FABTECH News
FABTECH Success Demonstrates Manufacturing Industry Viability
Filling nearly 400,000 square feet of booth space, the four-day show included 1,083 exhibitors and more than 500 new products. “We have already received so much positive feedback about the show from both exhibitors and attendees, and we had quite a presence from people from every continent across the globe,” said John Catalano, FABTECH show co-manager. “Exhibitors told us how pleased they are with the quantity and quality of attendees who visited their booths, and attendees have expressed their excitement in seeing the newest advances in equipment, products and services.”
“This year’s show included a special emphasis on how manufacturers can take advantage of the economic recovery period, and those seminars were quite popular and well attended,” said Mark Hoper, FABTECH show co-manager. “We think the show’s positive attendance figures may be one signal that manufacturing, construction and energy — key indicators of an improving economy—will thrive as the economy improves.”
Throughout the event, thousands of buyers from welders and shop managers to CEO’s and engineers packed the show halls. “The show has been excellent for us,” said William Hildebrand, director of market development for Jancy Engineering. “It's clear that FABTECH is the industry event for welding and fabricating.”
“When the doors opened at 11 a.m. on Sunday, we had customers waiting to see us, and we were busy ever since,” continued Hildebrand. “We had three new products to introduce, and if we'd missed the exposure at this show, it would have taken us months to get the information to our customers. The leads we received were qualified, and now our challenge is to turn them into sales.”
An attendee also shared a positive experience. “People are starting to spend money now,” said Steve Slawta of Midwest Imperial Steel Fabricators in Whitestown, Ind. “We're looking to update, to see what we can do to better our shop, so we can remain competitive.”
The 2009 show included the first official METALFORM pavilion that displayed innovations in stamping technology. The show also included keynotes that addressed best practices for thriving in tough times and on trends in the surging wind and solar energy sectors; Solutions Showcase business improvement sessions; the 2009 Professional Welders Competition; and more than 100 conferences, seminars, professional programs, and technical sessions.
The 2010 show, scheduled for Nov. 2-4, will be held in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.fabtechexpo.com. The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Miami, Fla.; Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Rockford, Ill.; Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Dearborn, Mich.; and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), Independence, Ohio.
CCAI To Host New Finishing Technologies Pavilion at FABTECH
“We are very excited with our new partnership with FABTECH and their co-sponsoring organizations,” states Bruce Bryan, CCAI President. “FABTECH has a long history of being a world-class event that provides manufacturers with everything they need to improve their manufacturing processes. It is a logical fit to have a finishing pavilion as part of an event that deals with the process of manufacturing a product. To be able to add finishing to the mix enables the event to cover it all. It will also allow our members and exhibitors to reach an audience far beyond what we could reach in a finishing-only event.”
Long time FABTECH attendee and now exhibitor, Eric Jones, president of Col-Met Spray Booths, is excited about the new Finishing Technologies pavilion. “I have been going to FABTECH for years buying equipment for our plant, and a few years ago noticed that nobody in our segment of the industry was exhibiting,” Mr. Jones commented. “What I noticed is that anyone who has a metal fabrication/production shop attends FABTECH (or should). Obviously, these people have to deal with finishing their products in some form or fashion, either by contracting it out or in-house. We have obtained great leads over the past few years exhibiting there and we were somewhat lost in the shuffle with the metal working equipment. Dedicating a finishing section to this show will only help the visibility of our industry. We are excited!”
In addition to being responsible for selling exhibit space in the Finishing Technologies Pavilion, CCAI will also produce conference programming focusing on a wide variety of finishing technologies, including liquid finishing, powder coating, electrocoating, pretreatment, curing and plating. CCAI’s Finishing Technologies Pavilion will debut at FABTECH, Nov. 2 – 4, 2010 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
FABTECH 2010 is expected to draw more than 22,000 attendees, attract more than 1,000 exhibitors and feature thousands of live equipment demonstrations throughout its pavilions. When recent attendees were asked on a post-show survey what additional manufacturing technologies or services, if any, they would be interested in seeing at an upcoming FABTECH, of the technologies listed, 37.6 answered Finishing/Painting/Coatings. More than 23% of recent attendees when registering for FABTECH said they planned to evaluate finishing products while at the show.
FABTECH, when held in Chicago on the odd years, draws an even larger crowd, typically more than 30,000 attendees. The show rotates between Chicago, Atlanta and Las Vegas, with Chicago being the anchor city every other year.
CCAI is a non-profit technical and professional association that provides information and education on surface coating technologies worldwide. Founded in 1972, CCAI has a network of grass root chapters that provides education and training to finishers. CCAI’s membership is comprised of end users of industrial finishes, custom coaters and industry suppliers. Visit CCAI on the web at www.ccaiweb.com.
Anyone interested in exhibiting in CCAI’s Finishing Technologies Pavilion can email us at fabtech@ccaiweb.com or call Andy Goyer at 941-373-1830 for more information. For more information on FABTECH, visit the show website: www.fabtechexpo.com.
MANUFACTURERS DETAIL RECESSION SURVIVAL STRATEGIES IN NEW SURVEY
DEARBORN, Mich., September 3, 2009 — Manufacturers detail their recession survival strategies in a new survey conducted by the sponsors of the upcoming FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, in Chicago.
To survive what many view as the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, 69 percent of manufacturers indicated they reduced their workforce, followed by delaying capital expenditures (66 percent), negotiating with suppliers for better deals (48 percent) and cutting promotional activities (37 percent.) The survey of 1,046 past or prospective registrants of the FABTECH event was conducted in late July.
However, with signs that the economy is currently improving, those surveyed plan to reverse downsizing -- nearly one-third of those surveyed said they expect to add to their workforce in the next 12 months. Manufacturers reported an increase in demand in product as the leading factor that would prompt an increase to the workforce (78 percent) followed by the opportunity to upgrade workforce (7 percent) and the need for new skill sets (6 percent).
“As manufacturers look for signs of improvement in their business, it’s vital that they prepare for the economic recovery,” said Mark Hoper, FATECH show manager. “History shows that it’s the period immediately following a recession that offers the most opportunity for businesses. The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with solutions and strategies to take advantage of the economic turnaround and operate a more efficient and competitive business.”
Free educational sessions focusing on the economy include:
• A keynote panel discussion led by Jeff Knauf, president of Medalist Laserfab, Inc., titled, “Best Practices for Thriving in Tough Times,” on business strategies for surviving and thriving during an uncertain economy. Topics include workforce development, diversifying product lines and operations, obtaining financing/credit, and current tax incentives.
• A Solutions Showcase session on “Maintaining Sales Focus in a Down Economy” that offers strategies to better prepare businesses for the economic turnaround including creating a recession-proof sales strategy, growing current accounts and gaining new customers in tough times.
• A Solutions Showcase session titled, “Smart Strategies for Preserving Stakeholder Relationships,” that highlights the importance of frequent, quality communications with stakeholders.
Taking place November 15-18, FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology,
To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.432.2832 or 815.399.8700 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.
Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.
# # # NOTE TO MEDIA: Working journalists are invited to cover FABTECH at no charge. By registering to attend, verified press will receive free access to the event and all exhibitor press conferences. Expedite your entry into the show by pre-registering (MS Word).
About FMA The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, and networking events, while providing the resources needed by companies to improve operations. FMA’s technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, Intl (TPA), focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating. Visit www.fmanet.org for more information.
About AWS The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 sections and student chapters. For more information, visit www.aws.org.
About SME The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motor vehicles, including motorsports, and oil and gas. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide.
About PMA The Precision Metalforming Association is the full-service trade association representing the $91-billion metalforming industry of North America. Its 1100 member companies include metal stampers, fabricators, spinners, slide formers and roll formers as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. Through advocacy, networking, statistics, the Educational Foundation, METALFORM tradeshows and MetalForming magazine, PMA helps lead innovative member companies toward superior competitiveness and profitability. Visit www.pma.org.
Editor Contacts: Pat Lee Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. 815.227.8286 PatL@fmanet.org
Cindy Weihl American Welding Society 305.443.9353, ext. 416 cweihl@aws.org
Lori Ann Dick, APR Society of Manufacturing Engineers 313.425.3187 communications@sme.org
Pam Pirogowicz Precision Metalforming Association 216.901.8800 ppirogowicz@pma.org
Ben Arens LCWA 800.837.7123 barens@lcwa.com
Manufacturing Executives Report Signs of Improving Economy in New Poll
DEARBORN, Mich., August 25, 2009 — Optimism about the economy is beginning to permeate among the ranks of recession-wracked manufacturers, according to a new poll conducted by the co-sponsors of the upcoming FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, in Chicago.
More than half (53 percent) of the manufacturing executives polled indicated they have seen or experienced signs that signal the start of an economic recovery. The survey of 1,046 past or prospective registrants of the FABTECH event was conducted in late July.
Leading the way of positive signals reported were an increase in new sales inquiries (27 percent), followed by an increase in orders (23 percent), reduced layoffs (18 percent) and the need to replenish inventory levels (14 percent).
Additionally, more than one quarter surveyed – 27 percent – agree with economists’ forecasts that the economy will return to moderate growth in the third and fourth quarters of 2009.
“These findings are in line with what we are hearing from other industry sectors, as well as economists’ assessments that the economy is gradually improving,” said John Catalano, FABTECH show manager. “Thus, it’s important for manufacturers to take advantage of this pending recovery period. In fact, one keynote address during FABTECH offers strategies designed to prepare businesses for the economic turnaround, and other sessions explore similar issues tied to the economy.”
Taking place November 15-18, the FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with the latest tools, technologies and processes to improve their business in uncertain economic times.
FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology.
“This event offers two keynote panel discussions and several free educational sessions that offer solutions and strategies for manufacturing executives to operate a more efficient and competitive business,” said Catalano.
One strategy for potential growth to be a major focus at the show is in the energy sector. A panel discussion titled, “Energy – The Outlook is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us”, will connect experts from the wind and solar energy sectors who will discuss trends and forecasts, government issues and what it means to current and future suppliers. Separate Solutions Showcase presentations will highlight opportunities for metal fabricators in the surging wind and solar energy markets.
To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.
Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.
FABTECH MEXICO/AWS Weldmex/METALFORM Mexico
DEARBORN, MI, July 13, 2009 – A record number of more than 6,100 visitors descended on the Cintermex Exposition facility, June 2-4, 2009 to attend the first-ever co-located metal forming, fabricating and welding show in Monterrey, Mexico.
The mega event brought together the new FABTECH Mexico show with two existing shows, AWS Weldmex and METALFORM Mexico. The combination of these prestigious events provided attendees a "one-stop-shop" environment to see the latest equipment and processes from an array of metal forming, fabricating and welding technologies. "We were able to bring our entire buying team from different departments, which saves us several months of sourcing" said Ing. Roberto Figueroa, sourcing director, Industrias John Deere.
Attendees traveled from all parts of Mexico and South America to attend this show. "We achieved our goal of creating a joint event to serve manufacturing professionals and practitioners throughout Mexico and Central America. Over 30% of the attendance came from outside Monterrey and 15% from Mexico City and southern Mexico," commented Mark Hoper, FMA's director of expositions. There were also attendees from the U.S., Canada and other Latin American countries.
"In conjunction with AWS Weldmex and METALFORM Mexico, FABTECH Mexico created an optimal environment for companies to expand their reach into the heart of Latin America's manufacturing community," stated John Catalano, SME's director of expositions. The combined event drew more than 300 exhibiting companies, making it the largest machine tool exposition in Mexico. Exhibitors met and networked with qualified buyers over the course of the three days and took this opportunity to demonstrate their new products and technologies. "Face-to-face events are the best way to market our products," said Enrique Parra, sales manager for HEMSA, a major exhibitor. "We will continue to use this event as our marketing arm in the future", said Parra.
The mega exposition, sponsored by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), American Welding Society (AWS), and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), will hold its next event on May 11-13, 2010 in Mexico City.
For more information or to reserve your space for FABTECH MEXICO 2010, call FMA at (800) 432-2832 ext. 271 or SME at (800) 733-3976 ext. 3126.
FMA
The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, headquartered in Rockford, Ill., USA, is a non-profit educational association dedicated exclusively to metal forming and fabricating professionals. Founded in 1970, it is considered the world's largest educational association for its industry, with thousands of members worldwide. FMA provides in-depth technical information and educational opportunities through conferences, award-winning magazines, extensive research services, and co-sponsorship of the FABTECH International series. Visit FMA at http://www.fmanet.org.
SME
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motor vehicles, including motorsports, and oil and gas. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide. Visit SME at http://www.sme.org.
AWS
The American Welding Society is the largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and allied processes including joining, brazing, soldering, cutting, and thermal spray. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, AWS serves more than 50,000 members in the United States and around the world. Visit the Society's Web site, www.aws.org.
PMA
The Precision Metalforming Association is the full-service trade association representing the $91-billion metalforming industry of North America. Its 1100 member companies include metal stampers, fabricators, spinners, slide formers and roll formers as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. Through advocacy, networking, statistics, the Educational Foundation, METALFORM tradeshows and MetalForming magazine, PMA helps lead innovative member companies toward superior competitiveness and profitability. Visit www.pma.org
FABTECH 2009 Provides Solutions to Survive
DEARBORN, Mich., June 25, 2009 — Many economists are predicting that the recession will end and the economy will begin to rebound by the end of 2009. Scheduled for the middle of the fourth quarter, the FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with the latest tools, technologies and processes to enable them to take advantage of the recovery period.
FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place Nov. 15-18. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology.
Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies.
“Those involved in evaluating and purchasing new equipment, products or services in the industry will find the most comprehensive lineup of the industry's hottest innovations in action and gain invaluable knowledge by attending the show,” said John Catalano, FABTECH show manager.
“For exhibitors, this event provides a unique opportunity to showcase products and services in front of the industry’s most targeted buying audience. With our expected attendance, we think this ultimate gathering of buyers and sellers is proof positive that manufacturing—a key indicator of an improving economy—will thrive when the economy does pick up,” said Catalano.
In addition to viewing the latest products, attendees will benefit from a comprehensive array of educational offerings. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.
Other show highlights include:
Keynote Presentations: Two dynamic speakers will moderate keynote panel discussions. On Monday, Nov. 16, Jeff Knauf, president of Medalist Laserfab, Inc., will moderate a panel discussion titled Best Practices for Thriving in Tough Times on business strategies for surviving and thriving during an uncertain economy. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, William Haas, client program manager for The Shaw Group, will lead a discussion called Energy – The Outlook Is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us that will include experts from the surging wind and solar energy sectors with experts from the oil and gas industries to discuss trends and forecasts, government issues and what it all means to current suppliers.
FREE Solutions Showcase Seminars: The Solutions Showcase will offer managers and business owners solutions and strategies for operating a more efficient and competitive business. Located on the show floor, these free, expert-led sessions cover a wide range of topics, including maintaining sales focus in a down economy, smart strategies for preserving stakeholder relationships, protecting a company from bankruptcy, what the wind energy market means for metal manufacturing, the growth of solar energy, the essentials of job shop marketing, and social media 101.
Education/Technical sessions: Attendees can take advantage of a unified educational curriculum during the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM. The event offers a variety of technical seminars, conferences, professional programs and more. From metal forming, fabricating and welding technology to economic, operation and management issues, the programming has been designed to provide the latest and most up-to-date information attendees need to successfully operate in every aspect of the industry. More than 25 new sessions are planned, including a newly expanded stamping track.
Professional Welders Competition: November 15-17 - Professional welders will compete on the show floor Sunday through Tuesday for a chance to win a grand prize of $2,500 and recognition as the best welder in America. Entrants will be required to make a pipe-to-pipe plate weld on a pre-tacked joint in five minutes or less, and AWS Certified Welding Inspectors will judge the work. A $1,000 second prize and a $500 third prize also will be awarded. Visit www.aws.org/competition for more information, including competition and safety rules.
To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.
# # #
About FMA The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, and networking events, while providing the resources needed by companies to improve operations. FMA’s technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, Intl (TPA), focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating. Visit www.fmanet.org for more information.
About AWS The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 sections and student chapters. For more information, visit www.aws.org.
About SME The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motor vehicles, including motorsports, and oil and gas. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide.
About PMA The Precision Metalforming Association is the full-service trade association representing the $91-billion metalforming industry of North America. Its 1100 member companies include metal stampers, fabricators, spinners, slide formers and roll formers as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. Through advocacy, networking, statistics, the Educational Foundation, METALFORM tradeshows and MetalForming magazine, PMA helps lead innovative member companies toward superior competitiveness and profitability. Visit www.pma.org.
Editor Contacts: Pat Lee Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. 815.227.8286 PatL@fmanet.org
Cindy Weihl American Welding Society 305.443.9353, ext. 416 cweihl@aws.org
Lori Ann Dick, APR Society of Manufacturing Engineers 313.425.3187 communications@sme.org
Pam Pirogowicz Precision Metalforming Association 216.901.8800 ppirogowicz@pma.org
Ben Arens LCWA 800.837.7123 barens@lcwa.com
When The Recession Ends, Will America's Manufacturers Be Ready
DEARBORN, Mich., May 27, 2009 — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently announced before Congress that the economy should experience an upturn later this year. Welcome news after a year that has been unwelcoming. And history shows that it’s the period immediately following a recession that offers the most opportunity for businesses.
In the case of manufacturers, being prepared can be the difference between succeeding or failing when the recession does end.
The industry associations that produce the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM tradeshow -- Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA), along with the American Welding Society (AWS), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) -- are working together to help manufacturers survive the recession and be ready for the turnaround. For example, a 60-minute webinar, which is available now at www.fabtechexpo.com/video/webinar.cfm discusses the economy and how it impacts manufacturers. The webinar is presented by Chris Kuehl, PhD, an economic analyst with FMA.
"During tough times there’s often a tendency to go into survival mode to ration or cutback on everything. Rather than making drastic cuts or taking desperate measures, greater efficiency can be your best bet for coming out on the other side of the recession," said Kuehl.
"Now is not the time to abandon product lines or stop promotions such as advertising or attending tradeshows. Now’s the time to keep your customers in mind, keep your service standards high and play up your strengths while working on your weaknesses," added Kuehl.
Around the time Bernanke projects an improvement in the economy, FABTECH will bring the metalforming, fabricating and welding industries together to discover new products and vendors and gain valuable business-building knowledge at McCormick Place in Chicago, November 15-18, 2009.
"FABTECH will provide manufacturers great opportunities to take their businesses to the next level. By far, the U.S. is still the world’s leading manufacturer and the value of our goods is about $1.6 trillion with manufacturing making up about 12 percent of our GDP. We can’t achieve a healthy economy without it," said Kuehl.
To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.
