Finishing The Job?The Right Way

"I feel that in-plants are getting duped into buying these high-tech machines with a lot of pretty lights on them," says Spiel, whose company also builds finishing equipment. "Machines should be simple and strong, so I know when I turn it on in the morning it will work all day."

When purchasing any piece of equipment, managers have to look at risk and reward, advises Spiel. Ask yourself how much it will cost and how much it will produce in an hour. Realize that this is an investment that should last for 10 to 15 years.