February 12 marked a groundbreaking day for the PMA Mexico District as it held its first in-person event since becoming PMA’s newest district!
Engineering managers and tool and die professionals from different states of the country gathered at Pridgeon & Clay S.A. de C.V. for a five-hour seminar and plant tour. The event, Introduction to Troubleshooting Metal Stamping Operations, focused on introductory best practices in troubleshooting metal stamping operations and tool and die, using content from PMA’s in-plant training systems and other resources available to manufacturers in Mexico.
View the event photos here.
PMA Technical Training Manager Scott Rieg, along with Pridgeon & Clay’s Engineering General Supervisor Raul Rodriguez, guided attendees through the entire automated press system—from coil to straightener and through the line—including tool and die setup.
During the plant tour, Pridgeon & Clay’s Operations Manager Alan Caballero led the group through the company’s expansive 90,000-sq.-ft. facility. Attendees explored large transfer stamping, heavy gage stamping, automated assembly, quality control, and tool and die repair. Alan provided detailed explanations of processes, using sample parts and assembly examples to highlight manufacturing challenges and solutions.
Following the tour, the event concluded with a group discussion and an overview of PMA’s comprehensive in-plant training catalog, as well as its online training platform, METALFORM EDU, which includes Spanish-language content. The discussion proved invaluable in identifying future training opportunities, such as advanced troubleshooting techniques, preventive maintenance, lubrication and die protection.
Event sponsor ACAT Mexicana provided lunch from El Papalote, a local favorite, along with coffee breaks throughout the day. Meanwhile, Pridgeon & Clay’s administrative team, Alba Robles and Dara Torres, ensured the event ran smoothly and that all attendees received certificates of completion.
This event was made possible through the leadership of PMA Mexico’s volunteer team, led by PMA Mexico District Director Salvador Ramirez, Vice President/General Manager of Pridgeon & Clay MX, and event host, along with fellow officers.
Upcoming District Events
The district’s next events will take place during MetalForming Magazine’s April Mexico Stamping Technology Webinar Series, where district vice-chair Enrique Parra will host and present. This will be followed by a PMA member reception and booth display at FABTECH Mexico (May 6-8), where the district will showcase training resources and its growing member community.
Get Involved
- To learn more about PMA’s in-plant and online training, including membership savings, contact Mary Pramik at [email protected].
- For information about ACAT Mexicana, contact Adrian Nuno at [email protected].
- To subscribe to district communications, contact Randy Kish at [email protected]. Stay up-to-date by following PMA Mexico on LinkedIn.