Register for PMA's Die Protection Clinic—February 7 in Anaheim

Make die crashes a thing of the past! Register for the Die Protection Clinic, February 7 in Anaheim, CA, and learn the most effective methods for sensing non-ejected parts, feed problems, part transfer, stripper position, slug ejection, cam return, ejection cylinders, double blanks, material buckling and pulled slugs.  Also learn which types of electronic sensors to use/avoid, when to use electro-mechanical sensors, a fool-proof process for choosing misfeed sensor location and much more.  Check out PMA’s 2012 calendar for other upcoming seminars and events.

Reduce Costs with Historically Low Energy Prices

Electricity prices are at an 8-year historic low and natural gas prices are at a 9-year historic low. Are you confident that you have the best electricity and natural gas prices, and a supply contract that meets your needs? If your answer is, “I don’t know,” PMA can help. We selected APPI Energy to review energy contracts and advise you how to manage and reduce energy costs. As part of your PMA member benefit, with no risk or upfront cost to you, APPI will help you take advantage of today’s low energy prices. Learn more during our March 16 Webinar—registration is free for PMA members. Contact PMA’s endorsed team of energy experts at 800-520-6685 or http://www.appienergy.com/.

P.J. Thompson Elected PMA 2012 Chairman of the Board

PMA is pleased to announce that P.J. Thompson, president of Trans-Matic Manufacturing Company, Holland, MI, has been elected 2012 chairman of the PMA board of directors.  During his year at the helm of PMA, Thompson has pledged to focus on mid-level managers working in the industry to provide them with the training and experiences that will empower them to lead metalforming companies to new competitive heights on the global stage.  Learn more about Thompson’s goals during his term as chairman in the November 2011 issue of MetalForming magazine.

Seeking Pilot Companies for 21st Century Competency-Based Apprenticeship Programs

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has completed new competency-based apprenticeships for Press Setup and Operator and Tool and Die Maker, as well as Machinist, CNC Machinist CNC Operator and Mold Maker. Companies are now needed to pilot these new and exciting approaches to training in precision manufacturing.  These apprenticeship programs have been developed through a complete review by industry workgroups, and they incorporate NIMS standards and certifications as competency checks.  There are many exclusive benefits for pilot companies.  For details and other information, contact Stephen Mandes at 703-352-4971.  For information about the apprenticeships, contact Bruce Broman at PMA.

Begin Using the myPMA Risk Manager—An Online Center for Safety & Loss Control Resources

The myPMA Risk Manager is a comprehensive library in English and Spanish of nearly 2,000 safety policies and procedures, posters and training documents with all the tools to build a complete loss-prevention program.  Learn more about this outstanding service that is available only to PMA members.