Industry News

EDM Industry News

10/9/09

The 2009 – 2010 Economic Handbook of the
Manufacturing Technology Industry Now Available

2009 - 2010 Economic Handbook of the Manufacturing Technology Industry is now available from AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This annual guide, compiled from numerous domestic and foreign sources, provides comprehensive domestic and international data on the manufacturing technology industry. The handbook is now available to download from AMT’s web site www.amtonline.org in both PDF and Excel formats.

The Economic Handbook encompasses product and country specific manufacturing technology data, as well as information on capital equipment purchases, by several major consuming industries. The domestic data covers such areas as employment, machine tool shipments, machine tools in use, and the financial condition of the industry. The handbook also provides a full range of international data for 31 foreign countries, typically including production, trade by machine type, and trade by partner country.

As always, this extensive collection of data on the economy and the manufacturing technology industry will be used by industry executives, market researchers, legislators, financial analysts, administrators, journalists, and students. Domestic analysts follow this industry for insight into the viability of the U.S. manufacturing base. International analysts use the handbook to track the development of the manufacturing technology industry globally. Detailed breakdowns by types of manufacturing technologies allow analysts to gain insight into the development of certain technologies and production capabilities in specific countries. This industry is also closely watched by defense analysts, due to the use of sophisticated manufacturing technologies in the production of weapons systems.

PDF and Excel versions of the Economic Handbook are available to AMT members free of charge. Non-members may download the PDF version for $295.00 or may purchase a CD containing the entire PDF document for $345.00 plus shipping and handling.

AMT (founded in 1902 as the National Machine Tool Builders’ Association) supports and promotes the U.S. manufacturing technology industry. The association provides U.S. builders of manufacturing systems with the latest information on technical developments, training methods, trade and marketing opportunities, and economic issues. It also gathers and disseminates information about world markets, promotes its members’ products in global markets, and acts as a representative on manufacturing technology matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.

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10/8/09

WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY – WHAT IT MEANS TO MANUFACTURERS
FABTECH 2009 Provides Insight on Opportunities in Energy Sector

DEARBORN, Mich., October 8, 2009 — The wind energy market has an aggressive goal to supply 20 percent of U.S. energy by 2030, and the U.S. solar energy industry grew to record levels in 2008. How does this translate into opportunities for metalforming, fabricating and welding manufacturers?

Manufacturers can learn more about growth opportunities in the energy sector by attending free sessions at the upcoming FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, in Chicago Nov. 15-18.

A keynote panel presentation titled “Energy – The Outlook is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us,” will connect experts from both the wind and solar energy sectors to discuss trends and forecasts, government issues and what it all means to current and future suppliers in the fabricating industry.

A presentation on the wind energy market, featured at the event’s Solutions Showcase Theater, will discuss opportunities for investment and growth in the sector including utility-scale and small wind turbine component manufacturing, tower fabrications, installation and grid tie-in.

“The growth of the U.S. wind power industry can be attributed to significant improvements in wind technology, increasingly supportive policies, a growing interest in the deployment of renewable energy resources and a strong desire to produce clean energy jobs,” said Brad Lystra, manager of economic development partnerships for the American Wind Energy Association. “This growth has led to a rapid expansion in wind turbine component manufacturing around the country and the creation of thousands of jobs in numerous associated sectors of the wind energy supply chain.”

“In the past four years, the share of wind power parts manufactured in the U.S. has grown from 30 percent to 50 percent, and a single wind turbine includes more than 8,000 precision parts,” added Lystra. “In addition to creating new jobs, the wind industry is positioned to replace some of the manufacturing jobs that have been lost in other sectors during the economic downturn.”

Another Solutions Showcase Theater presentation will highlight opportunities for metalforming, fabricating and welding in the solar energy industry supply chain and will focus on how solar energy is converted, stored and distributed within a home and along the “smart grid.”

“U.S. solar energy capacity increased by 17 percent last year, and it is expected that solar power's contribution could grow to 10 percent of the nation's power needs by 2025,” said Mark Hoper, FABTECH show manager. “This growth rate means increased job opportunities for the installation of solar panels, manufacturing of components and construction of solar power plants.”

The FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with the latest tools, technologies and processes to improve their business in uncertain economic times.

FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology.

“This event offers two keynote panel discussions and several free educational sessions that offer solutions and strategies for manufacturing executives to operate a more efficient and competitive business,” added Hoper.

To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.

Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.

10/6/09

Manufacturing Technology Producers Applaud Swift Enactment of S. 1677,
The Defense Production Act

Legislation Strengthens Defense Industrial Base

McLean, VA. . . U.S. manufacturing technology providers roundly applauded the enactment of the Defense Production Act (DPA) reforms and reauthorization (S. 1677). The bill was signed into law by the President on September 30.

“America’s national security is threatened by the erosion the recession has caused to our defense industrial base,” warned Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “This country’s manufacturing sector needs the type of support provided by the Defense Production Act if we are to continue our critical role in defense preparedness.”

The DPA was created in 1950 during the Korean War to ensure that American industry could be mobilized swiftly and effectively in times of war. It was set to expire on September 30 unless President Obama acted. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) joined forces in this current effort to update the DPA and make it more effective in current times.

“The bipartisan leadership of Senators Dodd and Shelby and the broad support and swift action of the Senate illustrate the wide recognition that the DPA will be used now to help manufacturers hard hit by this economic downturn, particularly those that continue to have problems accessing credit,” said Woods.

Eugene Haffely, Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Assembly & Test Worldwide, Inc., and a member of AMT’s Board of Directors testified in support of the DPA reforms in the Dodd-Shelby bill in a May 13

Senate Banking Subcommittee hearing chaired by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), an early champion of the DPA bill.

“Sen. Brown recognizes that America’s national security depends on a healthy manufacturing base and right now, it’s not healthy,” said Haffely.

“Tight credit continues to plague companies up and down the industrial production chain,” Haffely went on. “And without credit, business is at a standstill.”

Haffely said the loan and loan guarantee program in the DPA bill will help shore up struggling companies critical to national security, thereby promoting economic growth and ensuring that we are not dependent on foreign sources for our defense needs.

Woods praised the efforts that led to swift enactment of S.1677, but acknowledged that the loan guarantee program still needs funding. “Let’s hope that Congress and the Administration can find the federal dollars necessary to start making DPA loans quickly.”

“That will be a real sign that they are serious about getting manufacturing and this country back on the right track.”

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AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology (founded in 1902 as the National Machine Tool Builders' Association) supports and promotes the U.S. manufacturing technology industry. The association provides U.S. builders of manufacturing systems with the latest information on technical developments, trade and marketing opportunities, and economic issues. It also gathers and disseminates information about world markets, promotes its members' products in those markets, and acts as a representative on manufacturing technology matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.

post 9/23/09

Manufacturing Technology Producers Urge Swift Enactment of S. 1677,
The Defense Production Act

Legislation Would Strengthen Defense Industrial Base

McLean, VA. . . U.S. manufacturing technology providers roundly applauded last week’s passage of the Defense Production Act (DPA) reforms and reauthorization (S. 1677) in the Senate and urged the House of Representatives to move quickly to follow suit.

The DPA was created in 1950 during the Korean War to ensure that American industry could be mobilized swiftly and effectively in times of war. It is set to expire on September 30 unless Congress acts. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Ranking Member Richard Shelby (R-AL) joined forces in this current effort to update the DPA and make it more effective in current times.

“The bipartisan leadership of Senators Dodd and Shelby and the broad support and swift action of the Senate illustrate the wide recognition that the DPA could be used now to help manufacturers hard hit by this economic downturn, particularly those that continue to have problems accessing credit,” said Woods.

Eugene Haffely, Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Assembly & Test Worldwide, Inc., and a member of AMT’s Board of Directors testified in support of the DPA reforms in the Dodd-Shelby bill in a May 13 Senate Banking Subcommittee hearing chaired by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), an early champion of the DPA bill.

“Sen. Brown recognizes that America’s national security depends on a healthy manufacturing base and right now, it’s not healthy,” said Haffely.

“Tight credit continues to plague companies up and down the industrial production chain,” Haffely went on. “And without credit, business is at a standstill.”

Woods urged the House to move forward quickly in approving the bill. “Let’s hope the bill is passed by the House and signed by President Obama in the next couple of weeks.”

“That will be a real sign that the Congress and the Administration are serious about getting manufacturing and this country back on the right track.”

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post 9/10/09

MANUFACTURERS DETAIL RECESSION SURVIVAL STRATEGIES IN NEW SURVEY
Opportunities for Manufacturers Abound As Economy Improves

DEARBORN, Mich., September 3, 2009 — Manufacturers detail their recession survival strategies in a new survey conducted by the sponsors of the upcoming FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, in Chicago.

To survive what many view as the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, 69 percent of manufacturers indicated they reduced their workforce, followed by delaying capital expenditures (66 percent), negotiating with suppliers for better deals (48 percent) and cutting promotional activities (37 percent.) The survey of 1,046 past or prospective registrants of the FABTECH event was conducted in late July.

However, with signs that the economy is currently improving, those surveyed plan to reverse downsizing -- nearly one-third of those surveyed said they expect to add to their workforce in the next 12 months. Manufacturers reported an increase in demand in product as the leading factor that would prompt an increase to the workforce (78 percent) followed by the opportunity to upgrade workforce (7 percent) and the need for new skill sets (6 percent).

“As manufacturers look for signs of improvement in their business, it’s vital that they prepare for the economic recovery,” said Mark Hoper, FATECH show manager. “History shows that it’s the period immediately following a recession that offers the most opportunity for businesses. The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with solutions and strategies to take advantage of the economic turnaround and operate a more efficient and competitive business.”

Free educational sessions focusing on the economy include:

· A keynote panel discussion led by Jeff Knauf, president of Medalist Laserfab, Inc., titled, “Best Practices for Thriving in Tough Times,” on business strategies for surviving and thriving during an uncertain economy. Topics include workforce development, diversifying product lines and operations, obtaining financing/credit, and current tax incentives.

• A Solutions Showcase session on “Maintaining Sales Focus in a Down Economy” that offers strategies to better prepare businesses for the economic turnaround including creating a recession-proof sales strategy, growing current accounts and gaining new customers in tough times.

• A Solutions Showcase session titled, “Smart Strategies for Preserving Stakeholder Relationships,” that highlights the importance of frequent, quality communications with stakeholders.

Taking place November 15-18, FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology,

To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.

Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.

post 8/25/09

MANUFACTURING EXECUTIVES REPORT SIGNS OF IMPROVING ECONOMY IN NEW POLL
FABTECH 2009 Provides Solutions to Survive Recession and Prepare for Recovery

DEARBORN, Mich., August 24, 2009 — Optimism about the economy is beginning to permeate among the ranks of recession-wracked manufacturers, according to a new poll conducted by the co-sponsors of the upcoming FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, in Chicago.

More than half (53 percent) of the manufacturing executives polled indicated they have seen or experienced signs that signal the start of an economic recovery. The survey of 1,046 past or prospective registrants of the FABTECH event was conducted in late July.

Leading the way of positive signals reported were an increase in new sales inquiries (27 percent), followed by an increase in orders (23 percent), reduced layoffs (18 percent) and the need to replenish inventory levels (14 percent).

Additionally, more than one quarter surveyed – 27 percent – agree with economists’ forecasts that the economy will return to moderate growth in the third and fourth quarters of 2009.

“These findings are in line with what we are hearing from other industry sectors, as well as economists’ assessments that the economy is gradually improving,” said Mark Hoper, FABTECH show manager. “Thus, it’s important for manufacturers to take advantage of this pending recovery period. In fact, one keynote address during FABTECH offers strategies designed to prepare businesses for the economic turnaround, and other sessions explore similar issues tied to the economy.”

Taking place November 15-18, the FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with the latest tools, technologies and processes to improve their business in uncertain economic times.

FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology.

“This event offers two keynote panel discussions and several free educational sessions that offer solutions and strategies for manufacturing executives to operate a more efficient and competitive business,” said Hoper.

One strategy for potential growth to be a major focus at the show is in the energy sector. A panel discussion titled, “Energy – The Outlook is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us”, will connect experts from the wind and solar energy sectors who will discuss trends and forecasts, government issues and what it means to current and future suppliers. Separate Solutions Showcase presentations will highlight opportunities for metal fabricators in the surging wind and solar energy markets.

To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.

Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.

post 8/24/09

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show Announces 2010 Marketing Plans
Exhibit Space Sales Holding Steady

McLean, Va. . . . Despite the current economic conditions, show management for IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, is committed to maintaining the high marketing standards the show has held to for over 80 years. The 2010 marketing program will begin in October 2009 and will use many new manufacturing sites, social media and traditional media to promote the show to ensure exhibitor success.

“Clearly, the economic downturn has had a strong and negative impact on many industries, and manufacturing is certainly no exception,” says Peter Eelman, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology Vice President – Exhibitions and Communications. “IMTS has not been immune to this downturn. Currently we are running 7.9 percent behind the 2008 show at the same time. But, we still expect our total floor space for IMTS 2010 to track with IMTS events held in 2004 and 2006. As many other trade shows have experienced a much more dramatic drop in exhibitors and floor space, we feel fortunate to be hosting a show that has shown resilience in the face of difficult economic times.”

The integrated marketing program for IMTS 2010 will center on inspiration. It will feature real stories of companies who are inspired to grow and manage their operations successfully, and use IMTS as an integral part of their continuing business plans.

In addition to preshow marketing, the show itself will feature the top-notch programming and services both exhibitors and attendees expect. A broad range of conferences and special events and exhibits are being developed to enhance the show experience.

IMTS.com will continue to be the definitive source for both exhibitor and attendee information on the show. Along with the interactive floor plan being continually updated, the site will offer many new features. “We are not slowing down on our marketing efforts,” states Eelman. “In fact, we are putting more effort and resources, including our webinar series and marketing tools, into supporting our exhibitors as they prepare to put themselves in front of buyers and demonstrate their strengths.”

IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show

The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. IMTS 2010 will run September 13 – 18. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts more than 92,000 visitors from every level of industry and more than 106 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

Founded in 1902 as the National Machine Tool Builders' Association, AMT supports and promotes the U.S. manufacturing technology industry. The association provides U.S. builders of manufacturing systems with the latest information on technical developments, trade and marketing opportunities, and economic issues. It also gathers and disseminates information about world markets, promotes its members' products in those markets, and acts as a representative on manufacturing technology matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.

post 8/5/09

Manufacturing Technology Producers Greet Recent Economic News with Cautious Optimism

McLean, VA. . . .Manufacturing technology suppliers reacted with cautious optimism over reports that Ford posted the first sales gain in two years and that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed less than expected in July. But that’s not to say that tough times are over for the manufacturing industry.

“This country’s manufacturing sector shrunk at the lowest rate in a year. That’s hardly great news!” insisted Doug Woods, President of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “While we hope the July numbers represent a slowdown to the freefall our members have suffered over the past year, there is still a very long road ahead before most of them breathe easier.

“The end to 19 consecutive months of decline in automotive sales that July’s sales figures represent is like a loud crack in the ice at the beginning of the spring thaw,” Woods added. “While AMT welcomes the success of the Cash-For-Clunkers program, it can’t go on forever….The auto industry will not turn around overnight.”

Most experts agreed that the Ford turnaround could be largely attributed to the wildly popular Cash-For-Clunkers program. AMT Board member Kim Beck, President of Automatic Feed in Napoleon, Ohio, supports the U.S. government’s Cash-For-Clunkers program, but stresses that more needs to be done for small manufacturers. His small, third-generation company has been supplying coil handling and other equipment to the automotive industry for 50 years. In the past year, his work force has dwindled by 75 percent and business has fallen off dramatically.

“My customers still lack the confidence and credit to invest in new equipment,” Beck said. “Real work needs to be done in Washington now in order to save America’s small manufacturers.”
(MORE)

“It should not be on the backs of American small businesses that Congress overhauls the healthcare system and strives for energy independence,” emphasized Beck. “Likewise, Congress should target future programs aimed at stimulating the economy to where they will have the greatest impact – the manufacturing sector. My company is not even eligible for the vast majority of federal economic stimulus programs.”

AMT represents mostly small companies that produce the equipment and systems that make virtually all manufactured products. Historically, it takes several quarters for these companies to feel the positive effects of a pick-up in their customers’ business. Compounding the industry’s struggles is the fact that about two thirds of AMT’s membership has ties to the beleaguered auto industry. Between the first quarters of 2008 and 2009, AMT’s members’ orders fell 68 percent, sending them into a fight for survival.

“What we really need now is tax relief for small business,” Beck went on to say. “Until Congress recognizes that this is the quickest and most effective way to stimulate our economy, true economic growth will remain elusive.”

Still, Woods is hopeful. “At least we can see a bottom to this business cycle,” he said. “Maybe Ford’s long awaited return to profitability and the small headway made in manufacturing foreshadows an end is near to the worst single year decline in our industry's history.”

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post 6/22/09

MAXIEM™ Abrasive Waterjet Line to Debut in June
New brand of high performance, low cost machines developed by OMAX®

Kent, Washington, June 16, 2009 – OMAX has announced the introduction of MAXIEM, a new brand of waterjets debuting in June. Manufactured entirely in the US, this new line of machines integrates proven technologies in a cost-efficient package to provide users with an affordable, highly productive solution.

“Through years of marketing the OMAX line of JetMachining® Centers, we recognized the strong demand for a line of basic abrasive waterjet equipment,” commented Dr. John Cheung, CEO of OMAX. “With the new MAXIEM line, we meet this demand, as well as the varying performance needs required by the international community. These varying needs and requirements coupled with the current economic situation make this a most opportune time to introduce this type of machine.”

Due to the differing specifications of MAXIEM machine, the line will not directly compete with OMAX products and is instead intended to broaden the market for abrasive waterjets. The MAXIEM line of machines is ideal for fabrication shops, metal service centers, trade schools, job shops, architectural, sign, stone and gasket shops.

“As waterjet technology has evolved, the precision and accuracy of OMAX machines has moved beyond the point of what some manufacturers require,” says Dr. John Olsen, co-founder and vice president of operations for OMAX. “To meet the needs of that market segment, we have built off OMAX’s R&D to develop the MAXIEM brand, a highly productive, entry-level line of abrasive waterjets. With the hardships manufacturers are facing due to the economy, we felt it was our obligation to make the cost benefits of our waterjet technology available to as broad a base as possible.”

The first MAXIEM waterjet to be released is the 1530MX. Designed for the production of large parts or multiple parts from large stock, the machine productively cuts a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, stone and composites. The machine’s 50,000 psi pump is available in 20 and 30 horsepower options. All MAXIEM waterjets will feature Intelli-MAX® Basic, a control containing the core functionality of OMAX’s critically acclaimed software, as well as the patent-pending X and Y-axis Traction Drive System designed to handle an abrasive environment

For more information, please visit www.maxiemwaterjets.com.

post 6/18/09

SOCIETY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS’ 2009-10 EVENT SCHEDULE

GEAR MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE AT GEAR EXPO 2009
09/15/09-09/17/09
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
www.sme.org/gears

LEAN TO GREEN MANUFACTURING
09/28/09-09/30/09
University of Austin, Austin, TX
www.sme.org/l2g

AEROSPACE MEASUREMENT, INSPECTION & ANALYSIS
09/29/09-10/01/09
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
www.sme.org/aero-defense

SOUTH-TEC 2009
10/06/09-10/08/09
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
www.southteconline.com

LEAN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
10/13/09-10/15/09
Motorola, Inc., Schaumburg, IL
www.sme.org/leanpd

CANADIAN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW (CMTS)
10/19/09-10/22/09
Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Ontario CANADA
www.cmts.ca

FABTECH INT’L & AWS WELDING SHOW FEATURING METALFORM
11/15/09-11/18/09
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
www.fabtechexpo.com

WESTEC 2010
03/23/10-03/25/10
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
www.westeconline.com

MICROMANUFACTURING & NANOMANUFACTURING CONFERENCE & EXHIBITS
04/14/10-04/15/10
Hilton Phoenix, East/Mesa, Mesa, AZ
www.sme.org/micro
www.sme.org/nanomanufacturing

MONTREAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW (MMTS)
05/18/10-05/20/10
Place Bonaventure, Montreal, Quebec
www.mmts.ca

RAPID CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION — 3D IMAGING CONFERENCE
05/18/10-05/20/10
Disneyland Resort Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
www.sme.org/rapid

EASTEC 2010
05/25/10-05/27/10
Eastern States Exposition, W. Springfield, MA
www.easteconline.com

post 6/15/09

MANUFACTURERS MUST ADDRESS 3 EMERGING GLOBAL TRENDS
WHEN RECOVERY BEGINS, SAYS INDUSTRY ECONOMIST
Cautious Consumer, Consolidations, Unsettled Markets Cited

ROCKFORD, ILL., June 15, 2009 – U.S. manufacturers must factor in three emerging global trends to best position themselves for growth when the economy starts to emerge from a recession, which may begin as early as fourth quarter 2009, says the economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA).
            “Admittedly, analysts are having a hard time settling on what the news of the day might mean,” says Dr. Chris Kuehl in the latest FMA economic update newsletter Fabrinomics. “The latest data shows manufacturing levels in Britain have started to improve -- albeit by just 0.2 percent -- while the export data from Germany continues to decline. China is back on pace to grow by 7.5 percent, but Japan saw a slump in industrial production not seen in 20 years. The United States witnessed a spike in activity with the ISM index and there was a bump in durable goods orders, but at the same time there has been a continued slowdown in industrial demand.
“The question is whether we are transitioning to a solid growth period or to something flatter,” Kuehl adds. “The best that can be predicted at the moment is that three trends are emerging.”
            The first trend is really a continuation of one that has dominated the past several months - a cautious and wary consumer, according to Kuehl.
“The recession may have started to fade in the past couple of months, but there has been considerable financial damage and it will be a while before the consumer jumps back in,” he explains. “This limits the advance of many sectors - automotive, appliances, major electronics, furniture, and so on. It may be well into 2010 before the consumer really comes back to life.”
The second trend relates to the consolidations taking place in various industries. “It hasn't been automotive alone that has seen this reduction and distribution,” says Kuehl. “Major industries are no longer centered in the United States and Europe. This means that the pivot points are now in Asia and, in some cases, Latin America. That makes it mandatory for manufacturers to have footholds and contacts in these markets. That is a big challenge for larger companies, and a very complex situation for smaller ones.”
The third trend is movement toward a more unsettled financial market that carries over into other sectors.
“The banks and investment groups are getting back on their feet, but they will be changed institutions when they do recover,” Kuehl says. “The old-school banker will be back in vogue, and that banker will have a host of government agencies looming over his shoulder. This means that capital flow will be inhibited, making it harder to expand and invest to accommodate the two previously described trends.
“Cash will remain king for a while longer, and there will be more growth through mergers than from organic expansion.”
For manufacturers, the implications vary, all depending on where a company sits within a given sector, Kuehl concludes. “This is the dangerous moment when competitors make their moves and a company without some strategic sense of how to organize often finds itself constantly on the defensive - reacting to attacks by competitors.
“Manufacturers are in a more challenging position, as they also have to puzzle out what their consumers are thinking if they want to keep servicing them.”
            Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show. FMA also has a technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating.

post 6/1/09

AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology urges protection of
technology suppliers to position GM for a stronger future

McLean, VA--In order to ensure the continued strength of American manufacturing, AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology urges Congress and the Administration to protect the manufacturing technology supplier base in the wake of GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

While it is unfortunate to see an industry icon such as GM fall into insolvency, the association also recognizes that bankruptcy can often lead to a company emerging leaner, more responsive and with a business plan that is more likely to lead to success than the status quo. Manufacturing technology suppliers are a crucial component to ensuring that a revived GM is once again a top international competitor, with the ability to produce the most advanced vehicles in the world. But if government fails to act, a number of those technology suppliers might not exist to further the mission of a revitalized American automotive industry.

“One critical action that government can take right now is to expand the Auto Supplier Support Program to include manufacturing technology providers up and down the supply chain, as currently they are not receiving any direct funds from the program,” said Douglas K. Woods, AMT President. “Additionally, GM has so far received $19.4 billion from the federal government to cover operations and losses. The total could reach as much as $50 billion in government support. Some portion of the additional funds should be funneled toward its key manufacturing technology providers.”

AMT’s attempts to reach out to the President’s Auto Task Force have so far not been answered. However, it is imperative that the task force understands the vital role that manufacturing technology plays not just in the automotive industry, but also in such critical industries as renewable energy and medical. Many technology providers that supply the automotive industry also support the defense industry, and their survival must be guaranteed to ensure that we are not one day relying on foreign suppliers for our national security.

AMT implores the Administration and Congress to ensure that automotive supply chain participants are protected and also encouraged to continue toward the rebuilding of GM. Without them, American manufacturing faces a bleak, uncertain future.

post 5/1/09

EASTEC® Lean and Green Resource Center Offers Manufacturers a Competitive Advantage

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass., - EASTEC, the largest manufacturing event on the East Coast, will provide attendees with the tips, tactics and one-on-one expertise they need to become more competitive at a three-day Lean and Green Resource Center. Sponsored by the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership (GBMP) and Manufacturing Engineering magazine, the Lean and Green Resource Center will feature ongoing seminars on topics such as Efficient Machining; Leveraging the Shingo Model; Using Kaizen Principles to Reduce Environment, Health, Safety (EHS) Risks; “Green” Laser Stripping and much more.

“Many companies trying to compete in this tough economy are finding that lean principles are extremely beneficial to their bottom line,” notes Chris Martin, vice president of the GBMP. “This is an opportunity for attendees to see first-hand how lean and green principles can be applied successfully in any shop regardless of size or product mix. More than 20 different seminars will be offered and will include real examples of how these lean and green tools can benefit attendees.”

“Our 2009 attendees’ survey indicated that continuous improvement is one of the highest areas of interest,” adds Kimberly L. Farrugia, senior show manager, for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the co-sponsor of EASTEC. “Attendees also know that future success hinges on understanding the changing environmental regulations and early adoption of green technologies. The Lean and Green Resource Center will provide the best educational opportunity of the year on this subject matter.”

Companies and organizations participating in EASTEC’s 2009 Lean and Green Resource Center include: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; O/E; Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies Inc.; National Center for Aerospace Leadership; GBMP; EnerNOC Inc.; Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions; Unist Inc.; R&D Organizer Inc.; Jean Cunningham Consulting; Environmental Resources Associates Inc.; Cold Jet, LLC; Vibco Inc.; Procter & Gamble; Dawson MacDonald Inc.; Deburring Solutions and NEQC.

About EASTEC®
EASTEC is co-sponsored by SME, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology. The event celebrates its 30th anniversary May 19-21 at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., and is expected to draw more than 14,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors. Spread over 160,000 square feet, EASTEC consists of five technology-focused areas: design, engineering and rapid technologies; tooling, workholding and machining accessories; automation and process improvement; plant, energy and environmental efficiency; and precision manufacturing equipment and systems. Attendees can also learn how to maximize their use of technology and learn about leading-edge, cost-effective approaches through four new EASTEC Resource Centers: Lean and Green, Energy, Medical, and Aerospace and Defense.

post 5/1/09

Machine Shops Slightly Stronger in March

Lincolnshire, Illinois, April 17, 2009 – "Machine shops’ financial strength and business activity recovered slightly in March while staying close to the lowest level of the last 5 years. The 30 day delinquency rate on machine tool leases is still about one-fourth of the 30 day delinquency rate on home mortgages and one-third of the 30 day delinquency rate on credit cards (Fig. 1). Both indexes were quite strong compared to the March PMI Index of 36.3% and the problems in almost all sections of the economy. "Financial strength is likely to resume its decline due to the cumulative impact of lower sales and difficult collections on machine shop balance sheets. However, there are increasing signs of inventories bottoming and the coming need for industry to start slowly ramping up orders and production," commented Harry Moser, Chairman of Agie Charmilles.

Type of Debt	30 Day Delinquency Rate
Machine Tool Leases	>2^
Home Mortgages	7.88% — 11.18 (incl. in foreclosure)
Credit Cards	5.72%

Figure 1 Mar09

Fig. 1

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index, generated exclusively by Agie Charmilles, was up slightly at 51 in March from 50 in February. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (December 2008). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. Activity was strongest in the West (55) and in EDM Job Shops (54). The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the oldest monthly index of business activity in the U.S. machining industries.

fig 2 Mar09

Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm

The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index, generated by Agie Charmilles based on data provided by USBEF, strengthened to 179 in March 2009, from 147 in February 2009 but was down from 385 in March 2008, but still far above January 2002’s 55, the worst reading on record. The index peaked in mid-2007, approximately when the stock market peaked, and has been generally declining since. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tool users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. In March the 30 day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained much lower than the 4Q08 credit card (5.72% per the Federal Reserve) or the home mortgage delinquency rate (7.88% per the Mortgage Bankers Association). Even the home foreclosure rate of 3.3%, not included in the mortgage delinquency rate, was greater than the machine delinquency rate which includes machines in repossession. As shop profitability rises, liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

The approximately 126,000 U.S. companies that use machine tools have about 2 million machine tools and 750,000 to 1,000,000 directly related employees (toolmakers, machinists, operators, programmers, etc.). Almost all mid-size to large manufacturing companies use, and periodically purchase, or lease, machine tools. Thus, these indices give timely insight into the condition of U.S. manufacturing. The Machining Business Activity Index is a coincident indicator of this key manufacturing sector. The Financial Strength Index lags business activity and leads capital investment.

fig 3 Mar09

About GF AgieCharmilles
GF AgieCharmilles, a Swiss company, is the North American leading supplier of wire EDM, CNC, diesinking and manual EDM systems and high speed/performance and 5-axis CNC milling machines. For more information on the company's products and services, contact Gisbert Ledvon, Agie Charmilles, 560 Bond St., Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, Tel: 1-800-CTC-1EDM. Gisbert.Ledvon@AgieCharmilles.us, Fax: 847-913-5340, or visit www.gfac.com/us.

About US Bancorp Equipment Finance
The Machine Tool Finance Group of US Bancorp Equipment Finance (USBEF) offers manufacturers and vendors, flexible and competitive lease financing for metal cutting, fabrication and plastics and wood manufacturing equipment. As a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, USBEF is one of the largest bank-affiliated equipment finance companies in the nation.

post 3/23/09

March 19, 2009

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By the Obama Administration’s estimate, 70 percent of net new jobs in the last decade were created by small business. With an increasing number of those businesses drowning in the economic tsunami, a lifeline to stimulate lending could be a crucial component leading to recovery. The President’s plan to boost financial backing for small business lending, particularly loans made through the Small Business Administration (SBA), is a commendable step toward that revitalization.

However, more must be done, and be done immediately, to save these businesses and the American workers they employ. Beyond just the added financial backing, relaxing eligibility requirements for SBA 7(a) loans is another important action that policymakers should consider to get small business back on track.

America’s small manufacturers, the lifeblood of our economy, have been particularly hard hit in the current economic downturn. Preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that 168,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in February alone, with the biggest losses coming in metals fabrication (28,000 jobs lost) and machining (25,000 jobs lost). Underlying those overall losses is the small but critical machine tool industry, which supplies the manufacturing technology necessary for producing virtually all manufactured products. Factories could not be modernized, new sources of energy could not be developed and advanced technology vehicles could not be produced without ongoing innovations in this field. Most importantly, the industry is also significant to protecting our national security.

These small manufacturing businesses are historically strong but don’t have the resources to weather the storm without help. If SBA preferred lenders take into account only the past few months’ business performance — as current policy requires — most of these businesses would fail by any credit test. Lenders should instead examine the longer-term financial history of a company when making decisions about whether to approve a loan.

AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which represents America’s manufacturers of next-generation manufacturing technology, recently surveyed its members about how their businesses have been affected by the credit crisis. The results showed that three-quarters of the respondents believe that credit has tightened over the last six months, and as a result more than one-half have altered the way they do business. Additionally, most report that banks have changed their terms of credit, and almost 60 percent of the respondents are or have considered self-financing. It is not an environment that encourages innovation nor is it conducive to global competitiveness. In fact, it is threatening the very survival of these companies. If something is not done immediately and directly, they may not be in business tomorrow.

That is evident from the comments which accompanied many of the survey responses. They paint a bleak picture of desperation — and showed why measures aimed at restarting small business lending are so urgently needed.

“Capital investment in machine tools and equipment has completely stopped,” exclaims an automation equipment manufacturer in Fenton, Mich. “Not slowed down, but stopped. Zero orders.”

“Time is not on our side,” laments another AMT member in Westchester, Ill. “We are desperately searching for a buyer and/or new financing. It seems to me the bank wants to get as much as they can as quickly as they can to satisfy their own agenda.”

AMT members from across the nation weighed in on the harsh realities of their businesses and told stories of jobs about to be lost or already gone, decades-old family businesses shutting down for good, financial fortunes ruined and entrepreneurial dreams dashed. Help is needed urgently to ensure that the once-bright future of our small yet vital manufacturing technology sector is not just a distant memory.

President Obama’s plan to help small business is a good first step toward solving the problem, and it is greatly appreciated. But as the SBA works to implement the plan, it needs to take into account the longer term financial history of the businesses that it is attempting to help, in addition to their assets and order backlog. Such a view would reveal the historical strength of machine tool companies and allow approval and support for companies that desperately need it to weather the current credit crisis.

Ronald Schildge
Chairman of the Board
AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology

post 3/19/09

BREAKING NEWS… WESTEC 2009 will feature over 260 new products and nearly 500 industry leading exhibitors from advanced machine tools, cutting tools and accessories, manufacturing applications, emerging technologies along with highly skilled manufacturing professionals that will provide aggressive ideas and the hottest trends.

WHAT: WESTEC 2009 Advanced Productivity Exposition
Since 1964 WESTEC has been the West Coast manufacturing's ultimate resource for new products and technologies. When numerical control evolved from punched tape to CNC, as robotics and automation helped win the productivity race, and when composite materials found their way into everything from aircraft to consumer goods, West Coast manufacturers first saw them at WESTEC. (www.westeconline.com)

WHERE:           Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles

WHEN:             March 30 – April 2, 2009

Show Hours
Monday, March 30         10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31        10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1        10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 2            10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

HIGHLIGHTS:   SME & NIST/MEP Announcement of New Competitive Manufacturing Toolkit (March 31, 9:30 a.m., WESTEC Technology Theater, Booth 2558)
Manufacturing is vital to America’s future and to reversing the economic crisis. It is the primary source of our nation’s wealth. No other segment of our economy can combine things in a way that the value of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.   This collaborative “Competitive Manufacturing Toolkit” will benefit all manufacturing by bringing a systems integration approach to leadership, problem-solving and many other areas of manufacturing.

Technology Theater (March 30 – April 2, South Hall)
All sessions in the Technology Theater are FREE to WESTEC attendees. Programming will be a combination of live speaker presentations and video screenings of highly acclaimed films on topics aligned with a specific industry. Scheduled topics include:

Automotive After-Market Industry Day (March 30)
·         Applications for Advanced Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Systems in the Automotive Industry
·         Affordable Automation for Small and Medium Facilities
·         Green Lean
·         Lean Automation

Aerospace Industry Day (March 31)
·         Technologies for High Accuracy Machining and Flawless Part Program Verification
·         Accurate, Reliable and Safe, Yet Still Misunderstood - EDM's Role in Aerospace & Defense
·         Forming Reality: The Role of Incremental Simulation from Part Concept to Production
·         Composite Tooling Design

Medical Industry Day (April 1)
·         Medical Applications of Rapid Prototyping
·         Latest Developments in Medical Applications of Rapid Technologies
·         Dentistry in 3D: A New Virtual World of Design and Manufacturing

Workforce Development Day (April 2)
·         Developing California's 21st Century Workforce
·         CA-Employment Training Panel: A Valuable Resource in Tough Times
·         Excellence in Manufacturing Education
·         Innovate: Engineering Change
·         Bold Visions: Women in Science & Technology

Industry Days
The current climate demands efficiency within all areas of business, including networking opportunities, finding new ideas and learning new techniques. Industry Days are designed to help easily identify the best technology or service provider to address industry challenges.

Automotive Aftermarket (March 30)
Aerospace & Defense (March 31)
Medical Manufacturing (April 1)
Student Summit & Workforce Development (April 2)

Workforce Development Program
WESTEC’s "Back-to-Basics" workforce development program will enable attendees to learn about training programs for machinists and manufacturing engineers, evaluate programs on lean manufacturing, high speed machining and more, find certification to upgrade their skills or collaborate with industry experts to develop a customized training program held at your facility. The California Employment Training Panel (CA-ETP) will also be on hand to discuss grants available for employee training.

Career Center & Career Fair
Attendees can post their resumes and explore new career opportunities in manufacturing at the new WESTEC Career Center. A Career Fair also takes place where recruiters and human resource managers will be available.

WESTEC Manufacturing Challenge (March 30)
The WESTEC Manufacturing Challenge is a creative engineering collegiate level manufacturing competition where student club members choose their own manufacturing project. The students then design and build the project for display and evaluation. Any type of engineering principle, concept, or process may be applied in the design and manufacturing of the project entry.

WESTEC Career Days – 2009
The Century Club, in collaboration with regional manufacturers and postsecondary education institutions, invites students and their instructors from a high school manufacturing-related STEM program to participate in WESTEC Career Days where they will have an opportunity to observe demonstrations of some of the world's most sophisticated advanced manufacturing technologies as well as interact with some of the engineers and technicians who design, build, operate and maintain these world-class technologies.

WESTEC Educator Summit VI (April 1, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Concourse Room 403A/B)
Reports by numerous prestigious national and state entities warn that our economy and competitive position in the global economy are threatened by a looming workforce gap. This is an issue of vital concern to California as a skilled, well-educated workforce is the life blood of its innovative, technology-driven economy. The Educator Summit VI will showcase some of the exemplary educational programs successfully preparing high school students for jobs and for further career preparation at the post-secondary level.

post 3/19/09

NEW COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING TOOLKIT TO BE LAUNCHED AT WESTEC
SME & NIST/MEP Help Manufacturers Innovate, Compete and Succeed

DEARBORN, Mich., March 17, 2009

WHO: The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (A Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce)

WHAT: Announcement of a “Competitive Manufacturing Toolkit” to increase profit and productivity in the U.S. manufacturing sector. The “Competitive Manufacturing Toolkit” will:

• Support small to medium manufacturers in product innovation and the development of new technologies, products and processes

• Provide inventors and manufacturers with a mechanism and structure to bring their innovative ideas to commercialization

• Provide opportunities for manufacturers to get the tools and training to support lean, innovative and sustainable products and processes – at minimal cost to them

• Help manufacturers transition to “green economy” by becoming sustainable themselves

WHERE: WESTEC Technology Theater, Booth 2558, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center — Pre-Registration is Recommended.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 — 9:30 a.m.
Light refreshments will be served

WHY: Manufacturing is vital to America’s future and to reversing the economic crisis. Yet manufacturing was left out of the recent Stimulus Package. It is the primary source of our nation’s wealth. No other segment of our economy can combine things in a way that the value of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

This collaborative “Competitive Manufacturing Toolkit” will benefit all manufacturing by bringing a systems integration approach to leadership, problem-solving and many other areas of manufacturing.

Manufacturing is about being green and sustainable. The “Competitive Manufacturing Toolkit” will help manufacturers eliminate waste in process and resources, reducing costs while saving the planet.

ABOUT WESTEC:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) hosts WESTEC 2009 Exposition, March 30-April 2, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This largest annual machine tool and manufacturing event in North America, is co-sponsored by the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA) and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). In its 45-year history, WESTEC has become the event West Coast manufacturers count on for both technology and professional advancement. More than 20,000 aerospace, defense, medical device and other manufacturing professionals are expected to attend this year’s event.

WESTEC Expo Show Hours: (Media Center opens one hour prior to show)
Monday, March 30       10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1     10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 2        10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

post 3/19/09

SME Unveils annual Innovations That Could change the way you manufacture LIST
The List features Radical and Revolutionary Innovations Available Now

DEARBORN, Mich., March 16, 2009 — Innovation is the new buzzword and, some would say, the tech media darling for fixing the economy. It’s a hot topic found on many major news sites, in newspapers and on television news. President Obama recently touted the term “innovation economy” as a path to the nation’s financial recovery. To keep the manufacturing and the larger community well informed about what’s radical and revolutionary in innovation, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announces its annual Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture.

“The fundamental difference between this list and others is that these innovations are available now. There’s no waiting needed,” says Cindy Skelton-Becker, chair of SME’s Manufacturing Enterprise Council (MEC), which selected this year’s innovations.

They are:
? High-Speed Sintering
? Buckypaper
? Synthetic Gecko Tape
? Micro-Laser-Assisted Machining
? Wireless Power Transfer
? Personal Fabrication

Complementing this year’s list is also the 2009 Tech Watch List featuring self-healing polymers and liquid lens imaging. Self-healing polymers have the capability of repairing themselves after damage, while liquid lens imaging captures 250 pictures per second and could revolutionize how cell phones and automobiles are made.

“We chose all of these technologies based on usability across manufacturing industries, positive impact on manufacturing and their overall availability of use right now,” says Skelton-Becker, who is senior manager, finish aftermarket group, for the Nordson Corp.

“High-speed sintering made the Innovations list because it promises to dramatically speed up the additive manufacturing process to the point where it’s even more compelling to consider for production applications,” she adds.

Buckypaper, or a thin sheet made from tiny nanotubes, is already showing promise as a material in building aerospace vehicles and body armor.

Synthetic gecko tape borrows from the animal kingdom to create an adhesive which can support higher shear stress (36 N/cm2), eliminating the need for high-heat soldering. Synthetic gecko tape will soon be used to create new and lighter materials.

Beyond materials like gecko tape or buckypaper, processes like micro-laser-assisted machining will also revolutionize manufacturing because materials that were previously impossible to machine can now be done with absolute precision.

While high-speed sintering or micro-laser-assisted machining will change how they get things done on the shop floor, the last two innovations — wireless power transfer and personal fabrication — will present revolutionary changes for not only manufacturers but also for the everyday consumer.

“For manufacturers, wireless power transfer will completely change the way large machines and complex products like cars and planes are designed and built. And for the consumer, it will make it possible for small electronics and other products to draw power from one central, wireless source. Imagine never having to plug in to recharge your cell phone, iPod or laptop again,” says Skelton-Becker.

Also in the near future, personal fabrication will make prototyping and manufacturing easier, from the shop floor to the consumer. “It differs from traditional forms of additive manufacturing because it’s affordable for use anywhere, whether it’s a company, school, or individual,” explains Terry Wohlers, FSME, a member of the MEC, a foremost expert on additive manufacturing technology and president of Wohlers Associates Inc.

“The idea of personal fabrication will allow almost anyone to make almost anything anywhere,” adds Wohlers. “It will forever change the way we view manufacturing.”

Each of these six innovations will be showcased at the upcoming 2009 SME Annual Conference set for June 6-9, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia. The SME Annual Conference will bring together members, renowned industry leaders, innovators and manufacturing professionals to share ideas and best practices and explore advancements. Highlights from the event also include a keynote address from innovation expert, Doug Hall of Eureka! Ranch, industry-centered trends and development workshops as well as the SME International Honor Awards Gala & Reception.

For the most comprehensive information about the 2009 Annual Conference or to register, please visit www.sme.org/conference.

post 3/19/09

Gene Haas Foundation Funds Machining Technology Scholarships
Students pursuing careers in machining technology can access scholarships available through the SME Education Foundation, thanks to funding from the Gene Haas Foundation.

DEARBORN, Mich., March 19, 2009 – The Gene Haas Foundation has provided a $200,000 grant to the SME Education Foundation to help qualified students interested in machine operation and maintenance coursework take advantage of their Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship.

High school seniors, graduates or GED recipients will be eligible for the one-year Gene Haas Foundation Machining Technology Scholarship, which will range from $1,000 to $5,000 for each awarded scholarship. Applicants may access the scholarship application by clicking here and submitting it to the SME Education Foundation for processing.

Peter Zierhut, director of public relations, Haas Automation, Inc., knows employers value the wide-ranging skills of machinists in manufacturing industries. Says Zierhut, “Manufacturers and job shops nationwide have struggled for years to find well-trained machinists, especially those with CNC skills. We believe it is the responsibility of businesses like Haas Automation to ensure that students have the funds to attend quality training programs. The scholarships provided by the Gene Haas Foundation help make that a reality. Our long-term goal is to help ensure a good supply of highly-skilled workers.”

The scholarships complement the work being done through the Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC). Its network leverages the technologies and capabilities of Haas Automation and partners with industry, schools and professional societies to ensure qualified learning institutes receive support and are able to provide the highest quality manufacturing education possible. As of June 2008, the HTEC network included 724 schools, colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

The SME Education Foundation will draw from a national network of students participating in its Gateway Academy pre-engineering programs offered at more than 3,000 middle and high schools. Its curriculum is the result of a partnership with Project Lead The Way®, a nonprofit organization that offers math, engineering, science and technology curriculum in middle and high school.

Says Bart Aslin, director of the SME Education Foundation, “The generous support of the Gene Haas Foundation allows the SME Education Foundation to offer Gene Haas Machining Technology Scholarships to talented students with the ultimate goal of preparing them for what we all know will be a restructured workforce.”

About the Gene Haas Foundation:
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, founder and president of Haas Automation, Inc., the largest machine tool manufacturer in the United States. One of the primary goals of the Gene Haas Foundation is to provide financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing-based careers. Scholarship programs are available through career centers, technical schools, community colleges and universities.

Gene Haas recognizes the future of manufacturing in the United States is directly dependent on the availability of skilled workers. That future hinges on recruiting more students and developing quality training programs across the country. The Gene Haas Foundation funding goes directly to those training programs to attract prospective students.

About Project Lead The Way (PLTW):
Project Lead The Way® is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system. Visit www.pltw.org.

About the Gateway Academy:
The concept of the Gateway Academy was created in a partnership between the SME Education Foundation and Project Lead the Way®, a not-for-profit organization that promotes engineering courses for middle and high school students. In 2008, the SME Education Foundation held 170 Gateway Academies and reached over 3,000 students in 25 states. Their goal is to increase to 220 Gateway Academies by 2010.

post 3/12/09

President Obama Proposes Making the R&D (R&E) Tax Credit Permanent

In an effort to spur innovation and stimulate an increase of jobs in the US, President Obama has included the cost of making the R&D (R&E) Tax Credit permanent in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010.

Currently the credit needs to be approved and extended yearly. In fact, in late October 2008, the R&D Tax Credit was approved retroactively for 2008 and extended through 2009 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

Background about the R&D Tax Credit
The Research and Development (R&D) tax credit was created by Congress as part of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to encourage American industry to invest in research and development activities. The purpose of the credit was to stimulate R&D activities among businesses through tax incentives. However, due to the stringent requirements that existed under the provisions of the Credit, a vast majority of the small to mid-size companies were unable to reap the substantial benefits of the R&D credit.

Changes Enable SMBs to Benefit from R&D Tax Credit
Realizing that a majority of innovation in the U.S. was in fact transpiring from these small to mid-size firms, Congress in 2001 liberalized the statutory requirements to enable small and mid-size companies (SMBs) across the country to take advantage of the R&D benefits.

Specifically, the new regulations provided that companies were no longer required to maintain precise timesheets documenting every hour an employee spent conducting qualified R&D activities. Furthermore, the research no longer had to result in a product that was new to the industry; instead, the resulting product or process simply had to be new to the company that developed it.

These changes substantially increased the number of companies taking the credit. Additionally, for those companies that had not taken the credit, they can go back 3 open tax years and receive a refund from the IRS.

The following industries have benefited from taking the R&D Tax Credit:

·         Manufacturing
·         Fabrication
·         Engineering
·         Software Development
·         Architecture
·         Tool and Die Machine Shops
·         Electronics
·         Biotechnology
·         Pharmaceutical
·         Food Sciences & Agro-Business

Examples of Benefits
Here are a few examples of companies and their Net R&D Tax Credit:

1)     Tool & Die Shop
a.      Average 4 year payroll of $3.5 Million
b.      Net Credit Benefit for 2004 thru 2007 tax years : $200,000

2)     Foam Products Manufacturer
a.      Average 4 Year Payroll of $19.5 Million
b.      Net Credit Benefit for 2004 thru 2007 tax years: $1,200,000

3)     Software Company
a.      Average 4 Year Payroll of $6.5 Million
b.      Net Credit Benefit for 2004 thru 2007 tax years: $500,000

4)     Custom Plastics Products Manufacturer
a.      Average 4 Year Payroll of $11.5 Million
b.      Net Credit Benefit for 2004 thru 2007 tax years: $700,000

As you can see the R&D Tax Credit can be substantial for small and mid-size companies especially if you consider what revenue might be required to generate an equivalent profit.

How the Economy Will Benefit
It is very natural that the credit become permanent based on President Obama's continued assertion that technical innovation is a way to create more jobs immediately and in the long term and also to allow us to compete globally.

In general the jobs that are created from these types of activities are high paying jobs and the workers will be here in the US.

How Can Your Company Benefit
For those companies already taking the credit, it will help in budgeting and planning their employee levels from year to year knowing that the credit will be available for the coming year.

For those companies that have not taken the credit, this is an opportunity to get a cash refund from the IRS for overpaying taxes the 3 previous years. It does not matter if you are going to be profitable this year or not, you can still take advantage of the incentive if you were profitable and paying taxes in the 3 previous years. And if you are profitable this year, you take a dollar for dollar reduction in your current year tax liability.

Summary
The 2010 budget needs to be approved by April 15 so our hope is that it will be passed and include making the R&D Tax Credit permanent. This incentive will help increase employment in the short and long term with high paying American jobs and help companies that have not taken the credit receive a well needed cash refund from the IRS to invest in improving or expanding their business during these tough economic times.

###

About the Authors:
The authors are Karim Solanji, J.D., a Director with Paradigm Partners and Mark Lauber, VP of Marketing at Paradigm Partners. Paradigm Partners is a national tax consulting firm specializing in the R&D Tax Credit. Mark's email is MLauber@ParadigmLP.com and his phone number is (281) 558-7100 X-105. Our website is www.ParadigmLP.com.

post 3/10/09

Confidence of Small Manufacturing Companies Higher Than the General United States Outlook
During the Fourth Quarter; Improves From Second Quarter

Buffalo Grove, IL- The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) Manufacturing Industry Small Business Confidence Index (M-SBCI) increased to 39 during the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of seven points from the 32 recorded in the second quarter of 2008.

Two major indicators contributed to the increase in the index including an improved outlook for the general economy and increased hiring expectations, according to the report co-sponsored by IPA.

The poll of owners and managers of manufacturing companies indicated that 42% are expecting the outlook for the general economy to improve over the next 12 months. 36% of the same group said they expect to increase hiring during the coming 12 months, verses 27% who predicted revenue increases during the second quarter of 2008.

In regard to the third major indicator of confidence, revenue expectations, 39% of the respondents said they expect an increase in revenues throughout the course of the next 12 months.

The fourth quarter's manufacturing industry confidence index of 39 is three points higher than 36 reported for all U.S. small businesses.

The quarterly report also indicated 71% of the responding businesses said they have been a customer or client of their principal lender for five years or more. 42% of those that have been with their bank for an extended period of time have reported their relationship is "excellent." Within the next year, 26% will request to increase their lines of credit, 15% will request a decrease and 59% expect their lines of credit to remain the same. 33% find access to credit more difficult.

More than 500 small business owners participated in the nationwide poll. The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the United States. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted quarterly.

The Small Business Research Board ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. The SBRB conducts these studies for the benefit of small business owners and managers. The SBRB also provides opportunities for third parties to gain real time insight into the attitudes of small businesses nationwide through the independently conducted research.

More information can be found at www.ipasbrb.net.

IPA provides directly, or through its affiliated companies, a comprehensive array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in the United States and Canada. More information about IPA can be found at www.ipa-c.com.

# # #

post 3/9/09

HELLER Invests and Grows in Oakland County, Michigan

Oakland County, Michigan—March 4 – HELLER Machine Tools, located in Troy, announced a major order from PACCAR for a flexible machining system to produce that company’s first U.S.-made large diesel engine. The complete system will be designed and built at Heller’s facilities in Troy and Nürtingen. PACCAR is partnering with HELLER because of its global experience in providing turnkey machining systems for heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers.

The PACCAR turnkey system, to be installed in a plant in Mississippi, will include more than 40 computer-controlled (CNC) machining centers, part handling automation, wash, deburr, and pre-assembly equipment.

“Managing the design, engineering, machine building, integration and installation of these complex system components is a key HELLER competency, and has earned the company business in Europe, Asia, and South America as well as North America,” said Robert Pelachyk, HELLER CEO.

Heller Machine Tools is increasingly utilizing its US operation to manufacture its advanced CNC machines in the United States, according to company management, and has become the largest manufacturer of horizontal machining centers for heavy-duty production in the United States.

The extent to which Heller is handling the system design and build is unprecedented for the company. Currently on the assembly floor at the 100,000 sq ft Troy, Michigan, facility is phase 1 of a turnkey flexible manufacturing system for heavy-duty diesel engines. Backing this initiative is Heller’s investment in R&D--more than $30 million in new product development over the last few years which includes a line of large machining centers for large part, high precision machining to be introduced next year.

“The German parent of Heller Machine Tools, Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Nürtingen, recognized the advantages to building in the North American market, and the decision is paying off for the company,” said Pelachyk. He pointed out that Heller saw that building in North America helps keep its costs competitive, and reduces shipping cost and shortens delivery times. Heller GmbH, Nürtingen, Germany, is one of the largest machine tool builders in the world and a chief supplier to the motorized vehicle industry worldwide.

HELLER US in 2008 assembled more than 60 of its advanced, large capacity horizontal machining centers used by automotive suppliers and powertrain manufacturers to produce key components.

Boost to skilled employment
The result of this initiative at Heller is to create employment and value in the United States rather than simply assembling machining centers from elsewhere. Last year, skilled people were added in tool and fixture design, controls design, and assembly in addition to the supplier network.

Heller created more than 35 jobs in Troy in 2008, utilizing manpower agencies and suppliers. Working with local universities and colleges, Heller has also started an apprenticeship process to help create the next generation of machine tool employees. Currently, 6 persons are enrolled and are being rotated through several different departments at the company. Part of the goal of the program also is to introduce young people to an industry that relies on advanced technology and computer-aided engineering.

The company is also getting support from the local county government and Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, designed to drive growth and economic development through a focus on workforce and business development initiatives. Automation Alley attracts the creators and consumers of diverse technologies from a variety of industries around the world. The Automation Alley area in Southeast Michigan, is home to more than 311,000 technology workers and 7,300 technology businesses.

“The fact that an American company is building high-value products here in Oakland County provides a big boost to the local economy when we really need it,” said L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, on a visit to the Heller facility. Patterson is also the originator of the Automation Alley concept.

post 2/27/09

CURRENT RECESSION LESS ‘PAINFUL’ THAN PRIOR DOWNTURNS,
SAYS ECONOMIST FROM MANUFACTURING SECTOR
Predicts Recession Will Ease Later in Year

ROCKFORD, ILL., February 27 – Contrary to many economists’ declarations, the current recession is not worse than those endured in the past four decades and should begin to ease in the latter part of the year, says the economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA).
            “Unless the current doom and gloom becomes something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, the recession is on a par with past downturns and real improvement will start to manifest itself in 2010,” says Dr. Chris Kuehl in the latest FMA economic update newsletter Fabrinomics.
Kuehl bases his assertions on how the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines recessions. “The NBER has a reputation as being pretty conservative and reacts to factors beyond GDP to declare a recession,” Kuehl says. “It uses six criteria to determine when a recession has started and when it ends. These are GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, wholesale sales and retail sales.”
            After an analysis by Kuehl of government charts that track GDP, income, unemployment and production since 1970, he concludes, “It is pretty apparent the recession of 2008-09 is not worse than those in the past four decades. In fact, the recessions of the 1970s and 1980s were arguably more painful on almost every level.
            “For example, real GDP dipped lower in 1975 and 1980, and unemployment rates were higher in 1981-82,” he adds. “The statistics also show that although this is no shallow and unimportant recession, it isn't the worst we have been through – not by a long shot.” (Data on wholesale and retail trade were not collected in a uniform manner before 1995, so comparisons between now and the '70s and '80s are not possible.)
            Kuehl acknowledges many U.S. businesses are suffering despite the numbers.
“To those who are frantically trying to hold their business together, the recession is as bad as it gets,” he says. “But for those who are trying to decide how radical they need to get to protect their business, a realistic assessment is needed. At this stage, the recession is on a par with what has been endured previously, which means it can and will be survived.
“The strategy now should be to hunker down and wait out the downturn – without taking steps that gut a company's ability to react to the turnaround,” Kuehl says. “This means hanging on to valued employees who soon will be needed again. It means making those investments in capital goods that keep a company competitive, and it means staying true to strategic goals in marketing.
“If this is a normal recession people can overcome, a wait-and-see attitude is more palatable than if the conclusion is that we are facing the end of the economic world. According to the numbers, we are not facing the latter situation.”

Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show. FMA also has a technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating.

post 2/24/09

DURING TOUGH TIMES, SME BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MANUFACTURERS
Discounted Rate Offered for Displaced Workers

DEARBORN, Mich., February 23, 2009 -- While the federal stimulus package was working its way through Congress, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME) Board of Directors met for their first quarter meeting at the Mori Seiki University facility in Rolling Meadows, Ill., to discuss the state of the economy and how SME can best support its members and the manufacturing industry.

“Our consensus is that manufacturers are facing an extended period of time before things get better and our members are being affected by cost cutting and retrenchments,” said Richard W. Shoemaker, FSME, 2009 president of the Society and the president/CEO of Concrete Technologies Worldwide. “SME has its own economic reality but the Board is standing behind its mission and will find ways to support the manufacturing community.”

So SME's Board, which consists of industry leaders and premier educators, approved a specially discounted membership rate for those displaced workers in particular need of SME’s products, services and networking. Unemployed manufacturing professionals can apply for membership with full benefits by contacting SME for a special $30 rate for a six month membership. If still unemployed after that time a subsequent request may be made.

“Providing access to our products, services and knowledge is one of the ways SME can help get manufacturing practitioners back into the workplace,” said Shoemaker.

SME Board members want to encourage manufacturing professionals to take advantage of all the Society has to offer. “Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to meet with your peers, to discover manufacturing techniques that can save you money, upgrade your skills or even to find a new job, SME has tools to help you through this difficult time,” said Shoemaker. SME members can connect to other professionals via their local chapters, technical communities, Lean Registry, at conferences and events.

The SME Board was encouraged by Congressional debate on training and workforce development. “As the premier source for manufacturing knowledge and education, SME and the SME Education Foundation are pleased to see attention focused on education and worker training,” said Shoemaker. “We are hopeful for a speedy recovery but also prepared to aide and add value to our membership through this crisis.”

To apply for the displaced worker membership rate, contact SME at 1.800.733.4763 or at service@sme.org. This rate is available to new and renewing memberships only.

post 2/23/09

JOHN RATZENBERGER’S NUTS, BOLTS & THINGAMAJIGS FOUNDATION TO JOIN FORCES WITH
FABRICATORS & MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION TO REACH AMERICA’S FUTURE ‘TINKERERS’

Foundations Encourage America’s Youth to Enter Careers in Manufacturing

ROCKFORD, Ill., Feb. 20, 2009 – A new entity dedicated to inspiring America’s youth to consider careers in manufacturing and respond to a growing need in this country has been created through the partnership of two leading foundations.

Founded by actor, director and producer John Ratzenberger, the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation (NBTF) is joining forces with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation to create one charitable organization called Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, The Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (NBT). The foundation will be based in Rockford, Ill., the headquarters for FMA.

The dynamic initiative allows NBT to broaden operations and increase charitable activities that include providing grants to educational institutions offering manufacturing camps and awarding scholarships to students pursuing manufacturing careers.

Former FMA Foundation executives Gerald Shankel and Terrence Egan will direct the new organization, serving as president and director, respectively, and John Ratzenberger will continue to serve on the governing board and lead the Foundation’s national public policy and media campaigns.

“This partnership combines John Ratzenberger’s voice and passion on an issue so dear to his heart with FMA’s infrastructure and resources to spread the message that manufacturing is a viable career option,” said Shankel. “We will be even more effective working together to spark interest among young people in the industry and help revitalize the future of manufacturing in America.”

“As a champion of manufacturing, John Ratzenberger will have a great impact on fostering media coverage on this quest and help us spread the word that it’s honorable to work with your hands,” said Egan. “The focus is on inspiring young people to ultimately explore the manufacturing career path by getting them to tinker, fix and make stuff, and dream about inventing things. The groundwork we’ve laid and the programs we’ve implemented in the past will continue to be the core of our work.”

Ratzenberger will contribute his extensive experience with American manufacturers and valuable relationships in the entertainment, political, social and corporate arenas.

“I can think of no enterprise more worthy than one devoted to inspiring the next generation of engineers, builders and manufacturers,” said Ratzenberger. “I am proud to join forces with FMA and know that with each child who attends one of our camps or receives one of our scholarships, we are rebuilding America’s foundation one tinkerer at a time.

“We must encourage kids when they graduate from high school to consider manufacturing as a career,” added Ratzenberger. “Part of the problem is the media and Hollywood often portray manufacturing and anyone who works with their hands in a poor light. But the industrial arts have always taken precedence over the fine arts … remember, someone had to build the ceiling before Michelangelo could go to work. We need to do better at informing the next generation and their parents that working a skilled job with your hands can be rewarding financially and fulfilling personally.”

The new organization will feature an 18-member board of directors; six members from the former NBTF will join the 12 former FMA Foundation board members.

Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs: The Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl., offers grants to not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions introducing young people to metal forming and fabricating careers in manufacturing, provides funding to organizations starting or expanding manufacturing camps for youth, and issues scholarships to students at colleges and trade schools pursuing careers in manufacturing. More information on NBT is available by visiting www.NutsAndBoltsFoundation.org.

BREAKING NEWS…
HOUSTEX Exhibit Space is Sold Out and Pre-Registration Attendance Figures Are Higher Than 2007!
Nearly 190 industry-leading exhibitors occupying nearly 50,000 square feet will be in attendance at the show with more than 60 of them demonstrating new products.

HOUSTEX is Houston’s longest running machine tool and manufacturing show. Since 1976, this event has been delivering the latest technologies, services, and solutions manufacturers need to increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce overhead. Attendees can discover advanced machine tools, cutting-edge production systems, and pioneering technology applications in every aisle. Meet face-to-face with industry-leading exhibitors with solutions to manufacturing production challenges.

www.houstexonline.com

WHERE:
George R Brown Convention Center
Houston, TX

WHEN:
February 24-26, 2009

Show Hours
Tuesday, February 24
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 26
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

post 2/17/09

CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY THE FOCUS FOR 500 STUDENTS AT EASTEC
Day long program features design completion and access to $600,000 in scholarships

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (2/12/09) Manufacturers will need to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next decade. An aging workforce expected to retire during that period will open the doors to stable, good paying jobs for vocational school, community college, and on the job training program graduates.

Students and teachers can learn more about these opportunities through EASTEC and its Careers In Technology Program. Registration for the free May 21st day-long program has already started and is open to students and teachers in grades 8-12. Careers In Technology is expected to attract over 500 students who will be able to tour the exhibits, talk to manufacturers, and participate in a design competition.

“At EASTEC, our students can see the newest, most sophisticated manufacturing equipment and tooling in the world,” notes David Cruise Director of Business & Employment Services at the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. “It gets them excited about careers in manufacturing.”

The “Model Mania,” design competition allows students to test their skills by creating a 3-dimensional model in 20 minutes. Participating students receive a free Design Competition Kit containing SolidWorks Software with a 150-day license, practice exercises, and access to online tutorials. SolidWorks donates the software each year and their staff volunteers to manage the competition. There is also approximately $600,000 in scholarship assistance available through EASTEC sponsor, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

post 2/17/09

WESTEC OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO MANUFACTURERS
DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES

Los Angeles, CA — More than 20,000 manufacturers looking for solutions during these uncertain economic times will be gathering at the 2009 WESTEC Exposition, March 30-April 2 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The largest annual machine tools and advanced manufacturing event in North America, WESTEC is a launching ground for the latest trends, technologies and resources for manufacturers helping them improve efficiency, increase profitably and ensure their long-term success. This 46th annual event will feature more than 280 new products, 500 exhibitors, showcasing 6 million pounds of state-of-the-art equipment, representing more than 30 different technologies, such as advances in high speed machining, cutting and tooling, laser systems, welding robotics and automation, as well as manufacturing technology application and solutions. This year’s theme is “The Pulse of Manufacturing.
“In this uncertain economy, it’s more important than ever for manufacturers to attend an event like WESTEC,” says John Catalano, Group Manager of Expositions and Operations for the non-profit Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) that produces WESTEC each year. “Whether they run a small job shop or a large production facility, manufacturers need to know what’s available to them to help them succeed. WESTEC presents them with solutions.”

Catalano reports that that pre-registered attendance for WESTEC is up more than 30 percent over last year. “This is the highest rate in nine years with many of these being first time attendees. It shows a great interest by businesses to stay competitive in today’s economic climate.”

Attendees for WESTEC are typically from a wide range of businesses and industries. Thirty-four percent identify themselves as business owners or executives; fifty-four percent are from small job shops; and forty-eight percent have equipment budgets in excess of $50,000.

“As the aerospace and defense, medical manufacturing and automotive aftermarket industries represent the strength of West Coast manufacturing, WESTEC will showcase these industries with specifically-dedicated ‘Industry Days,’” adds Catalano. These new industry day presentations will be free to all attendees. The expo also addresses the energy, electronic and consumer products industries.

Jack Kyser, Founding Economist of the Kyser Center for Economic Research at the LAEDC, says, “Manufacturing in the six-county Southern California area experienced a difficult environment in 2008. Overall, manufacturing employment in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside/San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties declined by 35,000 jobs from 2007 to 2008 to an annual average of 864,700 jobs. This still represents one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing activity of any where in the nation.”

“Because Los Angeles employs more people in manufacturing than any other county in the entire United States,” adds Catalano, “Southern California manufacturers count on WESTEC not just for the latest technology, but for professional advancement as well.” WESTEC is offering free educational programs on workforce development, including sessions by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the California Employment Training Panel (CA-ETP), and the Haas Technical Education Center (HTEC).

This year, WESTEC also brings back its Back-to-Basics program offering pathways to manufacturing careers. Back-to-Basics aims to attract and engage a diversified audience composed of women, new immigrants, displaced workers, non-college bound youth, and the existing workforce searching for re-training opportunities.

Alongside the workshops will be participation of various schools, community colleges, training centers and institutions in California offering courses and careers in manufacturing and engineering from which attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways to manufacturing. The program will also include a career center for manufacturing companies and employers to conduct on-site interviews and job placements.

Manufacturing is so important in America, it was even mentioned in newly-elected President Obama’s inaugural address, when he said, “We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.”

For more information about the event, or to register online in advance for free, visit www.WestecOnline.com or call 800-733-4763.

post 2/12/09

5 ‘GO BRENNAN’ SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS SEEKING CAREERS IN MANUFACTURING NOW AVAILABLE VIA YOUTUBE PROMOTION
Video Applications for FMA Foundation/Solidworks Program Accepted Through April 3

ROCKFORD, Ill., Feb. 11, 2009 – It’s “lap three” for teen race car driver Brennan Palmiter’s “Go-Brennan” YouTube Scholarship promotion that offers up to 25 scholarships of $500 each to students seeking careers in manufacturing.

Sponsored by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation and SolidWorks Corporation, the “GO-Brennan” Scholarships are tied to FMA’s sponsorship of 17-year-old stock car driver Palmiter’s 2009 racing season. Palmiter is proficient in four types of welding, a skill he uses to motivate other young people to consider the industrial trades as a career choice.

Palmiter appears in a clever, engaging four-minute video on YouTube inviting high school, trade school and college students to apply for the scholarships by posting their own video. In the video, Palmiter states, “Make it a mission to claim your tuition and gear up for a great career in manufacturing.”
To qualify for the competition, students must plan to attend a trade school or two-year community college this fall for classes in welding or other metal fabricating processes. To enter, students simply make a one-minute video explaining why they want to be in manufacturing, what career they seek, and where they plan to attend school. They also are encouraged to include footage of themselves welding or building with metal. The deadline to post videos is April 3 and winners will be notified by April 20.

In addition to the monetary prize, each scholarship winner will receive the full licensed version of the SolidWorks® Student Design Kit CAD software, a Windows-based CAD application that gives students the ability to create “real-life” 3D designs, and a VISTA® auto-darkening welding helmet courtesy of The Lincoln Electric Company.

“We are pleased to again offer the ‘Go Brennan’ scholarship promotion to students seeking to advance their metal fabricating skills at their local trade school or community college next fall,” said Terrence Egan, director of the FMA Foundation. “We look forward to seeing all of the applicants’ video testimonials of why they seek careers in manufacturing.
Palmiter adds that there is a need now for between 25,000 and 50,000 welders and because the average age of welders is 54 there will be many career opportunities in the field.

“It is important to reach the younger generation about these opportunities to help alleviate the nationwide shortage in skilled labor that this country is experiencing and revitalize the future of manufacturing in America,” added Egan.

More information on the FMA Foundation and a link to Brennan Palmiter’s YouTube video are available at www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/.

post 1/29/09

‘I WANT TO BE A WELDER WHEN I GROW UP’
Widespread Efforts Promote Manufacturing as Viable Career Choice

ROCKFORD, ILL., January 29 – There is a burgeoning movement to motivate students in America to consider careers in the unlikeliest of places – the factory floor.
          Even in the face of job cuts amid the current economic turbulence, U.S. manufacturers have great concern about the growing shortage of young skilled labor needed to make products used in industries ranging from aerospace and medical devices to alternative energy and infrastructure improvements, according to industry experts.
          Those heralding the cause include leading trade associations, regional economic development groups, TV personalities such as Jay Leno and John Ratzenberger, and even a teenage race car driver.
“Although there have been significant job losses in certain industries and regions, many areas of the country are clamoring for skilled employees,” said Mark Tomlinson, executive director and general manager for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. “In Texas, the oil and gas industry has created a thriving manufacturing community. Parts of the Southeast have seen tremendous growth in several segments.”
          A recent poll conducted by sponsors of the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show revealed executives cited the lack of employee skills as a leading obstacle to growth.
          “That supports what we’ve heard for a couple of years from leaders in the metal forming, fabricating and welding industries. They report their biggest challenge today is finding skilled workers, especially young people, who have the knowledge to handle the increasingly sophisticated tasks required in manufacturing,” said Jerry Shankel, president and CEO of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA). “For example, we are using laser light to cut metal now, and it requires a person proficient in math and science skills.”
The outreach to students and educators is taking two parallel tracks in response to the challenge. One dispels the negative image many have of factories as dark, dingy and dangerous, and such work as unfulfilling. The second highlights the chance to use fun, high-tech, computer skills and the opportunity to secure a career that pays well and offers advancement.
          “Part of the problem is the media and Hollywood, who often portray manufacturing in a poor light, denigrating anyone who works with their hands,” said actor John Ratzenberger, star of the comedy “Cheers,” host of the factory-focused Travel Channel show “John Ratzenberger’s Made in America” and founder of the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation (NBT) that encourages young people to consider careers in manufacturing.
          “The manufacturing community must do a better job informing children that working in a factory is rewarding both personally and financially,” said Ratzenbeger. “It all starts with getting young people to take pride in tinkering and inspiring them to work with both their hands and their minds.”
          Many agree with Ratzenberger. “The image of manufacturing is still very much misunderstood; people, particularly young people, believe that we have the manufacturing plants of the 1950s and ’60s,” Dr. G. Edward Hughes, president and CEO of Gateway Community and Technical College in Edgewood, Ky., recently said in a Cincinnati newspaper interview.
A report from the U.S. Department of Labor also noted, “Popular perceptions of manufacturing jobs as dark, dangerous and dirty are largely outdated as advanced robotics and other ‘intelligent’ systems become pervasive throughout the manufacturing process.”
Combating this image and shining a spotlight on the career opportunities in manufacturing now represent missions of more and more organizations, whether these are grassroots or national efforts. Here are just a few of the hundreds of initiatives taking place across America:
          • The Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network sponsors videos shown in seven Ohio high schools that illustrate why manufacturing is a good career choice. A recent program on welding even featured Jay Leno, who extolled the virtues of the welders who restore his prized autos.
          • Two business groups in Manitowoc County, Wis., sponsor “Project Mini-Chopper” that showcases career opportunities by giving students real-life experiences with manufacturing. Student groups actually build motorcycles as school projects.
          • Ratzenberger’s NBT offers more real-life manufacturing experiences by issuing grants to educational and not-for-profit institutions that conduct summer manufacturing camps for kids with courses that focus on designing and building things. “The camps give the kids a tangible experience to make something they can be proud of and take home,” said Ratzenberger. “I can think of no enterprise more worthy than one devoted to inspiring the next generation of engineers, builders and manufacturers.”
          • The OSU-Okmulgee MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, Okla., conducts a two-day program called, “All About Manufacturing,” that targets K-12 educators and teaches them about manufacturing as a career choice – knowledge they can pass on to their students.
          • FMA is now in its second year of featuring Florida teenage race car driver and welder Brennan Palmiter in efforts to reach young people. Initiatives include the “GO Brennan” scholarship program in which students apply by posting videos on YouTube, and a “Be True to Your School” program tied to FMA magazine Practical Welding today that has Palmiter visiting schools accompanied by his race car, to talk about welding, racing and manufacturing. “It’s important that people my age realize there are opportunities in the manufacturing field for them to pursue,” Palmiter said.
          “If parents and teachers don’t have personal experience in today’s manufacturing, they can’t guide their children with accurate opinions and information about manufacturing careers,” said Pat Lee, FMA public relations director and a member of the Rockford, Ill., Chamber of Commerce Manufacturers Council. “That’s why our Council compiled a web resource on manufacturing careers and provided it to the local high school district. The district then created a web page on its site that is visited regularly by both students and parents.”
          FMA’s Shankel sees this movement is starting to change the nation’s mindset on
manufacturing. “So many organizations now are committed to make this happen and we’re beginning to see results. Applications for our scholarships have reached record levels. Educators are paying attention. And, young people are flocking to manufacturing camps.
    “Positioning industrial jobs as desirable and rewarding will fulfill specific needs of manufacturers and, without question, strengthen our economy,” he said.
Based in Rockford, Ill., Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry through technology councils, educational programs, networking events and the FABTECH International® & AWS Welding Show. FMA also has a technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating.

post 1/21/09

EASTEC Features East Coast Manufacturing Innovations on 30th Anniversary

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, January 21, 2009 - Manufacturing on the East Coast is alive and well and EASTEC serves as proof. The largest annual manufacturing event on the East Coast, EASTEC will celebrate its 30-year anniversary on May 19th-21st at the Eastern States Exhibition Center in West Springfield, MA. The three-day event will draw approximately 14,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors.

EASTEC is spread over 160,000 square feet of space and consists of five technology-focused areas: Precision Manufacturing Equipment and Systems; Automation, Supply Chain and Process Improvement; Plant, Energy, and Environmental Efficiency; Design Engineering and Rapid Technologies; Tooling, Workholding, and Machining Accessories. New Resource Centers will provide attendees with access to experts on Lean & Green, Energy, Medical, and Aerospace & Defense who will present the latest innovations in their field.

Contrary to news coverage about manufacturing jobs going overseas, this industry will have hundreds of thousands of good paying, highly-skilled job openings in the next decade so EASTEC will hold its Careers In Technology Program for 8th – 12th grade students on Thursday, May 21st. Students will have the opportunity to tour the exhibits, talk to manufacturers, and participate in a design competition. Through its sponsor, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), EASTEC has access to $600,000 in scholarships and each student attending this year’s program will have the opportunity to apply for one. Approximately 500 students attended the Careers In Technology Program last year.

On May 19th, economist Alan Beaulieu from the Institute for Trend Research will address manufacturing executives and their top clients to an invitation-only dinner and presentation at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.

Since 1979, EASTEC has provided close to a half million manufacturing attendees with the ideas, tools, and technologies to be competitive. Recent studies, including “Staying Power. The Future of Manufacturing in Massachusetts,” noted the stabilization of manufacturing jobs and the increased output, productivity, and contributions to gross state domestic. According to the Massachusetts study, the manufacturing industry of today is “highly sophisticated and likely to remain a strong contributor to both state product and employment.”

Show Sponsors
EASTEC 2009 is co-sponsored by SME, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA), and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).

post 12/12/08

SOCIETY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS’ 2009 EVENT SCHEDULE

The following are SME events scheduled in 2009 for inclusion in your calendar listing:

HOUSTEX 2009
02/24/09-02/26/09
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas
www.houstexonline.com
HOUSTEX delivers cutting-edge production systems, advanced machine tools, pioneering technology, and solutions to your manufacturing challenges. New for 2009, SME presents its Advanced Technologies Conference, "Manufacturing Processes for Oil & Gas". The 25th International Pump Users Symposium exhibits, presented by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University will once again be co-located.

WESTEC 2009
03/30/09-04/02/09
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California
www.westeconline.com
Nearly 500 exhibitors will feature advanced equipment and applications. This year’s event includes Industry Days (focusing on Aerospace and Defense and Medical Manufacturing), Back-to-Basics (comparative demonstrations on basic and advanced manufacturing), Product and Process Design & Management Pavilion, and Free Educational Sessions in the Technology Theater.

MICROMANUFACTURING CONFERENCE & EXHIBITS
04/01/09-04/02/09
Sheraton Minneapolis South Hotel
Minneapolis, Minnesota
www.sme.org/micro
Exploring the many processes available, this conference brings together industry professionals to discuss the latest developments and process improvements in micro machining, micro molding, micro fabrication, micro assembly, MEMS, and micro metrology.

NANOMANUFACTURING CONFERENCE & EXHIBITS
04/01/09-04/02/09
Sheraton Minneapolis South Hotel
Minneapolis, Minnesota
www.sme.org/nanomanufacturing
This conference will highlight the current, near-term, and future applications of nanotechnology and how they are transforming the way we manufacture products. Peer networking, information sharing, and technology exchange among the world's nanomanufacturing leaders will be a key feature of the event.

COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING 2009
TOOLING FOR COMPOSITES
04/29/09-05/01/09
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
San Diego California
www.sme.org/composites
A dynamic event experience that features two conferences dedicated solely to composites and all of their applications. By co-locating Composites Manufacturing and Tooling for Composites, SME has created a synergistic experience that addresses numerous topics focused on increasing quality while decreasing costs, right in the heart of a key composites geographic hub. Industry leaders from aerospace, wind energy, defense and several other industries will attend, exhibit, and speak to share their best practices and latest advancements in technologies, processes and materials. Exclusive plant tours, pre-conference workshops and interactive exhibits will be featured.

RAPID PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS 2009
3D IMAGING CONFERENCE
05/12/09-05/14/09
Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center
Schaumburg, Illinois
www.sme.org/rapid
RAPID is North America's largest annual rapid manufacturing conference and exposition. The event brings buyers, sellers and end-users of design, prototyping, tooling, and direct manufacturing technologies together in an environment that facilitates networking and business interaction. The 3D Imaging Conference, co-located with RAPID, focuses on the use of non-contact imaging technology to capture and process high-resolution 3-D spatial geometries. In addition to tracks covering the more traditional uses of rapid and 3D technologies, the conference features sessions devoted to the innovative ways other industries are incorporating the technologies into their highly customized design projects and will include medical implant manufacturing, castings, and architecture tracks.

PLANT MAINTENANCE & DESIGN ENGINEERING SHOW
FEATURING THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PAVILION
05/12/09-05/14/09
Place Bonaventure
Montreal, Quebec CANADA
www.pmds.ca & www.simu.ca
From plant engineering to cutting-edge technology, PMDS, featuring the Advanced Manufacturing Pavilion, has the products, services and information Quebec manufacturing professionals need to stay competitive. Top companies from Quebec and beyond present innovative solutions for plant and facility maintenance, equipment and systems design, automation, electronics, assembly, robotics, bar coding, process control and more. A well rounded event, PMDS also features informative technical sessions, an interactive town hall panel, an industry keynote address and more.

EASTEC 2009
05/19/09-05/21/09
Eastern States Exposition Grounds
W. Springfield, Massachusetts
www.easteconline.com
EASTEC brings over 600 exhibitors to showcase the best East Coast manufacturers have to offer. The event includes three days of Resource Centers on lean and green, aerospace and defense, energy, and medical — all designed to enhance personal skills and help manufacturers compete in global markets.

NORTH AMERICAN MANUFACTURING RESEARCH CONFERENCE (NAMRC)
05/19/09-05/22/09
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
www.sme.org/namrc
The 37th Annual North American Manufacturing Research Conference is the premier international forum for academic research and industrial applications in manufacturing. Global academic and industrial leaders in manufacturing attend this conference to interact with each other and advance the field. In 2009, the industry focus for the conference will be the automotive sector, both OEM’s and suppliers.

FABTECH MEXICO
06/02/09-06/04/09
CINTERMAX Exhibitor Center
Monterrey, Mexico
www.fabtechmexico.com
FABTECH Mexico will join AWS Weldmex and METALFORM Mexico, June 2-4, 2009 at the CINTERMEX exhibition center in Monterrey, Mexico, to form the largest welding, metalworking and fabrication show in Latin America. The combined event will bring together over 400 exhibitors, 60,000 of exhibit space and over 8,000 manufacturing professionals. FABTECH Mexico will feature a variety of bending and fabrication products, including laser and plasma cutting, coil processing, roll forming, plate and structural fabricating, saws and cut-off machines, tooling, press brakes, shears, punching, robotics, and tube and pipe equipment.

2009 SME ANNUAL CONFERENCE
06/07/09-06/09/09
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
www.sme.org/annualmeeting
The 2009 SME Annual Meeting & Conference brings together SME members and other industry leaders, innovators, and educators to share ideas and best practices, and to explore advancements in manufacturing technologies and business practices. Featuring "Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture" and the SME International Awards Gala, the program is open to SME members and nonmembers alike.

“PATHWAYS TO ENGAGEMENT” MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE SYMPOSIUM
06/16/09-06/17/09
Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare
Chicago, IL
www.sme.org
This two day conference is designed to link people with proven solutions and best practices for filling the pipeline of knowledge workers. One goal is to provide pathways for engagement and results to manufacturers who need skilled workers in the 21st century economy. Six tracks are featured: Career Awareness, Pipeline Development, Foundational Skills and Competencies, Transitional Workforce, Incumbent Worker Training and Accessibility and Affordability of Education.

WESTERN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW
Featuring WELD EXPO
06/16/09-06/18/09
Northlands Park-AgriCom
Edmonton, Alberta CANADA
www.wmts.ca
Western Manufacturing Technology Show (WMTS) showcases manufacturers of machine tools, welding equipment, design engineering, plant maintenance, process control and automation. This event is the major forum for manufacturing professionals from Alberta and the surrounding area to source machinery, equipment, supplies and services. With a strong focus on the area’s booming oil and gas and mining industries, the event also features a technical conference, interactive town hall panels, industry keynote address, tours and more.

MANUFACTURING EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION SUMMIT
06/18/09-09/19/09
University of Texas, Austin, Texas
www.sme.org/edu or www.merconline.net/wiki
There are massive changes in the global manufacturing professions. Many skills that were taught are now obsolete and replaced by new demands that are inconsistently addressed by educators. This summit brings together stakeholders and decision makers to address pipeline, imaging and marketing issues, strategic policy issues and partnering for manufacturing education and emerging technologies, techniques, and pedagogy and how to integrate them into manufacturing education.

LEAN TO GREEN
0818/09-08/20/09
University of Austin
Austin TX
www.sme.org/l2g
Face the challenges of a sustainable future for global manufacturing by using lean principles to achieve green results. Using continuous improvement as a roadmap, this conference will focus on identifying what is valuable, how to eliminate waste and explore ways to challenge everyday work processes for environmental wins. Lean efforts can yield substantial environmental benefits. However, because environmental savings are not the primary focus, these gains may not be maximized in the normal scheme of lean. This conference will integrate the two for the full benefit of the manufacturing practitioner. Waste management, air quality, water quality and quantity, energy savings, new technologies are all topics that will be discussed during this two day conference.

EDUCATION AT GEAR EXPO 2009
09/15/09-09/17/09
Indiana Convention Center
Indianapolis, Indiana
www.sme.org/gears
Education at Gear Expo (co-located with AGMA’s Gear Expo) are technical programs designed by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) to educate the gear industry. These programs will bring gear manufacturers and buyers up-to-date on new technologies and processes that will drive business forward and achieve affordability and productivity goals. Because these programs are co-located with the AGMA’s Gear Expo, this event will provide more gear industry information than any other event in 2009.

SOUTH-TEC 2009
10/06/09-10/08/09
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, North Carolina
www.southteconline.com
SOUTH-TEC is dedicated to machine tool and metalworking technologies and will feature over 300 exhibitors filling 80,000 square feet at the Charlotte Convention Center. The 2009 event will feature representatives from key industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, military and recreational vehicles.

CANADIAN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW
10/19/09-10/22/09
Direct Energy Centre
Toronto, Ontario CANADA
www.cmts.ca
CMTS is Canada's definitive showcase for the latest machine tools, automation technologies, production methods, management strategies and more. More than 600 manufacturers and distributors in five technology-focused zones connect your manufacturing to cutting-edge technologies and ideas that speed new product development time, cut costs, and deliver world-class quality. With an expanded focus on innovation, CMTS also presents a lean-tooling technical conference featuring, technical sessions, industry keynotes, interactive town hall panels, tours and more.

FABTECH INT’L & AWS WELDING SHOW FEATURING METALFORM
11/15/09-11/18/09
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois
www.sme.org/fabtech
The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, will bring the entire metal forming, fabricating and welding industry together to form one MEGA event. Now all in one convenient location, this show provides opportunities to discover new products, gain invaluable knowledge, network with peers, and learn best practices from the industry's most respected experts.

All above dates and locations are subject to change.

post 12/12/08

ESPRIT World Conference 2009: Early bird gets the discount

The season of giving is here again, which means that ESPRIT World Conference (EWC) 2009, to take place May 12-15 in sunlit San Diego, Calif., is on its way and it’s time to give yourself the gift that starts with a capital “D.”

Namely, a Discount.

Now through Dec. 31, those who register for EWC 2009 are entitled to DP’s special world conference early-bird rate of $995 USD, which includes admission to technical conference sessions, special events and breakfast and lunch daily.

Early bird registration ends December 31, 2008, so act quickly to take advantage of the special value. The regular registration rate is $1,195 USD and kicks in on Jan. 1, 2009.

EWC 2009 includes one half-day general session for all attendees, your choice from a variety of break-out sessions, and 28 hours of intensive technical training over the course of four days.

Reference the attached EWC 2008 conference brochure for a preliminary conference agenda, class descriptions, registration form and general information.

The Venue
San Diego’s classic California setting makes it the ideal site for ESPRIT World Conference 2009.

Lodging has been reserved at a special rate of $164 USD per night, plus 12.565% tax. Reservations will be made by attendees directly with the hotel. Please reference the ESPRIT World Conference to receive the discounted room rate. To reserve your hotel room, visit www.dptechnology.com/ewc and click on “room reservations.” You may also call the hotel directly at (619) 291-2900.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates and be sure to visit www.dptechnology.com/ewc for resources to help plan your stay in San Diego.

post 12/11/08

The World Beckons –
Why What Happens in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Elsewhere Matters to U.S. Manufacturers
By Dr. Chris Kuehl, Economic Analyst
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International

The conduct of international business is often subject to cliché. One either hears that doing business outside the borders of the U.S. will be a panacea to all that ails a company confronting restricted domestic markets or one gets an earful warning of dire consequences ranging from rampant piracy to never getting paid. The truth, as always, is somewhere in-between.

The fact is that nearly every company is global insofar as international business affects them – sometimes positively and sometimes negatively. For companies that have discovered there is a market for their products in other nations, the idea of global business is highly motivating and it doesn’t take much to convince them that actions in these other markets will have an impact. For those that face intense foreign competition, it is just as obvious that events overseas matter.

There are three main reasons to welcome global business and three main reasons to be wary. The U.S. manufacturer needs to find ways to exploit the opportunities while meeting the challenges. The average company is affected by all six factors but to varying degrees. There is no reason to dodge the global challenge and as the world gets more complex, dodging isn’t even a very solid option.

The three positive elements are:
• Access to new markets
• Access to cheaper inputs
• Access to innovation and technology

The three negative elements include:
• Competition from foreign producers
• Competition for needed raw materials
• Exposure to other nations’ political, economic and social issues

The Good News
The most obvious benefit from an international business position is expanded market opportunities. The surge of global business enjoyed by U.S. manufacturers over the last few years has been provoked by several factors. The most important has been the drop in value of the dollar. While this has been a disadvantage for those that need to import, the exporter has been treated with an opportunity to sell its products more competitively in nearly all global markets. Lately the dollar has been gaining in strength as the euro has been drooping, but most analysts are convinced that the dollar will resume its slide at some point in the middle of 2009. The U.S. exporter also has benefited from a wide variety of other factors – better communication, better logistics and better brand management in these new markets. The upshot is that export opportunities have remained solid, albeit not growing at the pace they were earlier in 2008.

The second benefit comes from an expanded supply chain. The availability of raw materials from overseas has always been an important factor in domestic growth, but there is now much more available in terms of products – and even services. The sourcing choices now are as good as they have ever been and the technology that has revolutionized the business has improved accessibility. The improvements in communication and transportation have made many locations active that had once been considered remote and inaccessible. The rise of the dollar’s value has made this part of the global equation more relevant in the last few months. As the dollar starts to shrink again these advantages will fade a little, but given the different costs of production in many parts of the world there will remain some significant advantages.

The third positive is a relatively recent development. For many years the vast majority of technology transfer has been from the U.S. to other nations, but that trend is now showing some signs of reversal as economies in Europe, Asia and Latin America reach levels of sophistication that will allow U.S. companies to gain from them as these nations have gained from the U.S. in the past. The innovation and progress in Asia have been a boon for many U.S. companies and European technology has been finding a place in the U.S. for a long time.

The Bad News
The most immediate challenge from global business comes from the increased competitive pressure that has developed. Twenty years ago the majority of manufacturers in the world were mostly worried about the competition they had in their own countries, but those days are long gone. The emerging markets have emerged and they are becoming major rivals to U.S. manufacturers as well as potential allies. The global market place has developed rapidly, which has meant that nations as diverse as China, India, Brazil and Russia have become rivals to the traditional manufacturing nations like the U.S. and those in Europe.

The other negative factor presented by competition is rivalry for the materials and inputs needed. The price of oil crested in 2008 as China and India emerged as major consumers. The U.S. remains the dominant oil consumer in the world but the new rivalry has meant higher prices, and it hasn’t been oil alone. The price of other commodities has risen as well, and it has been this demand for steel, copper and other inputs that drove the costs of production up to record levels earlier in 2008.

The last factor is the most interesting and for many companies the most difficult. Given that what happens in all these distant markets now matters to their business, it has become important to know what is happening in these countries to some extent. This complicates business decision making to a considerable degree. The political situations in these nations matter as much as the economic ones, and social considerations may have the greatest impact – especially if there is a reaction that affects demand or the ability to expand the supply chain.

Overseas Trends
There isn’t the space to discuss all the developments in other markets that will impact U.S. business, but a few can be called out as most relevant in the immediate future. These are developments that will dramatically affect the factors that have been described above.

Asia
The rapid pace of growth in Asia is slowing and that is not good news for these nations. It may appear that slipping from 10% to 8% annual growth in China is a problem many would love to have – considering that the U.S. and Europe have both slipped into negative growth territory. The fact is that China has developed a solid middle class of 400 million people, but still must contend with a billion people living in poverty. To keep the country from social chaos there has to be growth to accommodate the demands of this population for jobs and progress and at 8% that growth is not forthcoming. This will mean that China will pursue whatever policy it deems necessary to drive that growth, which will include everything from export subsidies to efforts directed at stimulating internal demand.

Similar attempts to drive export demand are being developed by all the other Asian states – especially South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. These countries will become more aggressive in promoting their export sectors and they are likely to become more protective of their own economies – especially if the U.S. starts to engage in protectionist policies of its own. Countries that have been major consumers of raw materials and commodities will slow down a little and that could reduce the prices of raw materials such as steel, aluminum, copper and the like, but too much reduction in demand will push the producers into a position of shutdown that could compromise their recovery in the future when demand starts up again.

Politically the region is fragile and further economic stress will accelerate some of the social breakdowns taking place already. The violence in Thailand threatens to bring back a civil war, corruption is out of control in Indonesia, and governments in nations like Taiwan and Korea are unstable.

Europe
The recession in Europe is already official. The German economy has been in recession for two consecutive quarters, and the Eurozone as a whole has joined them. France is holding its head above water but it is the only major nation that is. The politics of Europe are in flux as economic pressure may be enough to unseat Germany’s Angela Merkel and Britain’s Gordon Brown. The reaction by the European Union has been to circle the wagons and find ways to protect the domestic economies of the region.

The faltering export economy has meant that most of the growth in Europe has ended, which is creating pressure from the left-wing parties in the region to spend more government money. This leads to inflation issues later and tends to make many companies ultimately less competitive. If the trend toward more extensive government activity accelerates, it may be harder for some of those companies that once exported aggressively to resume their activity as the world economic situation improves.

Latin America
This region may be facing the most change of all. For the last several years these nations have grown as the appetite for their commodities has grown. Venezuela and Ecuador have seen demand for oil spike as the price accelerated to unheard of levels. Bolivia sold its gas to the Brazilians at record rates as Brazil needed the energy to keep pace with demand for its own output – everything from soybeans to aircraft. Argentina had been benefiting from its agricultural output and Chile from its copper. Now, all this largesse seems ready to come to an end and the adjustment is likely to be uncomfortable.

Venezuela is already feeling the pinch, which is creating social unrest that could challenge the Chavez government at some point. There is a major financial disaster shaping up in Argentina as the government's battle to control prices has provoked the farmers into boycotts that threaten to slam the door on farm exports. Brazil is also beginning to worry about the slip in export revenue as demand for ethanol has decreased at the same time that manufactured goods are in less demand The majority of the governments in the region are led by center-left politicians and their instincts will run toward more rather than less intervention. In extreme cases there will be expropriation and nationalization and in more subdued situations the reaction may include higher export fees and more protectionist policies.

Conclusions for U.S. Manufacturers

The months ahead will provide U.S. manufacturers with both opportunities and threats. Export markets will be constrained and competition will be ferocious as every nation angles to get an edge. There will be more efforts to promote protectionist policies around the world, even in the U.S.

The manufacturer will see declining demand from some of the formerly high growth regions in Asia, but there will be new opportunities in countries like Vietnam and Singapore. Europe will become more cautious and protective but the countries in the East will be more aggressive in their desire to keep growth rates up and will be looking to improve the quality of their output. The dollar is going to be strong for a while longer, but will likely weaken again mid-year 2009. As in other years it will be a matter of what markets a company has penetrated and what business sector one sells into.

post 12/11/08

Machining Activity Stable, Financial Strength Lower

Lincolnshire, Illinois, December 8, 2008 – “The usage of machine tools was unchanged but the delinquency rate on machine tool leases rose in October. The delinquency rate on machine tool leases is still about one-sixth of the delinquency rate on home mortgages. (Fig. 1). Both indexes were quite strong compared to the October PMI Index of 38.9 and the turmoil in housing, finance and the stock market. So far, the impact on machining is much less than on most other segments of the economy. In time, we may see more softening due to the worldwide credit problem and the recent strength of the U. S. dollar,” commented Harry Moser, Chairman of GF AgieCharmilles.

Type of Debt	30 Day Delinquency Rate
Machine Tool Leases	≈1%
Home Mortgages	7.59%

Fig. 1

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index, generated exclusively by Agie Charmilles, was unchanged at 59 in October. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (July 2008). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. Activity was strongest in the Midwest Region and in Captive Production companies. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the oldest monthly index of business activity in U.S. machining industries.

Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm

figure 2 12/8
Figure 2

The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index, generated by Agie Charmilles based on data provided by USBEF, weakened to 323 in October 2008, from 370 in September 2008 and from 500 in October 2007, but was still far above January 2002’s 55, the worst reading on record. The index has been down for the last 3 months and from a peak in mid-2007, approximately when the stock market peaked. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tool users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. In October the 30 day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained much lower than the credit card or the home mortgage delinquency rate (7.59% in September 2008 per the Mortgage Bankers Association). Even the home foreclosure rate of 2.75% was about 2 times the machine delinquency rate. As profitability rises, liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

figure 3 12/8

Figure 3

About US Bancorp Equipment France
The Machine Tool Finance Group of US Bancorp Equipment Finance (USBEF) offers manufacturers and vendors, flexible and competitive lease financing for metal cutting, fabrication and plastics and wood manufacturing equipment. As a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, USBEF is one of the largest bank-affiliated equipment finance companies in the nation.

post 12/2/08

Ford unveils turnaround plan
Automaker promises to sell corporate jet and cut CEO pay to $1 if it borrows from the government but offers few additional cost cutting plans.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Ford Motor became the first of the three U.S. automakers to unveil its turnaround plans to Congress Tuesday, but the plan contained little in the way of new cost cuts or other changes beyond what the company had previously announced.

The company announced that the salary of Ford CEO Alan Mulally would be cut to $1 a year if Ford (F, Fortune 500) actually borrowed money from the government. When Mulally appeared before the House Financial Services Committee last month, he did not agree to the suggestion of such a paycut.

A spokesman for General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) confirmed to CNN that CEO Rick Wagoner also will accept a $1 salary. Other details of GM's turnaround plan were not immediately available. Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli agreed during Congressional testimony last month he would also agree to a $1 salary in return for federal help.

Mulally had a base salary of $2 million and total compensation of $21.7 million last year, according to the company's filings. Wagoner received base pay of $1.6 million and total compensation of $14.4 million. Closely-held Chrysler does not disclose executive pay.

Ford and GM also announced plans to get rid of corporate jets. Mulally, Wagoner and Nardelli were all roundly criticized at a House hearing last month when they admitted they had each flown their corporate jets to Washington to ask for help.

Ford said it will sell its five corporate jets. GM said it plans to sell four of its seven jets and is exploring plans to transfer leases on the other three to another operator. Chrysler spokesman Ed Garsten says Chrysler does not own any private aircraft but instead leases them on an as needed basis.

Mulally and Wagoner will be driving to Washington in hybrid vehicles made by their companies when they return to Capitol Hill later this week to make their case for loans. Nardelli is also not planning to fly to Washington but Chrysler has not disclosed any more specifics of his travel plans.

Executives from the Big Three automakers have been seeking $25 billion in federal loans as a result of the economic crisis and tumbling auto sales. Tuesday is the deadline for the Big Three automakers to present their turnaround plans to Congress.

GM and Chrysler have argued that they could run out of cash next year if they don't get a bailout from the government. But Ford repeated its previous statement that it believes it can return to profitability without help from Congress and that it is seeking the assistance more as a backstop.
Ford plan lacks some key details

Ford said that, as a result of its turnaround plan, it believes its core North American auto operations will be breakeven or profitable in 2011 on a pre-tax basis. The company had previously set a goal of returning those operations to profitability next year but dropped that target in May without giving a new one.

Ford also said it expects industrywide sales of 12.5 million vehicles in 2009, 14.5 million vehicles in 2010 and 15.5 million vehicles in 2011. By way of comparison, U.S. auto sales averaged close to 17 million a year from 1998 through 2006.

The company made commitments to speed up the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles, and added that it believes the consumer shift away from light trucks towards more fuel efficient vehicles is permanent.

And Ford pledged to reverse the decades-long trend of losing money on the production of small cars in the United States. The company said it would increase the production of smaller vehicles such as the Ford Focus to more than 1 million a year and reduce the complexity of the car's parts in order to reduce costs.

Still, the Ford plan is perhaps most notable for what it did not include. The company did not mention that it would be dropping any brand or unprofitable models, beyond Monday's announcement that Ford again looking at possibly selling Volvo. Ford had previously sold the Jaguar, Aston-Martin and Land Rover brands and sold a controlling interest in Mazda last month.

There was also no announcement of additional plants being closed or capacity being eliminated. Ford said it continues to work with its unions and dealers to achieve additional savings, but it did not set any cost savings targets for those discussions.

Ford highlighted many of the cuts it has already made, including closing 14 plants and reducing salaried personnel by 36% over the past three years. The company also touted labor cost savings that would bring the cost of factory workers' pay and benefits close to those of the nonunion U.S. plants operated by Asian automakers.

Ford spokesman Mike Moran said that the lack of new cost cutting plans is a reflection of the work that has been done to cut costs at Ford in recent years, especially since Mulally became CEO in 2006.

Ford shares gained more the 10% in late-morning trading Tuesday following the release of its plan

post 11/24/08

The Obama-Biden Economic Plan

Our country faces its most serious economic crisis since the great depression. Working families, who saw their incomes decline by $2,000 in the economic "expansion" from 2000 to 2007, now face even deeper income losses. Retirement savings accounts have lost $2 trillion. Markets have fallen 40% in less than a year. Millions of homeowners who played by the rules can't meet their mortgage payments and face foreclosure as the value of their homes have plummeted. With credit markets nearly frozen, businesses large and small cannot access the credit they need to meet payroll and create jobs.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to revitalize the economy.
1 Immediate Action to Create Good Jobs in America
2 Immediate Relief for Struggling Families
3 Direct, Immediate Assistance for Homeowners, Not a Bailout for Irresponsible Mortgage Lenders
4 A Rapid, Aggressive Response to Our Financial Crisis, Using All the Tools We Have

1. IMMEDIATE ACTION TO CREATE GOOD JOBS IN AMERICA

The economy has lost 760,000 jobs this year -- and some forecasters expect the unemployment rate to exceed 8 percent by the end of next year. Addressing the financial crisis will help prevent the most severe loss of jobs from the crisis. But taking direct steps to create jobs will also strengthen the economy and help with the financial crisis. Barack Obama and Joe Biden's overall economic agenda is pro-jobs, including their plans to eliminate America's dependence on foreign oil and bring down healthcare costs. But Obama and Biden believe we must take additional aggressive steps to jump-start job creation right now:
• A New American Jobs Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will provide a new temporary tax credit to companies that add jobs here in the United States. During 2009 and 2010, existing businesses will receive a $3,000 refundable tax credit for each additional full-time employee hired. For example, if a company that currently has 10 U.S. employees increases its domestic full time employment to 20 employees, this company would get a $30,000 tax credit -- enough to offset the entire added payroll tax costs to the company for the first $50,000 of income for the new employees. The tax credit will benefit all companies creating net new jobs, even those struggling to make a profit.
• Raise the small business investment expensing limit to $250,000 through the end of 2009: Obama and Biden will give small businesses an additional incentive to make investments and start creating jobs again by providing temporary business tax incentives through 2009. The February 2008 stimulus bill increased maximum Section 179 expenses to $250,000 but this expires in December 2008. This provision will encourage all firms to pursue investment in the coming months, but will particularly benefit small firms which generally have smaller amounts of annual property purchases and so choose to expense the cost of their acquired property.
• Zero capital gains rate for investment in small businesses: Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that we need to encourage investment in small businesses to help create jobs and turn our economy around. That's why they will eliminate all capital gains taxes on investments made in small and start-up businesses. They also want to cut taxes for the small businesses that create jobs but are struggling with restricted access to credit on top of skyrocketing health care and energy costs.
• Save one million jobs through immediate investments to rebuild America's roads and bridges and repair our schools: The Obama-Biden emergency plan would make $25 billion immediately available in a Jobs and Growth Fund to help ensure that in-progress and fast-tracked infrastructure projects are not sidelined, and to ensure that schools can meet their energy costs and undertake key repairs starting this fall. This increased investment is necessary to stem growing budget pressures on infrastructure projects. In addition, in an environment where we may face elevated unemployment levels well into 2009, making an aggressive investment in urgent, high-priority infrastructure will serve as a triple win: generating capital deployment and job creation to boost our economy in the near-term, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the longer term, and improving the environment by adopting energy efficient school and infrastructure repairs. In total, Obama and Biden's $25 billion investment will result in 1 million jobs created or saved, while helping to turn our economy around.
• Partner with America's automakers to help save jobs and ensure that the next generation of clean vehicles is built in the United States: Senator Obama pushed for $50 billion in loan guarantees to help the auto industry retool, develop new battery technologies and produce the next generation of fuel efficient cars here in America. Congress passed only half of this amount -- it is critical that the administration speeds up the implementation of the first half and that Congress move quickly to enact the second half. In addition, Obama and Biden believe that with the tremendous uncertainty facing the auto industry, and the small and medium business suppliers who depend on them, it is critical that we keep all options on the table for helping them weather the financial crisis.

post 10/18/08

GM lobbying hard for U.S. bailout -Wall St Journal

NEW YORK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp has been telling U.S. government officials that a bankruptcy filing by the automaker would set off a chain reaction hitting hundreds of its suppliers and dealers as well as its Detroit rivals, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.

Citing people familiar with the situation, the Journal said on its website that GM's auto-industry bailout lobbying effort in Washington was reaching out to congressional leaders, the outgoing Bush White House and members of the transition team of President-elect Barack Obama, with meetings going on over the weekend.

Central to the campaign is the idea that a bankruptcy filing by GM would trigger a domino effect, potentially crippling the nation's industrial base, the newspaper said.

Detroit automakers have sought emergency assistance to help them survive a steep and worsening drop in sales that they blame on the global credit crisis and slumping economy. GM has said it could run out of cash by early next year.

Democrats are proposing a bailout of distressed automakers through $25 billion in loans from the Treasury Department's $700 billion corporate rescue program.

The White House opposes that move and says that $25 billion already appropriated for loans to make automobiles more fuel-efficient should be accelerated.

According to the newspaper, GM is arguing that bankruptcy would threaten jobs and the government's pension-benefit insurance arm, which covers millions of workers outside the auto industry, by swamping the fund and further burdening a strained federal budget.

"There is no Plan B being discussed beyond a government bailout," the Journal quoted one top GM adviser as saying on Friday. Another person close to the company said executives recently told the board they were "increasingly optimistic" GM would receive a liquidity infusion before December, it said.

GM is also flooding dealers, supplier executives, employees and union members with letters encouraging their participation in the effort, the newspaper said.

United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said in a rare news conference on Saturday that U.S. automakers urgently needed a federal loan to survive, but added their work force should not be blamed for the industry crisis. (Writing by Christopher Michaud; Editing by Peter Cooney)

post 11/17/08

‘OBAMANOMICS’ MAY IMPACT MANUFACTURERS IN 3 WAYS,
SAYS INDUSTRY ECONOMIST
Trade Pacts, Recession Solutions, Economic Regulations Are Key

ROCKFORD, ILL., November 17, 2008 – Three themes likely will dominate how “Obamanomics” will impact U.S. manufacturers in the months ahead, according to a leading industry economist.

“Although President-elect Obama has had just a couple of weeks to start defining his approach, there are a few clues that bear monitoring,” says Dr. Chris Kuehl, economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), in the new FMA economic update newsletter Fabrinomics. “In general, these are in the areas of trade, reactions to the recession and future regulations.

“Trade policies seem to reflect the Democratic Party’s agenda more than Obama’s, but he has yet to suggest that he will take a different position,” Kuehl says. “The notion is that trade is not necessarily a good thing and that the United States has a right to engage in protectionism. This position has provoked some real concerns from trading partners in Europe and Asia and some criticism from the likes of the WTO, IMF and various trade groups.

“Obama indicated he would look at all the current trade agreements and evaluate them, a statement that creates consternation among supporters of NAFTA and CAFTA, as well as those who seek better relations with Europe in general,” Kuehl says. “The impact on manufacturing will depend largely on where a given company stands. Those getting hammered by overseas competition may see some policies enacted that protect them, but those that have started to discover the joys of export are likely to see some of those markets slam closed.”

Another area to watch is reaction to the current recession. According to Kuehl, initial thoughts from the Obama economic team are heavier on fiscal solutions than monetary ones.

“In all fairness, the monetary approach has been pretty fully exploited at this juncture and there isn't much left for the Fed to do,” the economist says. “The IMF has been urging countries all over the world to engage in fiscal stimulus and many have reacted. China just dumped close to $600 billion into their own stimulus package and the United States is now considering what else can be done to bail out the auto industry.

“The Obama response to the economy will lean heavily on government spending programs despite the impact this will have on the federal deficit and the U.S. debt position globally. The Democrats also are seeking to keep some of their campaign priorities on the table, but that may prove much harder to do. If there is a major government push on recession it will likely take the shape of some kind of infrastructure development effort, and that could be a boon to the manufacturers serving that sector.”

Kuehl believes the third theme is the Obama push to "fix" the system once the crisis of a recession is past and asserts that more regulation will be part of the system.

“The Fed is already more engaged in the U.S. banking system than ever before, and that involvement will likely expand,” he says. “The Treasury Department is already a part owner of most of the major banks in the country, a leading insurance company, and perhaps, in time, the Big Three auto companies. That gives the U.S. government a major stake in the performance of its largest companies, which will mean direction and advice.
“The real question is what else follows from this? At the moment, the mood is waffling between micro-managing the economy, and establishing more transparency but leaving the markets to control themselves. The economic team that Obama has assembled thus far has elements of both positions, but the dominant players seem to be more free-market than not. A more control-oriented approach will slow the recovery of the banks and money markets, and will make access to credit challenging in the months and years ahead.”

post 10/21/08

The Alliance for American Manufacturing Presents
‘Keep it Made in America’ Fall 2008

Thousands of people have attended AAM Town Halls meetings in the past year, with millions more watching on CNN and C-SPAN.

Now, AAM is announcing plans to hold nine more ‘Keep it Made in America’ Town Hall meetings in Fall 2008. These events will be held in key states and Congressional districts and will focus on the serious challenges facing American workers and manufacturers, as well as the need to strongly enforce U.S. trade law. AAM’s Town Halls attract diverse audiences of workers (including Steelworkers), small businessmen, small manufacturers, large domestic manufacturers, civic leaders, and concerned citizens. All meetings are free and open to the public, with everyone encouraged to attend.

In addition to publicizing the manufacturing crisis in America, the meetings encourage voters to ask Presidential and Congressional candidates key questions regarding U.S. manufacturing: “How will you save American manufacturing jobs? What steps will you take to enforce our trade laws and hold countries like China accountable?”

http://www.americanmanufacturing.org/

post 10/21/08

2.3 Million Jobs Lost to China since 2001
Replacement Jobs Pay Substantially Less, Data Shows
U.S. Advanced Technology Sector Hit Hard by Trade Deficit with China

WASHINGTON – The increasing U.S. trade deficit with China has cost 2.3 million American jobs between 2001 and 2007, including 366,000 last year alone, according to a study released today by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). These displaced workers lost an average of $8,146 last year, a total of $19.4 billion, as they moved to lower-paying jobs.

Workers producing exports are not earning as much as those in industries hurt by imports, the EPI study reveals. U.S. exports to China are heavily concentrated in commodities, including scrap products and agricultural goods, while 98 percent of Chinese imports were manufactured products. Average wages earned producing U.S. exports to China paid 4.4 percent less than jobs lost to imports from China. Thus, continuing trade deficits with China are shifting jobs from higher-wage manufacturing to low-wage commodities.

“Since China gained entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, the United States has lost millions of good-paying jobs,” said Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers. “This new study shows how trade with China, on their terms, is undermining hard-working American families’ earnings. This is an unbalanced trade relationship that must be changed, and Congress should act now.”

“Our flawed trade relationship with China is destroying good jobs throughout the U.S. manufacturing sector,” said Scott Paul, executive director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). “What may surprise people in these numbers, however, is how much workers in advanced technology are being affected. As China diversifies its export base – and it’s already expanding into electronic products, aircraft, auto parts and machinery – more American products will be unfairly disadvantaged.”

Rapidly growing imports of computers and electronic parts accounted for nearly half of the $178 billion increase in the trade deficit with China between 2001 and 2007. More than a quarter of last year’s trade deficit, $68 billion, was due to advanced technology products, nearly six times the deficit in 2002. In contrast, the United States has a $15 billion trade surplus with the rest of the world in advanced technology products.

More than half (55.6 percent) of the jobs displaced by trade with China were in the top half of American wage earners. Nearly a third (31 percent) of the jobs lost were among workers with a college degree. A dramatic example is the loss of 200,000 scientists and engineers within the manufacturing sector, a 10.7 percent drop.

Competition from low-wage countries like China affects 80 percent of the U.S. private-sector workforce—roughly 100 million workers. The study estimates that, in 2006 alone, low-wage competitive pressures reduced the annual wages of these workers by an average of $1,400 each.

The job losses are having a major impact on minority Americans. The growing trade deficits displaced 230,065 African American workers and 339,065 Hispanics. Asian American and other minorities lost 219,235 jobs.

“The major causes of the skyrocketing trade deficit with China are no mystery,” said Tom Conway, United Steelworkers International Vice President. “China’s manipulation of its currency makes the yuan artificially cheap, effectively subsidizing exports. Beijing’s suppression of labor rights also lowers wages. China subsidizes key industries while maintaining barriers to some imports.”

AAM has urged Congress and the Bush administration to ensure that China honor its trade commitments and dramatically revalue its currency, eliminate questionable subsidies to industry, and enforce labor and environmental laws.

“We can strengthen jobs and manufacturing in America, but only if we first take steps to stop China’s cheating,” said Terry Straub, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government for U.S. Steel. “Until we address distortions of the free market, such as dumping, subsidies and illegal currency manipulation, we’ll continue to see a hollowing out of our high-tech productive capacity, as well as the very good jobs that go with it,” he said. “As the candidates campaign this fall, we expect to see these very real issues discussed.”

NOTE: The full report, including state-specific data, is available at www.epi.org and http://www.americanmanufacturing.org/inyourstate/.

post 10/10/08

Do You Want to Keep It Made in America?

Rolling Meadows, IL: That’s the question manufacturers in the U.S. are asking in a series of Town Hall Meetings that will bring issues of manufacturing to the attention of candidates running for President, Congressional offices, as well as state and local governmental races. What about our manufacturing crisis? China’s unfair trade policies?

The meetings, which began Oct. 1, are being offered by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, and intend to place the issues of job losses and unfair trade practices squarely in the middle of the 2008 election. Several Town Hall meetings have already taken place. The upcoming Town Hall meetings are scheduled for Cincinnati, OH (Oct. 14); Greensburg, PA (Oct. 20); Aliquippa, PA (Oct. 21) Northampton, PA (Oct. 22); Wilkes-Barre, PA (Oct. 23); and Green Bay, WI (Oct. 28).

AMBA member Bruce Cain of Xcel Mold & Machine Inc. (North Canton, OH) will be representing the manufacturing business owner on the panel for the Town Hall meeting on October 14 in Cincinnati. AMBA is encouraging all of its members to participate in these meetings.

“The election is upon us and it seems that the candidates haven’t been saying much about the state of American manufacturing,” says Melissa Millhuff, executive director of the American Mold Builders Association. “It’s time to change that.”

In response to this call to action, the AMBA will be sponsoring a bus to attend the “Keep It Made in America” Town Hall meetings in Wilkes-Barre, PA and Green Bay, WI. “The United States has lost 3.5 million manufacturing jobs since 2000,” says Millhuff. “Our lawmakers must take action to grow good American manufacturing jobs. We are asking our members of the AMBA to join us as we band together to ask Presidential and Congressional candidates key questions such as “How will you save American manufacturing jobs?” “What steps will you take to enforce our trade laws and hold cheating countries like China accountable?”

The Wilkes-Barre, PA, meeting (Oct. 23) will be at the Genetti Hotel and Conference Center. Admission is free and there will be a complimentary dinner at 5 pm, with the meeting starting at 6:30 pm. The Green Bay, WI, meeting (Oct. 28) will be at the Lambeau Field Atrium, with free admission and complimentary dinner at 5 pm with the meeting starting at 6:30 pm. Bus information for these trips will be provided upon response to the AMBA office. Estimated location and time of departure is to be determined, and the estimated cost of the round trip is $50.

Any AMBA members interested in going to the Wilkes-Barre Town Hall meeting or the Green Bay Town Hall meeting, need to contact the AMBA office as soon as possible at 847-222-9402.

“Each one of us has a voice, and it’s time it was heard,” Millhuff states. “Please join me in making a difference in our industry.”

post 10/10/08

THREE SILVER LININGS AMID MARKET MELTDOWN,
SAYS ECONOMIST FROM MANUFACTURING SECTOR

ROCKFORD, ILL., October 10 – Is it possible to find even one sliver of good news in today’s global economic crisis? One economist actually has identified three silver linings.

“For starters, the threat of inflation that dominated discussions earlier this year has faded from consideration by most,” says Dr. Chris Kuehl, economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA).

In the new FMA economic update newsletter Fabrinomics, Kuehl reports, “The price of oil has slipped by more than $60 in three months, and steel and copper prices are sagging. In fact, most commodities have slipped, which is good for businesses where these costs are the biggest considerations. Of course, lower input costs don't help much if demand for the finished product is off, but it doesn't hurt to get some cost relief when the recovery begins to surface.”
The second silver lining, Kuehl notes, is the kind of thing that gives economists a bad name. “The fact is that the labor pool is always more shallow than preferred, and when the jobless rate is low there isn't much to select from,” he explains. “The unemployment rise puts some talented people on the market, and that allows smaller companies to have access to people only larger companies were able to recruit in the past.

“There also are more grateful employees in a downturn, and this can lead to productivity gains,” says Kuehl. “In fact, the level of productivity in the U.S. has risen in the past few months. It is not that business wants to see economic stress visited on their employees and others, but when times are too good and for too long, the culture of work changes, and not always in a good way.

“The third positive will develop as banks lick their wounds and figure out how to get re-engaged,” Kuehl asserts. “The winners are going to be the traditional banks that didn't risk that much in the weird credit markets. They were and are ‘relationship banks,’ and will be getting more engaged in that kind of old-fashioned business. Companies with good relationships with their banks are going to be in a good position if that bank is one of those that managed to stay intact.

“The absurd behavior of the boom has left a lot of damage, but there are islands of sanity that will now start to hold their own,” Kuehl concludes.

post 9/16/08

Machining Stronger While Housing and Financial Services Industries Crumble
Lincolnshire, Illinois, September 16, 2008 – “I’m writing this monthly press release on September 15. After the Dow dropped 504 points and Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, I was relieved to review the data and see that in August machine shops grew and the delinquency rate on machine tool leases dropped. The delinquency rate on machine tool leases is about one-sixth of the delinquency rate on home mortgages. (Fig. 1). Manufacturing has held up amazingly well in the face of the turmoil in housing and finance.” commented Harry Moser, Chairman of Agie Charmilles.

Type of Debt	30 Day Delinquency Rate
Machine Tool Leases	<1%
Home Mortgages	6.35%

9/16/8 Fig 1

Fig. 1

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index, generated exclusively by Agie Charmilles, increased to 62 in August from 59 in July. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (May 2008). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. Activity was strongest in the Central Region and in Medical and Aerospace companies. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the only known monthly index of business activity in U.S. machining industries.

Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm

9-16/8 Fig 2

Fig. 2

The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index, generated by Agie Charmilles based on data provided by USBEF, strengthened to 417 in August 2008, from 400 in July 2008 and 55 in January 2002, the worst reading on record, but down from 588 in August 2007, the highest reading on record. The index has been slowly strengthening in 2007. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tool users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. In August the 30 day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained close to the lowest level on record, below 1%, which is much lower than the credit card or the home mortgage delinquency rate (6.35% in the first quarter 2008 per the Mortgage Bankers Association). Even the home foreclosure rate of 2.47% was 2 to 3 times the machine delinquency rate. As profitability rises, liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

9-16-8 Fig 3

About Agie Charmilles
Agie Charmilles, a Swiss company, is the North American leading supplier of wire EDM, CNC, diesinking and manual EDM systems and high speed/performance and 5-axis CNC milling machines.

About US Bancorp Equipment France
The Machine Tool Finance Group of US Bancorp Equipment Finance (USBEF) offers manufacturers and vendors, flexible and competitive lease financing for metal cutting, fabrication and plastics and wood manufacturing equipment.

post 9/2/08

New SME Event to Showcase Innovations, Best Practices from Subaru, Bausch & Lomb, Others
Lean to Green Manufacturing Conference — October 27-29, 2008

DEARBORN, Mich., August 20, 2008 — Manufacturers have invested time, energy and resources to perfecting shop-floor lean principles to find that there is even more room to slash waste or costs. Companies like Subaru, Bausch & Lomb, the Washington State Department of Ecology and Freelin-Wade have added green to their lean equation with successful results.

While going lean to green may be perceived as an expensive marketing-trend-of-the-moment, simply put: It makes good business sense.

Take, for example, Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. (SIA). Each day, SIA rolls out 800 cars with zero landfill, and therefore, generates fewer costs. To the company and the environment this translates into producing less trash in one year than an individual throws away in one week. (Source: Indiana Living Green, Jan.-Feb. 2008) This and other green initiatives have saved SIA millions of dollars as well as created an ideal atmosphere for a wildlife sanctuary that surrounds the plant.

To help manufacturers transform lean principles into successful green results, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers presents its first-ever Lean to Green Manufacturing Conference. Set for October 27-29, 2008, this three-day, comprehensive conference will take place at the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Portland –one of America’s most-environmentally-friendly cities. It will feature such diverse topics and concepts as the business case for green, the case for lean, and the integration of water, air, and carbon footprinting.

This content was shaped by the SME Lean to Green Tech Group and local partners including the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Oregon Business Council, the Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium and the Oregon Institute of Technology.

SME General Manager and Executive Director Mark C. Tomlinson says, “This conference will help participants learn how lean knowledge and environmental practices can be interwoven, how to eliminate waste and save money, and how to apply green best practices. We’re bringing experts from leading companies with proven strategies to help you connect two principles – lean and green – in one event.”

Participants can look forward to pre-conference workshops such as Lean 101, which will provide a detailed overview of topics to come. The official conference will feature keynote speakers Robert Pojasek, PhD, senior associate, First Environment and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc’s Denise Coogan, manager corporate affairs-Safety and Environmental Compliance. Both are expected to discuss their organization’s lean to green projects, innovations and successful practices.

Coogan has this advice for any manufacturer leery of perceived high costs of going lean to green. “There is always an opportunity to say that environmental programs are too expensive to put in, but not when you consider the cost of your entire program. If you don’t have to pay to bring anything in, you don’t have to pay to have someone handle it, and you don’t have to pay to have it disposed of. That’s where you’ll find your big savings.”

And Coogan should know. With support of her vision for a greener company and encouragement from the executive level, SIA has saved upwards of $1.3 million through such green initiatives as remanufacturing paint sludge into usable materials and reusing packing materials.

“She’s become a national go-to person for other companies wanting to make transformations from lean to green. It’s a pleasure to have her be a key part of the Lean To Green for Manufacturing Conference,” says Tomlinson of Coogan.

Meet Denise Coogan along with other top environmental keynote and guest speakers at the Lean To Green Manufacturing Conference, October 27-29, 2008 in Portland. For the most up-to-date information, or to register, please visit www.sme.org/l2g.

post 8/18/08

Housing Credit Crisis Helps Manufacturing Stay Stable
Lincolnshire, Illinois, August 18, 2008 – “In July machine shops grew and the delinquency rate on machine tool leases dropped. The delinquency rate on machine tools is about one-sixth of the delinquency rate on home mortgages. (Figure 1) In some ways, the housing credit crisis has provided some support for manufacturing, partially offsetting the impact of reduced production of household appliances and other housing related products. The crisis caused the Fed to cut interest rates. The lower interest rates help keep short-term corporate borrowing costs low and have helped produce a dramatic reduction in the value of the U.S. dollar vs. the currencies of most of our trading partners. The lower $ is the largest driver of our higher exports and lower imports of manufactured products. The lower $ also contributed to the increase in oil prices, dramatically raising shipping costs from Asia to the U.S. As an example, the cost to ship a container from Shanghai to Long Beach is up from $3,000 to 8,000 in the last 10 years. Similarly, the related increases in metal prices have reduced labor costs as a % of total product cost, reducing the relative advantage of the low-wage countries.” commented Harry Moser, Chairman of Agie Charmilles.

Type of Debt	30 Day Delinquency Rate
Machine Tool Leases	<1%
Home Mortgages	6.35%

Fig. 1

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index decreased to 59 in July from 61 in June. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (April 2008). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. Activity was strongest in the Midwest and South and in Medical companies. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the only known monthly index of business activity in U.S. machining industries.

Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm

Fig. 2

The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index strengthened to 400 in July 2008, from 385 in June 2008 and 55 in January 2002, the worst reading on record, but down from 526 in July 2007. The index shows a slow, steady deterioration over the last 12 months from a historic high in early 2007. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tool users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. In June the 30 day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained close to the lowest level on record, approaching 1%, which is much lower than the credit card or the home mortgage delinquency rate (6.35% in the first quarter 2008 per the Mortgage Bankers Association). Even the home foreclosure rate of 2.47% was 2 to 3 times the machine delinquency rate. As profitability rises, liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

Fig. 3

About Agie Charmilles
Agie Charmilles, a Swiss company, is a North American leading supplier of wire EDM, CNC, diesinking and manual EDM systems and high speed/performance and 5-axis CNC milling machines.

post 8/18/08

FOUR FACTORS WILL CONTINUE EXPORT SECTOR SURGE, SAYS ECONOMIST FOR MANUFACTURING GROUP

ROCKFORD, IL, August 15 – Will the current U.S. export boom continue even when the weak U.S. dollar recovers? An economist for the manufacturing industry predicts this surge will endure.
          “There have been new records set in exporting every month for over two years, and in July the United States even managed to make some inroads on its trade deficit,” says Dr. Chris Kuehl, economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA). “The reason for all this activity is obvious - a weaker dollar has meant that virtually every U.S. good is being sold overseas at a 30 percent discount. This helps manufacturers get past high tariff barriers, consumer resistance, and competition to build volume in foreign sales.
          “Many ask what happens when the dollar starts to recover,” Kuehl adds. “Granted, this may take a while, but recently the Euro sank a little as analysts in Europe noted that its central bank is getting a little nervous about growth. So, will there be an export boom when the dollar regains some of its luster?”
          Kuehl resoundingly answers yes, and in the current FMA economic update newsletter Fabrinomics™, he details these four key reasons to think so:
1. Energy Costs. “The current system of export trade is predicated on costs of transportation as they were 10 years ago,” Kuehl says. “Those days are gone, which will place more emphasis on being closer to one's supply chain. That means U.S. manufacturers will see more business across the borders of the United States - both coming and going. The nations of Latin America will become more complete customers for the United States.”
2. Increased Sophistication of U.S. Manufacturers Overseas. Companies that started with some tradeshow and Internet orders have often taken this to the next level, according to Kuehl. There are sales organizations in place, contacts have been made, and overseas consumers now have experience and familiarity with U.S. products. The weak dollar allowed a foothold, and companies have leveraged it from there.
3. Changes among Foreign Manufacturers. “Changes have occurred in countries that have evolved as manufacturing bases,” Kuehl says. “They are experiencing the challenges of development - higher inflation, shortage of qualified workers, shortage of management skill, and societal demands that could affect their competitiveness. The advantages that these countries once had in terms of production costs have been eroding, bringing these nations much closer to United States and European costs than before.”
4. More Money in Overseas Markets. “With more money in overseas markets than there used to be, global consumers are interested in and have the wherewithal to buy U.S.-made products,” Kuehl explains. “The old markets used to be confined mostly to Europe, but now there is demand from Latin America, South Asia, East Asia, and even from parts of Africa.
     “The ability of consumers in most of the world to afford U.S. — made products has expanded dramatically and created a whole new set of opportunities in countries that only played marginal roles in the past,” he adds.

post 8/7/08

FABTECH INTERNATIONAL & AWS WELDING SHOW AND METALFORM TO PARTNER WITH THE ASSOCIATION FOR MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY (AMT)

Trade Show Is North America’s Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating & Welding Event

DEARBORN, Mich., August 6, 2008 -- The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM will partner with The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT), combining the efforts of several trade associations to produce an annual event with appeal to the full range of metal forming and fabricating industry professionals.

AMT joins the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the American Welding Society (AWS), and industry partner the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), to provide domestic and international support for the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM. The first official combined exhibition will take place in November 2009 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Terms of the agreement include the elimination of the fabricating and laser pavilions at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) after the 2008 event. AMT will debut a new non-traditional Machining & Processes Pavilion at IMTS 2010. In addition, the groups agreed to explore service offerings and work cooperatively on numerous international markets.

“Combining the strengths of all of the exhibitions and their sponsoring associations is a win for both exhibitors and attendees who can now focus on an event that will meet all of their needs,” states AMT President John Byrd III. “We at AMT welcome the opportunity to participate in the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM and assist our manufacturing audience in their sales and equipment purchasing endeavors.” According to Byrd, AMT will recommend that prospective exhibiting companies with forming, fabricating, laser and welding/joining technology participate in the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM event.

“AMT’s inclusion in the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM adds value to exhibitors and attendees alike, and highlights the growing success that the combined show has achieved,” said Ray Shook, executive director of AWS.

”PMA is delighted to welcome AMT as an industry partner,” said Bill Gaskin, PMA president. “AMT’s involvement helps to bring a higher level of international awareness and focus to our combined events serving the metalforming, fabricating and welding industries.”

“This is a great development for the companies in the metal fabricating industry - whether they are show attendees or exhibitors -- to have all the affiliated associations working together with common purpose,” said Gerald Shankel, FMA president.

“SME and AMT have a long history of working together on events including the IMTS conference and APEX trade shows,” adds Mark Tomlinson, SME executive director and general manager. “The formal industry partnership with AMT and the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM event more closely aligns the efforts of all the major industry groups to serve this market.”

For the first time ever, the 2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM is heading to the western United States to the world’s number one trade show destination – Las Vegas. Taking place October 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show is the largest event in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology.

The 2008 event is expected to bring in an estimated 20,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibitors. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the show in Las Vegas to exchange products and services, network with peers, preview new products, problem-solve, and educate the industry on the latest technologies.

The 2008 show also will feature a METALFORM Pavilion that will display innovations in stamping technology. This pavilion was added as a result of the April 2008 strategic alliance with the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the producer of METALFORM shows since 1981.

For more information about the 2008 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show including METALFORM or to register to attend, visit www.sme.org/fabtech, www.fmafabtech.com, www.aws.org/show or www.metalform.com.

post 8/4/08

Fall Event Will Mold the Future of
Aerospace, Motorsports and Wind Power Manufacturers

DEARBORN, Mich., August 1, 2008 — The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced today that its event, Tooling for Composites, will be held September 29-October 1, 2008 at Doubletree Hotel in Seattle, Wash. The only event of its kind, it is designed to bring together such industries as aerospace, motorsports and wind power and will provide cutting-edge knowledge on approaches and materials for fabricating tooling for composites, common pitfalls and best practices. “These industries all rely on composites to make their bottom line,” said David Dickson, Tooling Technology Manager for the 787 Airplane Program at The Boeing Company and Tooling for Composites Advisory Committee Chairman. “Tooling can be complicated, and at this event, attendees will hear the best practices from industries that use composites in many different ways. Whether it takes hours, weeks, or months, tooling for composites requires expert engineering and a great deal of craftsmanship to prepare a mold that will produce the perfect part.”

The three-day event kicks off with a pre-conference workshop, Tooling for Advanced Composites: An Overview, led by Abaris Training Resources, Inc., which is renowned for composite training. This will be followed by two days of conference sessions including presentations from practitioners and solution providers. With the help of keynote speakers Mark Jenks, Vice President of 787 Development, The Boeing Company, and John Janicki, Vice President of Janicki Industries, conference attendees will be given insight into composites. It will address critical issues that will help reduce time and money by providing expert insights on applications, processes and materials.

The conference’s content is being made possible by the efforts of an SME advisory committee including representatives from Boeing, Profile Composites, Convergent Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. Abaris Training, Bell Helicopter Textron and Alliant Tech Systems.

For more information about the event, go to http://www.sme.org/tfc.

post 8/4/08

WHAT ECONOMIC FACTORS MATTER MOST TO MANUFACTURERS?
FIVE INDICATORS CRITICAL, SAYS INDUSTRY ECONOMIST

ROCKFORD, IL, August 1 – Manufacturing executives bombarded with the constant barrage of business assessments, financial forecasts and economic minutia should especially monitor five key indicators to best plan their companies’ growth strategies, asserts an industry expert.

“Much of the information serves little function other than to confuse,” says Dr. Chris Kuehl, economic analyst for the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA). In the current FMA economic update newsletter Fabrinomics, Kuehl suggests companies cut through the clutter and basically focus on:

1. The actions of the Federal Reserve. “Review all actions, not just its decisions about what the interest rate should be,” Kuehl says. This includes items such as the Fed’s determination of member banks’ reserve ratios, measurement of real money supply and decisions made about bank access to capital.
2.   Employment trends. This means not just the jobless rate, but the distribution of jobs in terms of growth sectors, shrinking sectors and demographics. “The unemployment rate tends to be a blunt instrument for measuring the economy, as it fails to provide information about who is getting work, and where,” he says. “The information needed is deeper than that, as 95 percent of the eligible population is employed. What makes up the ineligible and where are they?”
3. Manufacturing orders for durable goods. These are the goods that last longer than three years and are also referred to as capital goods. According to Kuehl, the purchases of these products are better indicators of where people and businesses think they will be in the future, as it often takes a long time to pay for them and thus they become investments in the future.
4. Consumer expectations about the economy’s performance and their own actions. “Given that 80 percent of the U.S. economy is fueled by consumer spending, the attitude they have is critical to projecting what happens next,” he says. “The consumer is notoriously fickle and changeable, and rarely answers questions accurately or honestly, so it becomes important to focus on actions as opposed to words.”
5. Inflation - both the headline rate and the core rate. “The headline rate is the one we all confront every time we buy gas or groceries these days, but this isn’t the rate that determines the actions of the Fed or other policy makers,” Kuehl adds. “The price of food and fuel are too volatile to plan around and are thus eliminated when looking long term. The key inflation rate is the core rate - one that eliminates the highly changeable prices to see what the long-term trends might be.”

The economist also noted it is important to look at wage-driven inflation, as this is the most dangerous type of inflation and the hardest to deal with. Wage-driven inflation is what saddles an economy with stagflation if left unaddressed.

Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show. FMA also has a technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating.

post 7/14/08

SME and EMCI™ Establish Unifying Industry Standard for Engineering Management Certification
New Collaborative Effort to Launch July 15, 2008

DEARBORN, Mich., July 14, 2008 — The Society of Manufacturing Engineers
(SME) announced today that it has signed an agreement to establish a
partnership with Engineering Management Certification International (EMCI™),
a certification program that both facilitates and maintains competence in
engineering management among qualified engineers, scientists and
technologists. This new collaboration continues the creation of unifying a
standard for this in-demand certification.

Effective July 15, SME will close its Certified Engineering Manager certification
and merge it with the EMCI program. All previously SME-certified CEM's will
become certified through the Engineering Management Certification
Fundamentals (EMCF) or Engineering Management Certification Professional
(EMCP) designation.

The EMCI program will also align SME with other leading engineering and
management associations, which include founding partners ASME (American
Society of Mechanical Engineers), ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers),
ASEM (American Society of Engineering Management), AIChE (American
Institute of Chemical Engineers) and AIME (The American Institute of Mining,
Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers).

SME's announcement comes after a thorough comparison of its own CEM
program and the EMCI program. Strong synergies between the programs were
identified, and SME determined that by merging its program with EMCI it could
provide its members and customers with a more powerful, widely accepted
credential that is highly endorsed by other engineering societies. SME
Executive Director and General Manager, Mark C. Tomlinson said, "SME
frequently collaborates with other engineering societies to develop the most
beneficial results for members and customers. In that spirit, we are pleased
to announce this partnership."

Tomlinson also reassured those currently holding the CEM credential, "that
the merger of the CEM and EMCI programs will provide a more perfect union
of SME's strengths with those of the founding organizations. Members will
also find that the EMCI program offers a more robust curriculum and
therefore, a greater body of knowledge."

To complement this announcement and ease the transition between the
certifications, all current CEM holders will be notified by letter throughout July
and August. Notifications will also be posted online at both www.sme.org,
www.asme.org and www.engineeringcertification.org. For more information,
please call SME at 1-800-733-4763 or ASME at 1-212-591-8463.

post 6/11/08

SOCIETY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS' 2008-09 EVENT SCHEDULE

Canadian Manufacturing Week
09/23/08-09/25/08
International Centre
Mississauga, Ontario
P: 888-322-7333
www.sme.org

Metal Finishing Expo 2008
09/23/08-09/25/08
International Centre
Mississauga, Ontario
P: 888-322-7333
www.sme.org

Weld Expo 2008
09/23/08-09/25/08
International Centre
Mississauga, Ontario
P: 888-322-7333
www.sme.org

Tooling for Composites
09/29/08-10/01/08
DoubleTree Hotel
Seattle, WA
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org

Making Lean Work for the Job Shop & Small Manufacturer
10/01/08-10/02/08
DoubleTree Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/leanjobshop

FABTECH Int'l & AWS Welding Show
10/06/08-10/08/08
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/fabtech

Lean to Green Manufacturing
10/27/08-10/29/08
Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Portland, OR
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/leantogreen

CNC Machining Clinic
11/04/08-11/06/08
DoubleTree Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/cnc

Aerospace Measurement, Inspection & Analysis Conference
11/18/08-11/19/08
Ft. Worth Convention Center
Ft. Worth, TX
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/aerotest

HOUSTEX 2009
02/24/09-02/26/09
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, TX
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/houstex

Lean for the Supply Chain
03/03/09-03/05/09
Crown Plaza Hotel
San Jose, CA
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/leansupplychain

WESTEC 2009
03/30/09-04/02/09
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/westec

MicroManufacturing Conference & Exhibits
03/31/09-04/01/09
Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Minneapolis, MN
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/micro

NanoManufacturing Conference & Exhibits
03/31/09-04/01/09
Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Minneapolis, MN
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/nanomanufacturing

RAPID 2009
05/12/09-05/14/09
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
Schaumburg, IL
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/rapid

EASTEC 2009
05/19/09-05/21/09
Eastern States Exposition Grounds
W. Springfield, MA
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/eastec

Advanced Manufacturing Expo
05/19/09-05/21/09
Place Bonaventure
Montreal, Quebec
P: 888-322-7333
www.sme.org

Plant Maintenance & Design Engineering Show
05/19/09-05/21/09
Place Bonaventure
Montreal, Quebec
P: 888-322-7333
www.sme.org

Western Manufacturing Technology Show
06/16/09-06/18/09
Northlands Park-AgriCom
Edmonton, Alberta
P: 888-322-7333
www.sme.org

SOUTH-TEC 2009
10/06/09-10/08/09
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, NC
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/southtec

FABTECH Int'l & AWS Welding Show
11/15/09-11/18/09
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
P: 800-733-4763
www.sme.org/fabtech

post 5/20/08

Confidence of Small Manufacturing Companies Increases 15 Points During First Quarter All Key Indicators Rise Says Small Business Research Board Report

Buffalo Grove, IL-The Small Business Research Board (SBRB) Manufacturing Industry Small Business Confidence Index (M-SBCI) increased to 43.66 during the first quarter of 2008, an incline of 15 points (52.3%) from the 28.66 recorded the prior period.

All three major indicators were higher and contributed to the increase in the index, according to the report co-sponsored by International Profit Associates.

The poll of owners and managers of manufacturing companies indicated that 41% are expecting the economy to improve during the next 12 months, 18 points higher than the 23% who believed the economy would improve as reported in the fourth quarter of 2007.

54% of the same group said they expect revenues to increase during the coming 12 months versus 37% who predicted revenue increases during the previous quarter.

Plans for hiring were also more optimistic with 36% of the respondents saying they would increase hiring during the next 12 months against the 26% who said they would increase hiring during the prior period.

The 43.66 current manufacturing industry confidence index is consistent with the 43.67 reported for all U.S. small businesses during the first quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, the quarterly report said 41% of the businesses have raised prices in response to increased fuel costs. For those businesses adjusting to an increase in fuel prices, 22% have reduced business travel and 20% have eliminated routing, or reduced the length of delivery routes, in addition to reducing other costs. Survey participants reported a higher level of just-in-time ordering as the fifth-mentioned possibility for offsetting costs.

More than 1,000 small business owners participated in the nationwide poll. The universe of participants is developed from among small businesses across the United States. The SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted quarterly.

post 5/20/08

Manufacturing Technology Consumption Up 16.4% Year-To-Date
March U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $544.62 million, according to
AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association, and AMT - Th e Association For
Manufacturing Technology. Th is total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC
program, was up 84.4% from February, and up 36.1% from the total of $400.19 million reported for
March 2007. With a year-to-date total of $1,183.75 million, 2008 is up 16.4% compared with 2007.
Th ese numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals of actual data reported by
companies participating in the USMTC program.

“Th e March consumption numbers, as well as the fi rst quarter as a whole, clearly demonstrate
that the investment incentive stimulus package along with the weak dollar are helping metalworking
manufacturing to counteract the weaknesses in the other sectors of the economy,” said Peter Borden,
AMTDA President. “We’re pleased that the surcharges on fuel and other items have not aff ected decision
makers’ appetites for capital goods. It’s noteworthy that all areas of the country had substantial gains; and
this makes us cautiously optimistic for the balance of the year.”

Th e United States Manufacturing Technology Consumption (USMTC) report, jointly compiled by
the two trade associations representing the production and distribution of manufacturing technology,
provides regional and national U.S. consumption data of domestic and imported machine tools and
related equipment. Analysis of manufacturing technology consumption provides a reliable leading
economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

U.S. manufacturing technology consumption is also reported on a regional basis for fi ve geographic breakdowns of the United States.
Northeast Region
Northeast Region manufacturing technology consumption in March rose to $71.34 million, 57.3% higher than
February’s $45.37 million, and 19.1% higher than the March 2007 total. At $175.13 million year-to-date, 2008 is up 8.8% when compared with 2007 at the same time.
Southern Region
March manufacturing technology consumption in the Southern Region totaled $67.44 million, up 67.8% when
compared with February’s $40.19 million, and 40.5% higher than the March total a year ago. Compared with 2007 at the same time, the year-to-date total of $166.90 million is up 37.7%.
Midwestern Region
With a March total of $223.29 million, Midwestern Region manufacturing technology consumption was up
201.9% from February’s $73.96 million, and up 85.5% when compared with March 2007. Th e $431.25 million year-to-date total is 53.3% higher than the 2007 total at the same time.
Central Region
Central Region manufacturing technology consumption rose to $116.83 million in March, 21.9% higher than
February’s $95.88 million, and 8.5% higher than the tally in March 2007. Th e year-to-date total of $267.57 million is 6.9% less than the comparable fi gure in 2007.
Western Region
At $65.71 million, March manufacturing technology consumption in the Western Region was up 64.3% when
compared with February’s $39.99 million, and 2.3% higher than the March 2007 total. Compared with 2007 at the same time, the year-to-date total of $142.91 million is down 14.0%.

post 4/30/08

Planning for NIMS Student Summit at IMTS –
The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2008 Underway,
Set To Be Bigger and Better Than Ever

McLean, VA . . . The NIMS Student Summit at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2008 will combine an interactive Career Development Center with a dynamic self-guided tour of the technology and manufacturing exhibition. Admission to IMTS 2008 for educators and their students is free and field trips are encouraged for students from middle school through high school and vocational college levels.

Sponsored by the Association for Manufacturing Technology along with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), the event’s main goal is to generate interest and incite enthusiasm in young people for precision manufacturing through contact with industry professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Educators can have their students witness emerging technologies that will be the future platform for precision manufacturing.

“By offering the opportunity for students and educators to experience IMTS and interact with exhibitors, as well as take advantage of the outstanding program NIMS has planned for our student attendees,” said Peter Eelman, IMTS Vice President – Exhibitions. “We hope that students will see first-hand the outstanding, well-paying career opportunities precision manufacturing has to offer.”

The NIMS Student Summit will feature the return of student-friendly exhibitors. Students will have the ability to interact with IMTS exhibitor personnel, ask questions about career opportunities and the skill sets required for entrance into the precision manufacturing industry. Examples of Student Friendly Exhibitors for 2008 include Haas Automation, Agie Charmilles, L.S. Starrett, ToolingU, and Mastercam, to name a few.

The Career Development Center (CDC) will be the focal point of the NIMS Student Summit. As part of the CDC, all students will experience an event orientation during which they will learn about what they can expect during their visit, how their IMTS experiences will relate to future career opportunities in the industry, and they will also hear from successful, young professionals in the industry. The CDC will feature interactive exhibits from colleges and universities, companies and company human resource representatives, and industry associations. Continuous door prizes, a group photo opportunity, and both student and instructor challenges will bring excitement to the CDC while the Career Resource CD-ROM, given to each student, as well as the exhibits, will provide students and educators with important industry-related career information.

New in 2008, graduating high school and college students may bring their resumes, including contact information, to the CDC to drop-off for participating companies to review for entry-level job openings. Educators bringing groups of students will be given more details about this exciting opportunity prior to IMTS.

The IMTS NIMS 2004 Student Summit attracted more than 6,600 students and educators.

IMTS is the largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts over 90,000 visitors from every level of industry and over 40 countries.

Continually updated information on the 2008 NIMS Student Summit at IMTS is available at www.imts.com/visitor/student.html.

post 4/8/08

AMBA LOGO

AMERICAN MOLD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO
AMERICAN MANUFACTURING TRADE ACTION COALITION
PENNSYLVANIA MANUFACTURING JOBS REPORT

MEDINAH, IL – The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA), in collaboration with the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC), is speaking out about the lack of emphasis being placed on the decline in manufacturing and consequently, in high-paying manufacturing jobs, by politicians running for President of the United States. Manufacturing’s declining investment in the U.S. and in the American worker is having dire consequences on the economy as high-paying manufacturing jobs are being replaced by lower paying service-sector jobs, resulting in a lower standard of living not just for the people in Pennsylvania but for people nationwide.

“This report clearly shows the dismal effects of Free Trade agreements on an economy that used to be known as the manufacturing giant of the world,” said Steve Rotman, President of the AMBA and President/owner of Ameritech Die & Mold Inc. (Mooresville, NC). “We as the AMBA are trying to get this message out to the public as well as existing and future elected officials.”

What is happening in Pennsylvania is happening across America, as U.S. manufacturers are lured offshore by cheap labor, lax regulatory policies, border-adjusted tax schemes such as the VAT, export subsidies, non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trade policy that encourages offshore investment.

The members of the AMBA have felt the pain of the loss of manufacturing as approximately one-quarter of U.S. mold manufacturers have gone out of business thanks to declining demand from U.S.-based manufacturing companies. The AMBA is standing strong with the AMTAC and other manufacturing trade organizations to get the attention of our political leaders in the federal government to take notice of the fact that U.S. manufacturing is being decimated, along with the heart and soul of the American worker.

“We applaud the AMTAC for their continued activity to raise the issue of the devastating effects from the loss of manufacturing as a consequence of the failure to properly implement and enforce free trade agreements,” Rotman stated. “Every day that candidates are not focused on fixing manufacturing is another day hurting Pennsylvania.”

Political problems require political solutions, and only the federal government has policy jurisdiction over foreign trade issues. Therefore it is up to Congress and the Executive Branch to address them. Congress must pass the Ryan-Hunter bill, strong anti-currency manipulation legislation that contains CVD and anti-dumping trade remedies. AMBA urges Congressional action to pass this bill immediately.

“The issues that we in manufacturing face on an ongoing basis are a solemn reminder of the failure of these Free Trade agreements to deliver all the positives that were promised by the politicians,” Rotman said. “We hope that acting with the AMTAC will draw the plight of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing job losses to the attention of those in Congress who sit in a stalemate and do nothing.”

The American Mold Builders Association is an industry trade organization founded and run by American mold manufacturers. For more than 30 years, the AMBA has been the voice of the mold manufacturing industry, supporting its members in Best Business Practices, promoting its member companies to qualified OEM mold purchasers, and educating OEMs, molders and others of the value and benefits of buying molds made in the USA by American mold builders.

AMBA - Leading the Future of Mold Manufacturing!
Ph: 630-980-7667
www.amba.org

post 4/4/08

FABTECH INTERNATIONAL & AWS WELDING SHOW ANNOUNCE
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH METALFORM
First combined trade show will take place November 15-18, 2009, at
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

DEARBORN, Mich., April 2, 2008 - Four industry-leading trade show
organizers have formed an alliance to better serve the needs of trade show
exhibitors and manufacturers in North America from the fields of fabricating,
tube & pipe, welding and cutting, metalforming, and related processes. The
show alliance between the three organizers of the FABTECH International &
AWS Welding Show [the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the
Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA) and the
American Welding Society (AWS)] and the organizer of METALFORM [the
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)] will result in a combined annual
exhibition.

While the first official combined exhibition will take place in November 2009,
the partners have agreed to a "soft start" at the 2008 FABTECH International
& AWS Welding Show, to be held October 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention
Center, Las Vegas, NV. The Vegas show will include a METALFORM pavilion,
displaying innovations in stamping technology. An estimated 20,000 people
from around the world are expected to visit the show, which will feature more
than 800 exhibits.

By uniting the industry under one roof, the newly combined event will be
significantly more inclusive, adding value for both exhibitors and attendees.
The 2009 show is expected to cover 650,000 net sq. ft. with 1,300 exhibiting
companies, becoming the "one-stop shop" in North America where attendees
can access the latest materials, equipment and services for all metalforming,
fabricating, tube & pipe, welding and cutting technologies. As the most
comprehensive event in the industry, the FABTECH International & AWS
Welding Show and METALFORM will be the Western Hemisphere's single, must-
see annual exhibition.

"This alliance will deliver the broadest array of metalforming, fabricating,
cutting and joining technologies for manufacturing," said Mark Tomlinson, SME
executive director. "Manufacturers need comprehensive exposure to every
one of these technologies to compete in the global marketplace, and now
they only have to go to one show to find them."

Gerald M. Shankel, FMA president and CEO said, "This is a good move for the
industry. The METALFORM exhibition, with its focus on metal stamping and
related technologies brings in-depth metalforming technology together with
the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show's unparalleled showcase of
fabricating machinery, tube & pipe, welding and cutting technologies, and will
offer a first-rate venue."

"AWS is pleased that METALFORM will join with the FABTECH International &
AWS Welding Show," said Ray Shook, AWS executive director. "Metalforming
companies are major customers of the welding and cutting industries. We're
confident this alliance will add significant value for both exhibitors and
attendees."

William Gaskin, PMA president, said, "The combination of PMA's METALFORM
event with the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show joins the leading
exhibitions in each of the core manufacturing technology areas and also
brings together four leading manufacturing trade associations and societies to
better serve their respective industries."

Combining these shows creates unique opportunities for networking,
interaction and learning that won't exist at any other industry event. In
addition to the expanded show floor, FABTECH International, AWS and PMA
will also conduct independent, but complementary, professional conferences
and technical education programs during the 2009 show.

In 2010, the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show and METALFORM
event will be held November 2-4 in Atlanta, GA.

post 4/1/08

IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show Names Conference Partners for the 2008 IMTS Manufacturing Business and Technology Forum

“By expanding the number of partners participating in our educational efforts we can offer broad and relevant content to our IMTS attendees,” said Peter Eelman, IMTS Vice President – Exhibitions. “More than ever before, we are designing this education experience for the end-user.” The sessions will explore technologies that can change the way companies manufacture, business development and optimization, workforce efficiency and productivity, and MT Connect which is a new interoperability standard for manufacturers. A complete list of forum sessions and schedule will be available at www.imts.com.

post 4/1/08

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has launched what it terms a major breakthrough in the entire field of employee training.

After two years of work with manufacturing companies across the nation, NIMS has developed a system for training and certifying company personnel who are responsible for delivering critical Onthe-Job Training. NIMS work was led by an expert panel comprised of company human resources and training specialists. The new products were field tested and piloted in 17 key manufacturing states. President of the NIMS Board of Directors, Gregory Chambers said “These products will set the bar for on-the-job training delivery in the manufacturing industry. The mass exodus of employees set to retire in the next few years demands that companies have systems and processes in place to effectively transfer skills from one employee to another. Knowledge management and skills transfer will be the primary building blocks of the innovative and agile workplace.” The certification includes both demonstrated on the job performances and theory examination. NIMS sets skill standards for the nation’s precision metalworking industry and certifies individual skills against these standards. Interested companies can review the materials at www.nims-skills.org and make contact at jstellenwerf@NIMS-skills.org or call 703-352-4971.

post 4/1/08

AMTDA AND SME TO COLLABORATE ON MTELV
New "Experiential" Event to Launch in Las Vegas in 2011

The American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and Society of Manufacturing Engineers
announced today that they will collaborate on the Machine Tool Experience-Las Vegas (MTELV)
event to be launched in 2011.

"We think this collaboration is an exciting development for MTELV," said Brian
Papke, president, Mazak in the United States. "AMTDA brings the expertise
of the builders and suppliers, and SME offers a broader awareness of the
industry and future manufacturing trends." Papke is a member of both
AMTDA and SME.

MTELV (pronounced metal-ev) is an industry event for machine tool
professionals by machine tool professionals. It is not another tradeshow, but
an experience that combines all the best features and strengths of the
corporate open house, customer training sessions, client appreciation events
and new product announcements.

"AMTDA and SME share a commitment to the industry and marketplace, said
Peter Borden, president, AMTDA. "With this collaboration, we can ensure
MTELV is truly an experiential event."

Mark C. Tomlinson, SME executive director and general manager, stated, "Our
goal is to connect buyers and sellers of machine tools at a whole new level.
We can do this best by working together."

AMTDA and SME will have equal representation on planning and operational
committees. They will work with representatives of builders, distributors and
customers to develop MTELV 2011, and expect to have more details to share
with the industry sometime this summer.

The MTELV collaboration is in addition to the existing agreement between
AMTDA, SME and AMT for the current APEX events such as WESTEC and
EASTEC. The APEX series has AMTDA's, SME's and AMT's full support and
commitment to continual improvement.

post 3/13/08

INNOVATIONS THAT COULD CHANGE THE WAY YOU MANUFACTURE
A New SME Initiative Outlines What's Hot, What's Now and What's "Green"

DEARBORN, Mich., March 12, 2008 — The Society of Manufacturing Engineers
(SME) announced a new initiative called Innovations That Could Change The
Way You Manufacture. This member-driven initiative outlines the emerging
technologies that are making a positive impact on manufacturing. It also
provides an educational framework for SME members and manufacturing
practitioners to keep up-to-date on the industry's latest and greatest
innovations. These innovations, which include such "what's hot"
advancements as Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM); "what's now" like self-
assembling nanotechnology and "what's green or eco-friendly" like
ultracapacitors will be showcased at the upcoming Competitive Manufacturers
Conference. The Conference, scheduled for June 17-19 at the Chicago
Marriott Schaumburg, is designed to connect manufacturing professionals to
leading industry experts.

The Innovations initiative was born out of a series of meetings, e-mail
exchanges and other communications between SME's Technical Community
Network (TCN) and the larger manufacturing community. The TCN requested
nominations for ideas from the community, kept some and eliminated others,
and then presented its findings to SME's Manufacturing Enterprise Council
(MEC) for review. The Council collaboratively selected five "innovations that
could change the way you manufacture" based on such criteria as
universality across industries, positive impact on manufacturing, current
availability for integration, and overall industry value. These innovations
include:

• Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM)
• Ultracapacitors
• Self-Assembling Nanotechnology
• Intelligent Device Integration (IDI) and
• Integrated 3-D Simulation And Modeling/Desktop Super Computers

Some, like DDM, ultracapacitors and self-assembling technology are already
making an impact on industry, while others such as, lDI and integrated 3-D
simulation and modeling/desktop super computers, hold great potential for
industry-wide use.

As Richard "Dick" Morley, a Council member and founder of R. Morley Inc.
(RMI) – a consulting firm that specializes in the application of advanced
technologies in the manufacturing and computer systems industries –
,explained, this "what's hot" innovation DDM, "It is becoming an essential part
of our nation's key manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive,
medical and even entertainment. The automotive industry uses DDM as a part
of additive fabrication to build assembly aids. Orthopedic surgeons use it to
create customized metal joint implants. It is even been used by video game
designers to develop the latest gaming characters."

While the next innovation, ultracapacitors may sound like something out of
the 1980's movie classic, "Back to The Future," this invention has 10,000
times more stored power than a typical D-cell sized electrolytic capacitor.
Ultracapacitors also have an unparalleled life span. In our daily lives,
these "super batteries" already provide long-lasting power solutions for
cellular electronics, medical equipment and most notably hybrid automobiles.

"Imagine the positive impact future, widespread use of this innovation could
have on our nation's current dependence on limited natural resources and
ultimately our environment. This is one of manufacturing's "greenest" ways to
go," said Morley.

Self-assembly nanotechnology also made the list because this "what's now"
and "what's green" innovation already has moved beyond theory to practice
most notably when IBM used it to enhance conventional computer chip
manufacturing. This ever-changing technology makes it possible for objects,
devices and even systems to form other structures without external prodding
or manipulations.

"Almost like Legos® assembling themselves," said Morley.

This type of manufacturing at the microscopic level also holds great promise
to enhance daily life with such possible uses in water purification, sanitation,
agriculture, computer manufacturing and more. The innovation's "green"
element comes in when it applies to alternative energy such as photovoltaics
or converting the sun's energy light into electricity.

The fourth innovation also selected for its "what's hot" potential is, Intelligent
Device Integration (IDI), which any type of equipment, instrument or machine
that has its own computing capability. Currently used in personal and
handheld computers, IDI offers unprecedented visibility into and management
of equipment, products, and even consumer interactions. By combining sensor
data with two-way wireless communications, it promises more detailed, real-
time views of activities and objects and will enable organizations to respond
faster and even predict manufacturing incidents before they occur.

Integrated 3-D Simulation and Modeling/Desktop Super Computers, the final
innovations that could change the way you manufacture, are destined to
revolutionize computer modeling. Imagine a large computer screen containing
new automobile data. From it, users could see any segment or part instantly
and in as much detail as desired from engine to component all with 3-D
impact and full rotation.

These super computers will make it possible for the computer to be used as a
microscope, telescope and time machine to manage, view, and tool a
complete manufacturing system.

"This is not the modeling and simulation of 20 years ago or even two years
ago," added Morley.

These five innovations will be prominently featured in this summer's
Competitive Manufacturers Conference. Other conference highlights will
include interactive sessions on lean manufacturing practices and collaborative
strategies with a special focus on ways a company can develop its own
innovations.

For the most comprehensive information about the Competitive Manufacturers
Conference or to register, please visit www.sme.org/cmc.

post 3/7/08

IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show Announces Plans for New Innovation Center Theme Days

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2008 will feature an all new Innovation Center highlighting a relevant theme brought to life through thought-provoking presentations by industry experts each day during the six-day show September 8 - 13, 2008 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “As we continually assess the desires of our exhibitors, it is clear that to increase the attendance at IMTS, we must market to specific industries,” said Peter Eelman, IMTS Vice President – Exhibitions. We are confident that the Innovation Center is the ideal vehicle to begin to accomplish this “For the future we will be offering more and more industry-specific information and programs to make the IMTS experience highly meaningful for our attendees.” The Innovation Center/Theme Day lineup includes: Monday, September 8, Automotive Day sponsored by Ward’s Automotive Group; Tuesday, September 9, Quality Day sponsored by Quality Magazine; Wednesday, September 10, Aerospace/Aeronautics Day sponsored by Aerospace Manufacturing & Design Magazine, Thursday, September 11, Power Generation/Green Day sponsored by Today’s Energy Solutions; Friday, September 12, Medical Day sponsored by Today’s Medical Developments Magazine; and Saturday, September 13, Job Shop Day sponsored by American Machinist Magazine. Each day during the show at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., theater-style presentations will be offered in the Innovation Center, which will be located in the Lakeside Center (East Building). A complete list of Innovation Center programs and the daily schedules will be available at www.imts.com.

post 2/13/08

The International Manufacturing Technology Show Names Conference Partners for the 2008 IMTS Manufacturing Business and Technology Forum

McLean, VA . . . IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2008 will host an all new Manufacturing Business and Technology Forum in partnership with key industry organizations. The forum, “Where Technology and Business Connect,” to be held during IMTS September 8-13, 2008, will feature educational sessions conducted by SME - Society of Manufacturing Engineers, CAR - Center for Automotive Research, ASPE - American Society for Precision Engineering, NTMA - National Tooling and Machining Association, Tooling U and AMT - The Association for Manufacturing Technology.

“By expanding the number of partners participating in our educational efforts we can offer broad and relevant content to our IMTS attendees,” said Peter Eelman, IMTS Vice President – Exhibitions. “More than ever before, we are designing this education experience for the end-user.” The sessions will explore technologies that can change the way companies manufacture, business development and optimization, workforce efficiency and productivity, and MT Connect which is a new interoperability standard for manufacturers. A complete list of forum sessions and schedule will be available at www.imts.com.

post 2/5/08

AMERICAN MOLD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES UPCOMING EVENTS

The American Mold Builders Association announced its upcoming events for 2008
in which members and non-members can participate.

AMBA Fall Conference:
This annual event will be held on Oct. 3-5, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Hotel Sofitel. Schedule and speaker information will be announced as that information becomes available. Save the date!

For more information on these events, or to register, see the website at www.amba.org or call Sue Daniels at 630-980-7667.

post 12/19/07

Mastercam's 4th Quarter 2007 newsletter provides user-friendly information for our customers. Topics in this current newsletter include product news such as a guide to improving productivity and decreasing costs by exploring underused CAM features, the benefits of Mastercam Maintenance, and an important notice for Mastercam Version 7 customers. Also included are tech tips, a detailed customer spotlight, and upcoming events. This is a newsletter that has been produced quarterly since 1987 for Mastercam customers. The newsletter is distributed in print, email, and on the Web at www.mastercam.com, and reaches close to 25,000 users.

post 10/24/07

SOCIETY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS' (SME) 2008 EVENT SCHEDULE

September 23-25, 2008
Canadian Manufacturing Week
Metal Finishing Expo
Weld Expo Canada
(an SME Canada event)
International Centre
Toronto, Canada
www.sme.canada.ca/cmw

October 6-8, 2008
FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV USA
www.sme.org/fabtech

post 10/19/07

Machine Shops Busier and More Liquid

Lincolnshire, Illinois, October 18, 2007 – “In August machine shops grew more rapidly and the delinquency rate on machine tool leases reached an all-time low, about one-third of the rate on home mortgages. In contrast to the housing and mortgage markets, which are in such bad shape that they are hurting the rest of the economy, machine shops are growing and machine tool leases are solid. Shops are uniformly in good financial shape judged by their ability to pay their bills,” commented Harry Moser, Chairman of Agie Charmilles. (See Fig. 1)

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index increased to 68 in August from 65 in July. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (May 2007). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the only known monthly index of business activity in U.S. machining industries. Business activity was strongest in the Plastic Extrusion Die Category and the Midwest region.

Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm

The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index was 588 in August 2007, an all time record, up from 556 in July 2007, versus 357 in August 2006 and 55 in January 2002, the worst reading on record. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tools users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. In July the 30 day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained close to the lowest level on record, approaching 1%, which is much lower than the 4.37% credit card (Source: Moody Credit Card Index) or the 4.95% home mortgage delinquency rates (Source: Mortgage Bankers Association). As profitability rises liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

The approximately 126,000 U.S. companies that use machine tools have about 2 million machine tools and 750,000 to 1,000,000 directly related employees (toolmakers, machinists, operators, programmers, etc.). Almost all mid-size to large manufacturing companies use, and periodically purchase or lease, machine tools. Thus, these indices give timely insight into the condition of U.S. manufacturing. The Machining Business Activity Index is a coincident indicator of this key manufacturing sector. The Financial
Strength lags business activity and leads capital investment.

post 9/5/07

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology Unveils
International Manufacturing Technology (IMTS) 2008 Theme
Six-Day Event — September 8 through September 13, 2008

The Association For Manufacturing Technology announces a new theme for IMTS 2008. The theme, “Connecting Global Technology,” is meaningful as IMTS brings together the worldwide manufacturing community to showcase the latest innovative technologies in metalworking equipment and services. “Spring-boarding off a tremendously successful IMTS 2006, this new theme will set the tone for an even more exciting IMTS 2008,” said John Krisko, AMT Director – Exhibitions. “IMTS is truly a global event during which buyers and sellers from over 100 countries exchange business and technical knowledge.

IMTS 2008 is the 27th edition of the premier manufacturing technology show in North America. IMTS 2008 is a six-day event opening Monday, September 8 and running through Saturday, September 13, 2008. More than 1,000 exhibiting companies will occupy 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space at the McCormick Place complex in Chicago, Illinois.

IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show
The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts over 90,000 visitors from every level of industry and over 40 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Founded in 1902, the Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes the interests of American providers of manufacturing machinery and equipment. Its goal is to promote technological advancements and improvements in the design, manufacture and sale of members’ products in those markets and acts as an industry advocate on trade matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.

post 9/5/07

Machine Shops Busier
Lincolnshire, Illinois, September 5, 2007 – “In July, machine shops got busier and the delinquency rate on machine tool leases stayed near an all-time low, about one-third of the rate on home mortgages. In contrast to the housing and mortgage markets, which are in such bad shape that they are hurting the rest of the economy, machine shops are getting busier and machine tool leases are solid. Shops are uniformly in good financial shape judged by their ability to pay their bills,” commented Harry Moser, Chairman of Agie Charmilles. (See figure 1.)

Type of Debt                                    30 Day Delinquency Rate
Machine Tool Leases                     <2%
Credit Cards                                    4.37%
Home Mortgages                            4.95%

(Figure 1)

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index increased to 65 in July from 60 in June. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (April 2007). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the only known monthly index of business activity in U.S. machining industries. Business activity was strongest in the Plastic Extrusion Die Category and the Central and Midwest regions. Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm.

The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index was 526 in July 2007, down slightly from 556 in June 2007, versus 313 in July 2006 and 55 in January 2002, the worst reading on record. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tools users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. In July, the 30-day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained close to the lowest level on record, approaching 1%, which is much lower than the 4.37% credit card (Source: Moody Credit Card Index) or the 4.95% home mortgage delinquency rates (Source: Mortgage Bankers Association). As profitability rises liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

The approximately 126,000 U.S. companies that use machine tools have about 2 million machine tools and 750,000 to 1,000,000 directly related employees (toolmakers, machinists, operators, programmers, etc.). Almost all mid-size to large manufacturing companies use, and periodically purchase or lease, machine tools. Thus, these indices give timely insight into the condition of U.S. manufacturing. The Machining Business Activity Index is a coincident indicator of this key manufacturing sector. The Financial
Strength lags business activity and leads capital investment.

(Figure 2)
Agie Charmilles/USBEF Business Machining Index.

(Figure 3)
Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index.

post 8/10/07

Machine Tool Lease Delinquencies at All-Time Low For Second Month
“In June, shops got busier and the delinquency rate on machine tool leases was, for the second month in a row, at an all-time low - about one-third of the rate on home mortgages. In contrast to the mortgage market, which appears to be in very bad shape, machine tool leases are solid. Shops are uniformly in good financial shape judged by their ability to pay their bills,” commented Harry Moser, Chairman of Agie Charmilles. (See figure 1.)

Type of Debt                    30 Day Delinquency Rate
Machine Tool Leases    <2%
Credit Cards                   4.37%
Home Mortgages           4.95%
(Figure 1)

The Agie Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index increased to 64 in June from 62 in May. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (March 2007). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the only known monthly index of business in U.S. machining industries. Business activity was strongest in the Aluminum Extrusion Die Category and the South region. Historical data is shown in Figure 2, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at http://us.gfac.com/newsroom/businessindex/index.cfm.

In June, the 30-day delinquency rate on machine tool leases remained at the lowest level on record, approaching 1%, which is much lower than the 4.37% credit card (Source: Moody Credit Card Index) or the 4.95% home mortgage delinquency rates (Source: Mortgage Bankers Association). The Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index was 555 in June 2007, unchanged from May 2007, versus 357 in June 2006 and 55 in January 2002, the worst reading on record. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of machine tools users’ liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. As profitability rises liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 3 and is available at the Agie Charmilles URL mentioned above.

The approximately 126,000 U.S. companies that use machine tools have about 2 million machine tools and 750,000 to 1,000,000 directly related employees (toolmakers, machinists, operators, programmers, etc.). Almost all mid-size to large manufacturing companies use, and periodically purchase or lease, machine tools. Thus, these indices give timely insight into the condition of U.S. manufacturing. The Machining Business Activity Index is a coincident indicator of this key manufacturing sector. The Financial Strength lags business activity and leads capital investment.

(Figure 2)
Agie Charmilles/USBEF Business Machining Index.

(Figure 3)
Agie Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry
Financial Strength Index.

post 7/10/07

RADIO PROGRAM OFFERS INDUSTRY EXPERTS’ VIEWPOINTS ON
AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING ‘SKILLS GAP,’
REACHING YOUTH TO PROMOTE MANUFACTURING CAREERS
FMA offers ‘America’s Business’ Interview Online

ROCKFORD, Ill., June 27 – John Ratzenberger, executive producer and host of the Travel Channel’s “John Ratzenberger’s Made in America” and former “Cheers” star, joined Terrence Egan, director of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Foundation (FMAF), recently to discuss the manufacturing “skills gap,” the need for qualified workers, and why it’s important to introduce young people to careers in manufacturing. They spoke on “America’s Business,” a syndicated radio program hosted by Mike Hambrick. The full interview is available by visiting
www.fma-foundation.org .

During the interview, Ratzenberger, co-founder of the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation (NBTF), a charitable organization dedicated to introducing young people to the pleasures of tinkering, addressed the importance of introducing young people to manufacturing jobs in order to train tomorrow’s workforce.

“We must encourage kids when they graduate from high school to look at manufacturing as a career,” he said. “Part of the problem is the media and Hollywood often portray manufacturing in a poor light, denigrating anyone who works with their hands. I also think the industry goes about it the wrong way. I’ve seen pamphlets, printed books and handouts and they are all rather dull.”

According to Ratzenberger, the NBTF’s approach is to start with the media and talk about programming that honors people who work with their hands. “We need to do a better job of informing children that it’s not a bad thing to work in a factory,” he said.

Egan noted how the FMA Foundation, an educational and charitable organization that provides scholarship and grants to high school and college age students preparing for careers in metal forming and fabricating technology in manufacturing, has joined forces with the NBTF to promote manufacturing to youth by sponsoring 20 camps nationwide that introduce young people ages 12 to 16 to careers in the industry.

“The FMA Foundation is dedicated to reaching younger people through camps and extending that pipeline to an age where kids are finding out who they are,” Egan said on the program. “By teaming up with local trade or technical schools, children who attend typical summer camps also can learn about designing three-dimensional parts or building something. The camps give the kids a tangible experience to make something that they can be proud of and take home with them at the end of the week.”

Egan believes one key to attracting kids to manufacturing is through technology, stressing that the FMA consists of many technology companies. He cited members that cut steel with laser lights, specialize in plasma cutting, do laser welding or operate robotics.

“Let’s get kids off the gaming consoles and show them they can use technologies even more advanced than those little boxes on their TV,” he told listeners. “Let’s teach them that they can learn how to operate the most advanced technology in the world.”

“America’s Business,” sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturing, is a one-hour radio program heard on more than 80 stations that delves deep into the issues that shape manufacturing and business in the United States and abroad.

The mission of the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation is to avert a growing crisis in America, one that is occurring because too few young people now develop the kind of manual skills required by industries, workshops and engineering
practices. More information is available at www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org.

The FMA Foundation is a charitable organization that offers grants to not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions introducing young people to metal forming careers in manufacturing, provides funding to organizations starting or
expanding manufacturing camps for youth, and issues scholarships to students at colleges and trade schools pursuing careers in manufacturing. More information is available at www.fma-foundation.org.

post 5/21/07

LAS VEGAS TO HOST THE FABTECH INTERNATIONAL & AWS WELDING SHOW
IN 2008

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2007 – Today, the American Welding Society
(AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), and
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), cosponsors of the annual
FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, officially announced plans to
take North America's largest metal forming, fabricating & welding event to Las
Vegas, October 6-8, 2008. An estimated 20,000 people from around the
world are expected to visit more than 800 exhibits at the Las Vegas
Convention Center.

"Our customers expressed interest in a West Coast location for the FABTECH
International & AWS Welding Show several years ago. Exhibitors wanted an
opportunity to reach the large number of metal fabricating technology users
located in the Western region of the U.S.," said SME Executive Director Mark
Tomlinson. "After much research and careful consideration, we concluded Las
Vegas has the potential to attract a high number of attendees that
traditionally do not visit this show when it's held in other locations like
Chicago," added FMA President Jerry Shankel.

AWS Executive Director Ray Shook supports the decision to hold the show in
Las Vegas. "Welding technology touches a vast number of applications and
vocations. Many welding and cutting companies have participated in other
Las Vegas trade shows," said Shook. "Now we will be able to fulfill their
marketing objectives with our own event."

Las Vegas hosts the largest number of trade shows and has become one of
the top business destinations in the world. The city welcomes over 6 million
convention and trade show delegates a year. FABTECH Int'l & AWS Welding
Show exhibitors are thrilled the show is heading to Las Vegas in 2008. "We
are excited to participate in a metal fabrication show west of the Rockies,"
said Burke Doar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for TRUMPF, Inc. "No
other city in the U.S. does a better job of attracting exhibitors and attendees
to premier trade shows than Las Vegas."

The announcement to take the show to Las Vegas for the first time marks
show organizer's long-term plans to rotate the event between the Midwest,
Southeast, and West Coast. "We are pleased to welcome the FABTECH
International & AWS Welding Show to Las Vegas and look forward to a long-
term relationship," said Chris Meyer, Vice President of Convention Center
Sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "We plan to provide all of
their exhibitors and attendees with their greatest trade show experience
yet."

Future show dates and locations: November 15 - 18, 2009 in Chicago and
November 2 – 4, 2010 in Atlanta.

For more information, contact:
AWS: Adrienne Zalkind (800) 443-9353 ext. 416, azalkind@aws.org
FMA: Jackie McBain (815) 227-8270, jackiem@fmafabtech.com
SME: Jennifer Dallos (313) 425-3162, jdallos@sme.org

posted 1/4/07

SME Investement Initiative Supports Canadian Manufacturing

DEARBORN, Mich. —The Society of Manufacturing
Engineers' (SME) recent purchase of seven Reed Exhibition Canada (RX
Canada) trade shows is part of a major investment to support Canadian
manufacturing companies and their employees. The shows that were
purchased include Plant Maintenance & Design Engineering, Western
Manufacturing Technology Show, Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show,
Advanced Manufacturing Expo, Montreal Manufacturing Technology,
Southwest Ontario Industrial and Canadian Manufacturing Week.

"This investment not only represents a significant commitment to Canadian
manufacturing, but it positions SME as an important partner to these
manufacturers for years to come," said Brian Holmes SME president-elect and
a Canadian native.

SME executive director and general manager Mark Tomlinson added, "SME is
excited and ready to take on a more active and supportive role within the
Canadian manufacturing community. As part of this investment, SME will
assume control of Reed's Canadian office in Toronto. In addition to having
show sales and management expertise, the Canadian staff is bi-lingual and
thoroughly understands the market. When you look at our successful U.S.
events and membership services we believe there is a unique synergy
between the two organizations."

The Canadian investment is the latest addition to an impressive portfolio for
SME. For more than 10 years, SME has been the only not-for-profit show
management organization with three or more tradeshows ranked in the top
200 as listed by Tradeshow Week. SME's ranked events include the FABTECH
International & AWS Welding Show, WESTEC and EASTEC. Combined, the
three shows equal more than 771,000 square feet with almost 2,000
exhibiting companies. The three events attract nearly 59,000 visitors
annually. SME also has significant initiatives in aerospace and defense and
lean certification that could provide additional opportunities for member
engagement and industry development in North America.

The Canadian market has approximately 54,000 manufacturing establishments
employing nearly 2.2 million people. In fact, Ontario is now the leading
producer of light vehicles in North America and is home to more than 400 auto
parts manufacturers that employ nearly 90,000 people. Quebec is a major
Aerospace manufacturing center, while Alberta's oil-and-gas investments
have increased demand several-fold for manufacturing goods and related
services.

As part of this initiative, SME plans to work closely with the Association for
Manufacturing Excellence-Canada (AME-Canada) and the Canadian
Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) to coordinate the organizations
respective workforce development, education and training efforts.

Some of SME's current initiatives include:

• WESTEC
— North America's largest annual manufacturing and metalworking
event, WESTEC features the latest manufacturing equipment reflecting
emerging technologies. Exhibitors include leading equipment and tooling
manufacturers, regional distributors, technology products and supplier
services from 150 categories representing 2,500 international product lines.

• EASTEC
— For more than a quarter century, EASTEC has connected buyers in
the East Coast's diverse marketplace with sellers of advanced manufacturing
equipment and services. Since the first EASTEC, more than 400,000
manufacturing professionals from the aerospace, defense, automotive,
computer, medical, consumer products, and other industries have attended,
ready to purchase the latest technologies and services.

• FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show
— This show represents the largest showcase of metal forming,
fabricating, tube & pipe, and welding equipment and technology in North
America this year. More than 21,000 attendees from around the world visited
the show to evaluate, purchase and explore innovative technologies. A total
number of 873 companies exhibited at the 2006 event, taking over 300,000
net square feet of exhibit space.

• Collaborate
— This event is designed to foster formal collaboration between
automotive, aerospace and defense manufacturing communities. The event
brings together industry leaders and innovators to share best practices and
work together on new technology applications and processes. Companies
such as Ford, Toyota, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and
United Airlines are participants.

• SOUTH-TEC featuring SME Motorsports
— The Southeast's leading metalworking and manufacturing show
features exhibits and a conference for the booming motorsports industry.
Important industry trends and new manufacturing opportunities are covered
in areas such as machine tools, rapid prototyping, ethanol production, carbon
composites manufacturing, and safety innovations.

• Lean Certification
— Lean Certification sets an international standard for aligning lean
practices by offering the only professional lean certification on the market
that is based on a public body of knowledge and not tied to any one training
program, but instead transferable. It has been developed by lean
practitioners across industries that have chosen a lean career path.

About SME
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional
society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs,
publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME
promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps
keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and
technologies. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, SME influences more than
half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The
Society, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2007, has members in more
than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical
communities and chapters worldwide, including nine chapters in Canada. To
learn more about SME, please visit our web site at www.sme.org.

posted 11/10/06

Machining Industry: Growing Rapidly and Financially Strong

Lincolnshire, Illinois, October 30, 2006 — “In September, our industry responded well to lower oil and other commodity prices. If the resulting lower inflation allows restraint by the Federal Reserve, renewed manufacturing growth is likely,” commented Harry Moser, President of Agie Charmilles Corp.

The Charmilles Machining Business Activity Index was up at 63 in September from 54 in August. The Index is created by surveying machine tool users concerning their current business level versus three months earlier (June ‘06). Any reading above 50 indicates that business activity has improved. The Index was inaugurated in October 2004 and is the only known monthly index of business in the U.S. machining industries. The improvement in business activity was strongest in the EDM Job Shop and Plastic Injection Mold sectors and in the West region. Historical data is shown in Figure 1, and, along with a detailed breakdown of results by geographic region and application/sector, is at www.charmillesus.com/newsroom/bizindex.cfm.

The Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index was 345, vs. 357 in August 2006, 417 in August 2005 and 55 in January 2002, the lowest reading on record. Any reading above 100 indicates that US Bancorp Equipment Finance’s (USBEF’s) machine tool lease payment delinquencies (a good measure of liquidity and consistent profitability) are at a rate below the average rate of 1990 to 1999. As profitability rises, liquidity rises, delinquencies fall and the Index rises. Historical data is shown in Figure 2 and is available at the Charmilles URL mentioned above.

The approximately 126,000 U.S. companies that use machine tools have about 2 million machine tools and 750,000 to 1,000,000 directly related employees (toolmakers, machinists, operators, programmers, etc.). Almost all mid-size to large manufacturing companies use, and periodically purchase or lease, machine tools. Thus, these indices give timely insight into the condition of U.S. manufacturing. The Machining Business

Activity Index is a coincident indicator of this key manufacturing sector. The Financial Strength lags business activity and leads capital investment.

About Charmilles
Charmilles, a Swiss company, is the North American leading supplier of wire EDM, CNC die sinking and manual EDM systems. For more information on the Company’s other products and services and those of its sister company, Mikron, supplier of high speed and 5-axis CNC milling machines, contact Gisbert Ledvon, Charmilles, 560 Bond Street, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224. Tel: 1-800-CTC-1EDM. Fax: 847-913-5340, or visit http://www.charmillesus.com.

About US Bancorp Equipment France
The Machine Tool Finance Group of US Bancorp Equipment France (USBEF) offers manufacturers and vendors, flexible and competitive lease financing for metal cutting, fabrication and plastics and wood manufacturing equipment. As a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, USBEF is one of the largest bank-affiliated equipment finance companies in the nation. Telephone (800) 255-8029 ext. 492.

figure 1 10-30-6

(Figure 1) Charmilles/USBEF Machining Industry Financial Strength Index.

figure 2 10-30-6

(Figure 2) Charmilles/USBEF Business Machining Index.