds are meeting in real time and it will impact all disciplines, economies, and industries.

What does it benefit?

Many of you have heard of Industry 4.0 before, but you’ve probably just heard it referred to in terms of robots coming to take your jobs. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Hays Global Skills Index, we’re expecting technology to eliminate close to 75 million jobs in the next decade. That’s a lot, but the same study estimates close to twice as many new jobs (133 million) will be created. Put simply, the robots won’t take your jobs. In fact, they will make them better, easier, and safer.

Read this Bernard Marr article if you’d like to learn more about the benefits, to all industries, of early Industry 4.0 adoption.

What’s next?

In one word, change. That’s why we believe so firmly in the importance of a continuous improvement mindset. Industry 4.0 is not going to eliminate jobs, but it will cause them to change continuously and consistently for the rest of your career. You need to prepare yourself to be able to change your skills and focus right along with them.

Most commonly, technology changes jobs by moving the human element (you) further and further from where material and machine meet. That’s where inefficiencies, injuries, and human errors occur. This means that, as important as your technical skills are and always will be, the five technological skills below are just as important for you (according to a Deloitte study) to master in the future. These abilities will be necessary for you to be able to continue to apply your technical skills to your job as your trade or facility is disrupted throughout Industry 4.0.

Technology & Computer Skills
Programming Skills for Robotics & Automation
Critical Thinking
Working with Tools & Techniques
Digital Skills

Additional Resources

If you’d like to learn more about Industry 4.0, or how to prepare your career for it, watch our free webinar Manufacturing in the Future: The Changes Yet to Come.

Did you find this informative? Send your questions to our Writing Team and keep an eye out for future FAQ’s for answers!

Want more FAQ? Check out our post on Supply Chain.

Cleaners. Sanitizers. Disinfectants.

While cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting might seem synonymous, they serve distinct purposes. For this edition of “How It’s Made” with FlexTrades, we’re focusing on sanitizers—specifically, commercial hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizers have become a staple in our daily routines, especially in recent times. While many have turned to DIY recipes, we’re diving into the commercial manufacturing process that ensures consistency, efficacy, and safety.

Key Ingredients in Hand Sanitizer

The effectiveness of hand sanitizer hinges on its composition.

Active Ingredients:

Alcohols: Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) or Isopropyl Alcohol are primary antiseptic agents. For efficacy, hand sanitizers should contain an alcohol concentration between 60% and 95%.
Benzalkonium Chloride: An alternative antiseptic agent used in some formulations.

Additional Ingredients:

Emollients and Gelling Agents: These provide moisturization and contribute to the gel-like consistency.
Denaturants: Added to deter ingestion by imparting a bitter taste.
Fragrances and Colorants: Enhance user experience with pleasant scents and appearance.

The Manufacturing Process

Producing commercial hand sanitizer involves several meticulous steps to ensure a high-quality product.

1. Compounding

Preparation: Raw materials are measured and added into large vessels known as batch tanks or mixers. Depending on the ingredient, this can be done manually or automatically.
Mixing: Mechanical agitators within these vessels blend the ingredients under controlled parameters, such as time and speed, to achieve a uniform mixture.

2. Quality Control

Sampling: Technicians extract samples from the mixture to verify adherence to specifications, including viscosity and alcohol content.
Adjustments: If deviations are detected, formulations are adjusted accordingly to maintain product integrity.

3. Filling, Capping, and Labeling

Filling: The blended sanitizer is transferred from holding tanks to filling machines, which dispense precise volumes into individual bottles.
Capping: Caps are automatically oriented and secured onto the filled bottles.
Labeling: Bottles receive labels through heat-pressed applications or adhesives, often at impressive speeds reaching up to 200 bottles per minute.

4. Packaging and Palletizing

Boxing: Finished bottles are systematically placed into boxes.
Palletizing: Boxes are stacked onto pallets, ready for storage or shipment to meet consumer demand.

5. Ongoing Quality Assurance

Throughout the entire production line, continuous quality checks are conducted—from initial raw material assessment to final product inspection—to ensure safety and efficacy.

Final Thoughts

The production of hand sanitizer is a testament to the precision and dedication inherent in manufacturing. At FlexTrades, we celebrate the intricate processes and skilled professionals that bring essential products to market, ensuring safety and well-being for all.

The temperatures are climbing. You’re driving from one assignment to the next. You’re focused, dialed in, ready to work. But as your Project Manager always says—safety first. What does that actually mean when you’re on the road in the heat of summer?

In honor of National Safety Month, we’ve pulled together 15 must-have items that every traveling technician, tradesperson, or road warrior should carry in their car during the hotter months.

15 Summer Safety Items You Should Keep in Your Vehicle

Whether you’re heading to a new job site or just navigating your regular route, make sure your car is stocked with these essentials.

First Aid Kit: Fully stocked and accessible. You never know when you or someone nearby might need it.
Sunscreen: An extra bottle goes a long way. You’re not always in the shade, and sunburn can sneak up fast on long days.
Jumper Cables: Help yourself or someone else out of a jam. It’s a small item that makes a big difference.
Basic Toolkit: An adjustable wrench, duct tape, a couple screwdrivers, and pliers can help fix minor issues without delay.
Reflective Blanket: Great for creating shade or staying warm when the temperature dips at night.
Reflective Triangles or Roadside Flares: Stay visible if your vehicle breaks down, especially in low light.
Heat-Resistant Snacks: Granola bars, trail mix, or anything that won’t melt or spoil in the heat.
Water: Keep a few bottles handy—for drinking, refilling your radiator, or cleaning up in a pinch.
Tire Sealant: A temporary fix if you get a flat and can’t make it to the shop right away.
Tire Jack: Make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle and in good working condition.
Work Gloves: Protect your hands and improve your grip when dealing with tools or hot surfaces.
Flashlight or Rechargeable Light: Battery-powered or solar—just make sure it works when you need it most.
Map or Road Atlas: Old school, sure. But if GPS fails, you’ll be glad you have it. Just make sure you know how to read it.
Spare Phone Charger: Keep a backup in your glovebox or bag—charged and ready to go.
Emergency Radio: Stay informed when cell service is limited, especially during storms or natural disasters.

Be Safe. Be Smart. Be Ready.

At FlexTrades, safety is never an afterthought. It’s a mindset. And being prepared for the unexpected isn’t just good advice—it’s part of the job. Keep your car stocked. Keep yourself protected. And keep moving forward with confidence.

Want more tips on workplace safety?
Check out our article on Reinforcing Safety in Your Workplace.

Feeling nervous before an interview is completely normal. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference. At FlexTrades, we connect skilled professionals with top employers nationwide, and we know exactly what hiring managers look for in a strong candidate.

If you want to stand out in your next interview, follow these six essential tips to ensure you’re prepared, confident, and ready to make a lasting impression.

1. Research the Company

Nothing raises a red flag faster than a candidate who hasn’t taken the time to learn about the company they’re interviewing with. Before your interview, be sure you understand:

What the company does
Its mission and core values
The industry it operates in

Instead of asking “Can you tell me about your company?”, come prepared with insightful questions that show you’ve done your homework.

2. Know Why You’re There

Employers don’t just want to know why you’re looking for a job—they want to know why you’re looking for this job. Go beyond generic answers like “I want a new challenge” or “I’m looking to grow my skills” and clearly communicate:

Why this position excites you
How your skills align with the role
What makes you a great fit for the company

Be honest. If you’re looking for a fresh start, say so. If you’re passionate about the industry, explain why. Authenticity goes a long way.

3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

You already know tough questions are coming, so don’t let them catch you off guard. Before the interview, write down five work experiences that highlight:

Challenges you’ve overcome
Mistakes you’ve learned from
Accomplishments you’re proud of

Hiring managers don’t expect perfection, but they do expect self-awareness and accountability. When discussing past conflicts, keep it professional—avoid getting caught up in office drama. Focus on what you learned and how it shaped your approach to work.

4. Listen and Take Notes

An interview is a two-way conversation. While the company is evaluating you, you should also be evaluating them. Before your interview:

Make a list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” for your next role
Actively listen for key details about the job, company culture, and expectations
Write down important takeaways and any questions that arise during the discussion

Taking notes not only helps you remember critical details, but it also demonstrates genuine interest to the hiring team.

5. Ask the Right Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Always say yes. This is your opportunity to:

Show that you’ve been paying attention
Gain valuable insight into the role and company
Prove that you’re serious about the opportunity

Here are some great questions to ask:

What challenges will this position bring?
What does success look like in this role?
Why is this position open?
How does this role contribute to the company’s overall success?

Avoid asking about salary, PTO, or benefits in the first interview. Save those discussions for the recruiter.

6. Follow Up the Right Way

A simple follow-up can make a big impression. Consider:

Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview
A handwritten thank-you note (a rare but memorable touch)

Be patient. Hiring decisions take time. While it’s okay to check in if you haven’t heard back after a week or two, avoid excessive calls or emails.

Final Thoughts

Interviews don’t have to be stressful. By preparing ahead of time, staying engaged during the conversation, and following up professionally, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job.

At FlexTrades, we help skilled professionals find career opportunities that match their experience and goals. If you’re looking for your next opportunity, explore our open positions today.

FAQs for PMG

What is Industry 4.0?

What does it benefit?

What’s next?

Additional Resources

Key Ingredients in Hand Sanitizer

The Manufacturing Process

Final Thoughts

15 Summer Safety Items You Should Keep in Your Vehicle

Be Safe. Be Smart. Be Ready.

1. Research the Company

2. Know Why You’re There

3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

4. Listen and Take Notes

5. Ask the Right Questions

6. Follow Up the Right Way

Final Thoughts

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