Who's afraid of globalization?

* Raise your hand if any of the following names send a chill down your spine: China, India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Mexico, Brazil. Don't be shy, because you' re not alone. U.S. processors have a lot on their minds these days: high costs of materials, energy, and fuel; slumping domestic car and home sales; threats of higher interest rates and wild weather disruptions. But for many of you, the most fundamental concern is competition from overseas manufacturers that don't have your labor costs, taxes, and regulatory expenses. Chalk it all up to "globalization."

In the next month, PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY editors will be investigating the impact of globalization on plastics processors. We will look at who's most vulnerable and who's not, and what things savvy molders, extruders, and compounders are doing to lessen their risk--and turn it into an opportunity. The results will appear in our January issue. We'll pass on useful lessons and show you models that can ease your worries and help you take action.

If you're nagged by questions about how to fortify your business against foreign competition, we'd like to know what's on your mind. And if you think you have some of the answers to winning the globalization game, we'd certainly like to talk to you. Here's your opportunity to be heard: Give me a call at [phone], ext. 7103 or send me an e-mail at [e-mail]. Get in touch by the end of this month so that your comments can help guide our research and/or we can schedule an interview.