MFG In the News
March 29, 2013
Nearly 700 Manufacturers Gain Insights for Future Growth at Successful Third Edition of The MFG Meeting
Plans Set for 2014 Meeting in Phoenix
McLean, Vir.. . . Nearly 700 manufacturing leaders gathered at the third edition of The MFG Meeting March 5-8, 2013, in Waikoloa, Hawaii. “Rethink…Refocus…Reinvent…Redefine Convention” was the theme of this year’s event, organized by AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
Sandvik Coromant, the largest worldwide manufacturer of tools for machining and a leading innovator in manufacturing technology, was an MFG Gold Sponsor. President John Israelsson had this to say, “The ability for all of us in these three major associations to learn from each other and with each other through the presentations helps the entire manufacturing industry become more innovative and productive. As an industry leader, Sandvik Coromant is always happy to sponsor these opportunities for education and engagement. The presentations on technology – new technology and getting the most from existing technology – are always a valuable experience, and I look forward to sharing what we’ve learned with the entire industry,” said Sandvik Coromant President John Israelsson.
Rick Kline, Sr., Chairman of Gardner Business Media added, “The success of this MFG meeting reflects the remarkable resilience of U.S. manufacturing. Once again, bringing together three organizations that represent technology suppliers, distributors and end users strengthens all of the companies involved. As an industry sector vital to our country, manufacturing is doing well overall. This meeting highlighted the areas that remain worrisome, especially uncertainty in government policy toward spending and taxation. We have to keep pulling together to maintain the encouraging prospects we enjoy in the short term and make the strategic adjustments needed to thrive in the long term.”
The joining of AMT, NTMA and PMA for The MFG Meeting, linked the entire manufacturing chain providing an unparalleled opportunity for collaborative conversations on the most relevant topics affecting manufacturing today. Together, their members comprise more than 4,000 small and medium-sized manufacturers and distributors from all 50 states that provide products and services for aerospace, defense, automotive, construction, energy, medical and many other industries in the United States and abroad.
AMT President Douglas K. Woods said, “This year’s MFG Meeting was another successful collaborative industry event. The combination of economic presentations, a thought-provoking technology session, inspirational speakers, and focused breakout sessions provided a great variety of content for members, but as always, the highest value of attending this event came from the opportunity to network with members, colleagues and old friends.”
“The NTMA was excited to be a part of The 2013 MFG Meeting,” noted Dave Tilstone, NTMA President. “To have these powerful industry associations come together to support manufacturing shows the positive effects of collaborating around a common goal. This event provided the perfect atmosphere to discuss the importance of increasing corporate competitiveness in our transforming industry.”
PMA President William E. Gaskin concluded, “One of the most positive take-aways from the 2013 MFG Meeting was confirmation from participants that while they are extraordinarily frustrated at the lack of clear and decisive action by the President and members of Congress on tax, economic and regulatory issues critical to manufacturing sector, they have experienced growth – and in many cases, significant growth – over the past year, and they expect to continue to do so in the future. PMA, AMT and NTMA members are almost universally optimistic about business conditions over the next few years, but they are concerned that inept decision-making in Washington, D.C. could derail recovery and creation of jobs.”
This third annual MFG Meeting got underway with a presentation on Illinois Tool Work’s recipe for success from Roland Martel – ITW Executive Vice President, Automotive, Appliance and Industrial. Under Martel’s leadership, the division has successfully used the 80/20 rule as a business redesign tool to simplify the business structure. The underlying principle of 80/20 is straightforward: 80% of business sales are derived from 20% of its product offering sold to key customers. Following this concept has lead to simplification and focus on those aspects of the business that are vital toward servicing ITW customers.
John Walker, Chairman of Oxford Economics, and Ken Mayland, President of Clearview Economics, gave their forecasts on what’s ahead for manufacturing over the next couple of years. The two had differing opinions on the effectiveness of measures being put in play by the Administration and Federal Reserve. However they did agree that the manufacturing technology market would not fall off the cliff any time soon. The market will experience some ups and downs but will, in general, remain at the relatively high level of sales experienced over the past three years. They suggested to the group not to expect the U.S. economy to sink into recession, and that manufacturing is positioned to remain strong.
Scott Klososky, Principle at Future Point of View, focused his presentation on using technology and shared his insights on new and future trends in technology. Klososky advised the audience to tap the “mind hive” (crowd sourcing for accelerated innovation), use data and be ready to adapt and take advantage of the latest technological advances in order to stay ahead of the competition.
The MFG Meeting attendees also had the opportunity to attend a variety of interactive breakout sessions centered on current issues.
The MFG Meeting concluded with a presentation by Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, a highly decorated combat fighter pilot with over 65 missions in Iraq and Serbia. He took the group’s breath away by likening a fighter plane battle to the daily battles manufacturing leaders face. He taught attendees the importance of “pushing it [the throttle] up” every minute of every day and how to build a culture of trust that results in wingmen who can overcome obstacles, adapt to change and achieve success.
The 2014 MFG Meeting will be held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz., March 5-8.
For general information, visit the website at TheMFGMeeting.com.
January 16, 2013
Registration Open for Third Edition of The MFG Meeting
The MFG Meeting Sponsors Announce Event Speakers
McLean, Va. . . . Registration is open for the third edition of The MFG Meeting, a gathering of hundreds of manufacturing leaders, March 5-8, 2013 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
The joining of AMT (The Association For Manufacturing Technology), NTMA (National Tooling & Machining Association) and PMA (Precision Metalforming Association) for The MFG Meeting, this year themed “Rethink…Refocus…Reinvent…Redefine Convention” links the entire manufacturing chain, from OEM’s to distribution to end-user manufacturers and provides the forum for uniquely collaborative conversations on the most relevant topics affecting manufacturing today.
“The MFG Meeting has clearly emerged as the must-attend manufacturing leadership event. Bringing together our industry’s entire supply chain, and having the opportunity to absorb information critical for our members in running their businesses, is key to keeping manufacturing leading our economy,” stated AMT President Douglas K. Woods, AMT President.
“2013 marks the 70th Anniversary of the NTMA,” noted Dave Tillstone, NTMA President. “Throughout these seventy years, the NTMA has made significant contributions to the precision manufacturing industry through our efforts in Membership Value, Industry Advocacy, Workforce Development, and Governance. It is only appropriate that we celebrate this milestone by joining with two of our strategic association partners, AMT and PMA, in our ‘Stewardship of the Manufacturing Industry’. MFG 2013 will align efforts within our associations so that we will better serve our members and the industry in whole.”
“Owners and senior executives of machine tool, precision manufacturing, metalforming companies engage with each other and with outstanding speakers , suppliers and sponsors at The MFG Meeting, to network and share ideas on how to continuously improve their companies,” said William E. Gaskin, PMA President.
To fuel the important conversations, the sponsoring associations will host an impressive roster of speakers with thought-provoking presentations including:
- ITW: 100 Years of Producing Commercial Innovations for its Customers
Roland Martel, ITW Executive Vice President, Automotive, Appliance and Industrial
Over the years, Roland Martel has held various Vice President and President positions in the ITW Metal Components division. Prior to his current position, he served as President of ITW’s Global Automotive Division, and in 2006, became Executive President of the Global Automotive Components businesses. In 2010, Mr. Martel became Executive Vice President for the entire Global Automotive and Appliance Components businesses.
- Map Your Market for 2013/ The New Presidential Term: A New Economy OR More of the Same?
John Walker, Chairman Oxford Economics
Ken Mayland, President Clearview Economics
This session features two well-respected economists who specialize in understanding and interpreting the impact of economic trends on manufacturing. John Walker, chairman of Oxford Economics and Ken Mayland, president of Clearview Economics will provide their most up-to-date insights followed by a moderated panel discussion and questions from the audience. A representative from Gold Sponsor, Sandvik, will introduce the session and moderate the economic panel.
- Trends, Technology and Taking the Lead
Scott Klososky, Technology Thought Leader and Social Technologies Expert, Principal at Future Point of View
Scott Klososky is a thought leader who specializes in helping leaders see the world in new ways. He has used innovation, velocity, and future vision to build his own companies and advise clients. Speaking to audiences across the market spectrum, he never fails to send them home with at least three new ideas that can be applied right away. Scott has the ability to translate where technology and trends are going in an engaging and entertaining way. He also has a rare combination of both “over the horizon” vision and “in the trenches” experience. His goal is not just to inform, but to transform the audience’s way of thinking.
- International Business
Lou Longo, Partner, Plante & Moran Global Services
Lou Longo, partner at Plante & Moran Global Services, will cover the current business climate and the risks and rewards involved in doing business internationally and provide insight on globalization and off-shoring strategies, foreign investments, mergers, joint ventures, market analysis, and export market requirements.
- Never Fly Solo! The Power of Partnership to Reach New Heights in Business
Lt. Col. Rob ‘Waldo’ Waldman, motivational speaker, best-selling author and former combat fighter pilot.
This presentation entitled, “Never Fly Solo! The Power of Partnership to Reach New Heights in Business promotes organizational cultures that embrace disciplined training, dedicated teamwork, courageous leadership and unwavering trust will provide the insight to can apply in companies and the motivation to carry it out.
December 17, 2012
Hundreds of Manufacturing Leaders to Gather for Third Edition of The MFG Meeting
Sandvik Coromant Signs on as Gold Sponsor
McLean, Va. . . . Three leading associations will once again combine resources to host the third edition of The MFG Meeting, a gathering of hundreds of manufacturing leaders, March 5-8, 2013 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
The joining of AMT (The Association For Manufacturing Technology), NTMA (National Tooling & Machining Association) and PMA (Precision Metalforming Association) for The MFG Meeting, this year themed “Rethink…Refocus…Reinvent” links the entire manufacturing chain, from OEM’s to distribution to end-user manufacturers and provides the forum for uniquely collaborative conversations on the most relevant topics affecting manufacturing today.
Leading supplier of tools and tooling solutions Sandvik Coromant has signed on as a Gold Sponsor of the 2013 event. Sandvik’s agreement makes them the largest supporter of The MFG Meeting and signals their commitment to providing technical expertise and financial support to the meeting and the associations that organize it.
“The MFG meeting focuses on where our industry needs to grow in the future. Manufacturing is a key engine to the health of the nation and this forward looking meeting helps each of us share information and experiences that will benefit the industry as a whole,” said Jamie Price, president, Sandvik Coromant USA, the conference’s Gold Sponsor. “As the global leader in the metalworking industry, it is our responsibility to support this kind of education and interaction.”
This marks the third consecutive year that Sandvik has served as a Gold Sponsor of The MFG Meeting. Sandvik’s support, in conjunction with sponsorship from other industry leaders, allows The MFG Meeting to bring in nationally-known speakers and economists that make the three-day forum meaningful.
For complete information, visit the website at TheMFGMeeting.com.
Note to the Media: Media registration is complimentary. Please contact Mary Uhrina at 630-240-3139 or at clearlywrite@sbcglobal.net for more information.
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. 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. 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. www.PMA.org
About Sandvik Coromant
Sandvik Coromant is a global leading supplier of cutting tools, tooling solutions and know-how to the metalworking industry. With extensive investments in research and development we create unique innovations and set new productivity standards together with our customers. These include the world’s major automotive, aerospace and energy industries. Sandvik Coromant has 8,000 employees and is represented in 130 countries. We are part of the business area Sandvik Machining Solutions within the global industrial group Sandvik.
