More than 600 Manufacturing Sector Leaders Gather for Successful Fifth MFG Meeting
Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) March 18, 2015 -- It was all about innovation as more than 600 manufacturing industry leaders gathered for the fifth installment of The MFG Meeting, March 4 – 7 in Orlando, Fla.
The four-day event brought together manufacturers from three top industry associations, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) to learn, network and be inspired. Together, their members comprise more than 4,000 small and medium-sized manufacturers and distributors from all 50 states.
With a theme of “The Power of Manufacturing,” the conference focused on the design, insight and people that are boosting the growth of manufacturing in the U.S.
“Once again, The MFG Meeting did not disappoint,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “With attendees from every industry including aerospace, defense, automotive, construction, energy, medical and many others, topics spanned a wide variety of cutting-edge technologies. Attendees felt the energy of new ideas and left ready to continue to drive American manufacturing and the economy forward.”
Over the course of the event, The MFG Meeting attendees were:
- Challenged to think through opportunities for forward-thinking and market revolution with emissaries of blockbuster brands from Apple and Tesla to LEGO;
- Educated by a top financial consultant on the current economic landscape and the outlook for end markets both domestically and worldwide;
- Motivated to capture the secrets to success by a sales guru and co-star of a viral video sensation;
- Inspired by the latest in additive manufacturing technology and evolutionary creations like the Strati, the world’s first 3D-printed car; and
- Bolstered by networking opportunities with colleagues and friends – old and new – from the complete manufacturing chain.
“The MFG Meeting’s focus on innovation was great to see,” said NTMA President Dave Tilstone. “In manufacturing, though, we know that innovation needs investment. Following the conference, manufacturers should continue to focus on the need for government policies that allow companies to remain boldly forward-thinking.”
PMA President Bill Gaskin said, “The MFG Meeting was full of exciting new technologies. The programming allowed for discussion of the opportunities, but also the challenges faced by manufacturers today. As we consider advancements in technology, The MFG Meeting reminded attendees that we must also work together to address issues like the skilled worker shortage to avoid stumbling blocks on the path to continued growth.”
As an effort to address the need to recruit more manufacturing sector workers, more than 60 runners participated in the Miles for Manufacturing 5k Run/Walk, benefiting the Max S. Hayes High School in Cleveland, Ohio. The school offers customized learning programs including courses in CNC machining, CAD, and welding, along with courses in automotive repair and computer design.
Planning is already underway for the 2016 event scheduled for March 2 - 5, 2016, in Palm Desert, Calif. Stay up to date with the latest on The MFG Meeting on Twitter (@TheMFGMeeting / #MFGmtg), Facebook, and Linkedin.
About AMT: AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. http://www.amtonline.org
About NTMA: NTMA is the national association representing the precision custom manufacturing industry, which employs more than 440,000 skilled workers in the United States and generates sales in excess of $40 billion a year. NTMA’s nearly 1,400 member companies design and manufacture special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gages, special machines and precision-machined parts. Some firms specialize in experimental research and development work. http://www.ntma.org
About PMA: PMA is the full-service trade association representing the $113-billion metalforming industry of North America—the industry that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming and roll forming technologies, and other value-added processes. Its nearly 900 member companies also include suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. http://www.pma.org
Caitlin Andrews, +1 (202) 828-7637, [email protected]
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