Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Last Chance to Register for PMA/NTMA Purchasing Fair

Again this year, PMA is partnering with the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) to offer a Contract Manufacturing Purchasing Fair on Friday, October 10 in Lost Pines, TX. At this event, contract manufacturers can meet with qualified buyers and specifiers directly involved in the purchasing of special tooling or assemblies/subassemblies, precision sheetmetal stampings and fabricated components. Register today!

Annual Trainers Roundtable Set for October 21-22

Those who manage and/or implement training at their companies are encouraged to attend PMA’s 14th Annual Trainers Roundtable on October 21-22 in Cleveland. The program begins with a networking dinner and agenda-building session followed by a presentation from the winner of PMA's 2008 A.R. Hedberg Training & Education Award of Excellence. The following day will feature discussions on key training-related topics determined by roundtable attendees.  Contact Amy Thacker for more information about this event.

PMA Accepting Award Submissions until October 31

Companies that excel in the areas of design, safety, quality, productivity, training, product development and process control are encouraged to submit an entry for PMA’s 2009 Awards of Excellence in Metalforming.  An eighth award honors an educational institution that provides training and education services to companies in the industry.  Winners receive recognition at PMA’s Tech Conference and Annual Meeting, a cash prize, coverage in MetalForming magazine and more!  Get details about each award and download an entry form.  The deadline to apply is October 31, 2008.

PMA & NTMA Join Forces to Strengthen Industry Advocacy Efforts

PMA has joined with the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) to combine federal government advocacy programs to promote U.S. government policies that will ensure a strong manufacturing sector in the United States. PMA and NTMA each have had an active advocacy program for many years and will now implement a coordinated, joint federal advocacy effort while maintaining their status as separate organizations.  Read the press release.

Steel Imports Down Sharply in August

According to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, steel imports continued to decline in August, falling 19 percent. Hot-rolled steel imports, the product used most frequently by metalforming companies and automotive suppliers in particular, fell 17 percent on the month, and overall steel imports are down 11 percent this year compared to 2007.  See PMA’s press release.