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MAX to Hit Nashville in 2026 

The Quality Show is getting a new identity, MAX. MAX stands for the Manufacturing & Automation eXchange. It’s the new embodiment of not only The Quality Show, but also events previously known as The ASSEMBLY Show South and Adhesives in Action.  

According to the organizers, “We’ve rebranded to reflect where the industry is going—more automation, more integration, and more innovation. It’s still hands-on, solutions-focused, and grounded in real-world manufacturing challenges—but now, it brings together a broader range of professionals and technologies under one dynamic event.” 

If you are still asking yourself “Why the Change?,” sources close to the show offer this rationale: “The industry has evolved, and so have manufacturers’ needs. Automation, robotics, and smarter production methods have become central to the way we work—and MAX reflects that shift. We’re bringing five powerhouse brands together—ASSEMBLY, Quality, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, ISHN, and Packaging Strategies—to create one unified event. That’s how modern manufacturers think, so that’s how we’re building this event.” 

Additionally, a broad spectrum of sectors—Automotive, Appliance, Aerospace, Medical, Electronic, New Energy, and General Manufacturing—will truly be brought together by the event, which was witnessed by the collaboration and synergy evident in the co-location of The Quality Show, The ASSEMBLY Show South, and Adhesives in Action. The event will be backed by a total of five top brands and reflect “a more integrated, innovative industry.” 

Further capitalizing on how manufacturers think and operate on the modern shop floor, MAX will be less of a traditional trade show and more of a live experience. You’ll still see your favorite technologies, but now everything is showcased in an integrated environment that reflects how manufacturers actually operate.

To this new approach, the show will be introducing Learning Hubs instead of traditional theaters—quick, engaging 15-minute sessions right on the show floor that help solve real challenges—and hands-on demos from robotics and automation to safety and quality. 

The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) will be held March 25-26, 2026, at Music City Center, Nashville, TN. 

For more information or to register for the event, visit theMAXevent.com. 

Industry Groups Weigh in on Recent Trump, Other Economic Activity 

NAM and AMT released comment on a number of recent economic issues affecting manufacturing. 

Fed Continues Rate Hold Amid Rising Manufacturing Technology Demand 

On May 7, released comment on the Federal Reserve holding the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5% for the third meeting in a row. In its announcement of the rate decision, the Fed cited increasing uncertainty in the economic outlook and a rising risk of higher unemployment and inflation. 

“The market for manufacturing technology had a great first quarter, and despite the rising risks to inflation and unemployment cited by the Fed, the economy remains on generally stable footing,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “Uncertainty is detrimental to consumers making large purchases and businesses making additional investment. The sooner policy paths are solidified, the sooner businesses can make additional investments in manufacturing technology to meet consumer demand.” 

For more information, visit amtonline.org. 

NAM’s Timmons Discusses Trump Administrations First 100 Days, Trade, and More  

In an appearance on CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange, NAM’s Jay Timmons commented on the Next 100 Days of the Trump Administration, saying, “There’s a lot of focus on the first 100 days—what’s been accomplished. I think to judge this administration, we’re going to have to really look at the next 100 days because the president has laid out so many things that are going to take a little bit of time to take effect. And manufacturers are very interested in seeing the results of tax reform legislation, regulatory rebalancing and then, of course, those 200 trade deals that the president is talking about.” 

He also talked about China and trade negotiations and tax reform and manufacturing investment, on the latter of which he said, “[W]e need a comprehensive manufacturing strategy. We haven’t had one in this country for decades, and that starts with lowering the cost of doing business.” 

You can watch the entirety of his interview at documents.nam.org/COMM/CNBC_Jay_04-30-2025_05.37.16.mp4. For more information, visit www.nam.org. 

AMT: Latest GDP Report Shows Mixed Messages for Manufacturers 

On April 30, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, also released comment on the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ release of its first estimate of GDP for the first quarter of 2025. According to the estimate, GDP contracted 0.3% at an annualized rate. 

“This was a report full of mixed messages,” said Christopher Chidzik, principal economist of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “The headline number was negative, but this was primarily driven by a large increase in imports. Personal consumption expenditures grew by a healthy 1.8%, driven by growth in services and non-durable goods consumption. 

“Declining consumption of durable goods is a concerning sign for the manufacturing technology market, as metalworking machinery is more heavily involved in producing these products than non-durable goods. On the other hand, growth in transportation services, which rely heavily on manufactured inputs, grew modestly in the first quarter. 

“We saw outsized orders for manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report, in the first quarter of 2025, and this is reflected in the impressive 22.5% growth for investment in equipment. Many of our members end their fiscal year in March, so we tend to see declines in order activity at the end of Q1 and a decline in April. Depending on the size of that decline, it will tell us how much of this investment was the effect of orders being pulled forward to avoid any anticipated tariff increases.” 

For more information, visit amtonline.org. 

Foerster Acquires Prüftechnik NDT GmbH 

Institut Dr. Foerster GmbH & Co. KG, a global leader in innovative solutions for non-destructive testing (NDT), announces the acquisition of Prüftechnik NDT GmbH, based in Ismaning, Germany.  

Formerly part of the Fluke Corporation, Prüftechnik NDT GmbH is known for its advanced testing methods and systems used in industrial quality control. With this acquisition Foerster is expanding its product and technology portfolio.  

“Acquiring Prüftechnik NDT GmbH is an important step in our long-term growth strategy,” says Felix Förster, managing partner of Foerster. “This enables us to offer our customers an even broader range of customized solutions and services.” 

Through this merger, customers of both companies will benefit from: 

• An expanded product range in non-destructive material testing 
• An Enhanced service and support structures through a larger network of experts, worldwide 
• Synergies in research and development of cutting-edge technologies 

“Our goal is to leverage the strengths of both companies to provide our customers worldwide with high-quality solutions, ensuring long-term collaboration.”  

With this acquisition FOERSTER marks another milestone in its global expansion, strengthening its position as an innovation leader and provider of comprehensive solutions in the field of non-destructive testing. 

For more information, visit foerstergroup.com. 

AMETEK to Acquire Faro Technologies 

AMETEK, Inc. and Faro Technologies, Inc., announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AMETEK will acquire all outstanding shares of Faro Technologies common stock for $44 per share in cash, which represents an approximate 40% premium to Faro’s closing price on May 5, 2025. The transaction values Faro at an enterprise value of approximately $920 million. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction. 

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, Faro Technologies is a leading provider of 3D measurement and imaging solutions, including portable measurement arms, laser scanners and trackers, software solutions, and comprehensive service offerings. Faro’s precision manufacturing and digital reality solutions serve a diverse range of end markets. The company has annual sales of approximately $340 million. 

“Faro is an outstanding acquisition for AMETEK and an excellent strategic fit with our Ultra Precision Technologies division,” comments David A. Zapico, AMETEK chairman and chief executive officer. “Faro’s differentiated 3D metrology and imaging solutions expand our presence in attractive growth markets. Its strong brand, global customer base, employees and technology capabilities complement our existing Creaform business and provide compelling opportunities for growth and margin expansion.” 

“We are excited to join AMETEK and its portfolio of industry-leading technology businesses,” said Peter Lau, president, chief executive officer & director of Faro Technologies. “With AMETEK’s global scale, operational excellence, and commitment to innovation, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers around the world.” 

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. The closing of the transaction is also subject to approval of Faro Technologies shareholders. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025. 

For more information, visit www.ametek.com or www.faro.com. 

Master of Science in Quality Assurance Application Deadline Approaching 

California State University, Dominguez Hills’ deadline to apply for Fall 2025 admission to the online Master of Science in Quality Assurance (MSQA) is July 1. The online MSQA program is a 30-unit graduate program designed to equip professionals from diverse backgrounds, spanning quality, engineering, management, healthcare, and government sectors with the essential skills for career advancement. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates management principles, quality concepts, and statistical tools, aligning with American Society for Quality (ASQ) standards. Students will have the option to complete the program with a concentration in traditional quality-focused manufacturing concepts -OR- in applications specific to healthcare and service industries. A unique feature of the MSQA program is its customizable curriculum, which allows students to tailor their studies to their personal and professional interests. Additionally, participation in the MSQA coursework prepares participants for industry certifications, further enhancing their career prospects. 

For further details regarding the program admission requirements, visit https://csudh.edu/qa-ms/admission-reqs. 

Cal State is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 term at https://calstate.edu/apply. 

The application and materials/document deadline is July 1, 2025.  

For complete information about the online Master of Science in Quality Assurance program at CSUDH, visit https://csudh.edu/msqa. 

Williamson Joins Vision Markets Consulting Team 

Vision Markets, the leading consulting company for the machine vision industry, announced that Mark Williamson will join their consulting team effective immediately. Mark will bring in his expertise in sales channels, business development and product management to Vision Markets clients. 

Recognized expertise in the machine vision market 

Mark is a respected and recognized personality in the machine vision market. He founded  Firstsight Vision in the UK, which was later acquired by Stemmer Imaging. He then split his time between running the UK business as Managing Director and joining the senior leadership team at Stemmer Imaging where he was responsible for corporate market development. He was also involved in several industry associations. 

“I am pleased to be returning to the machine vision industry in a business advisory capacity working with the impressive consulting team at Vision Markets,” said Marc Williamson. “With an industry that is changing so much, I look forward to bringing my experience in product strategy, market understanding and corporate sales development positioning to help clients maximize their expansion and growth in the machine vision industry.” 

“It is a pleasure and an honor to welcome Mark in the Vision Markets family,” said Ronald Müller, founder and CEO of Vision Markets. “His wealth of expertise strengthens our consulting capabilities even more, especially in the sales and business development areas and we are delighted to offer our clients the possibility to tap into his deep knowledge of the vision industry.” 

For more information, visit www.emva.org. 

BLM Group Promotes Gossard to VP of Sales 

 BLM Group USA share news of the promotion of Gunar Gossard to vice president of sales. In his new position, Gossard will be responsible for the company’s global sales strategy success, identifying new sale opportunities and improving the competitive position of BLM Group in the marketplace.  

“Since joining BLM Group in 2012, Gunar has demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep industry knowledge and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction,” said Mauro Corno, president and COO at BLM Group USA. “His commitment to our business and exceptional leadership has been instrumental to our commercial success, the growth of our sales teams and our ability to expand our market reach.” 

During his time at BLM Group, Gossard has held positions of progressive sales responsibilities, including regional sales manager, North American sales manager and, most recently, director of sales for five years. Previously, he also held sales and marketing positions with Braun Metals, LLC, Gladwin Machinery and Ryerson.

Gossard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Business from North Dakota State University. He has been recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA).  

For more information, visit blmgroup.com.  

Manufacturing Leaders Converge in Nashville for The Quality Show, The Assembly Show South, and Adhesives in Action 

With a bustling expo floor, robust conference programming, and a palpable spirit of collaboration, the events attracted engineers, plant managers, operations executives, and product developers from a wide range of industries. Highlights included: 

• Live Equipment Demonstrations: Attendees experienced live machinery and technology demonstrations from leading suppliers in assembly, quality control, and bonding. Featured exhibitors included Platinum Sponsor Promess; Gold Sponsor Deltek; Silver Sponsors Atlas Copco, Desoutter Industrial Tools, and Intellect; and Bronze Sponsors Schmidt Technology, UJIGAMI by Tutelar Technologies, and Weiss North America.  
• Educational Sessions and Keynotes: Industry leaders addressed critical challenges in automation, workforce development, quality management, and sustainability. The conference opened with a keynote presentation by Eric Jefferies, President of the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), who shared insights on how a digital-first approach is transforming quality standards in aerospace, space, and defense.  
• Networking and Innovation Showcases: Attendees connected through panel discussions and networking events. A special feature from FIRST in Tennessee included four student robotics teams from across the state demonstrating the robots they designed, built, and programmed as part of the FIRST© Inspires program.  

Award Highlights 

Prior to the keynote, Darryl Seland, Editorial Director of Quality Magazine, presented the Quality Awards: 

• Plant of the Year: Shawn Pereira, CEO, Spectrum Custom Packaging  
• Rookie of the Year: Attrayee Chakraborty, Quality Systems Engineer, Analog Devices  
• Professional of the Year: Dr. Ben Tomic, Quality Leader, Bombardier Aviation  

In addition, John Sprovieri, Editor in Chief of ASSEMBLY Magazine, announced the Best in Show Award winners. The program featured new products that the magazine editors selected. Attendees voted throughout the event, and the following companies were announced as the winners: 

• 1st place winner: PICO MES for their no-code software platform for small and mid-sized manufacturers, which engineers can use to create digital work instructions.   
• 2nd place winner: MS Ultrasonic Technology LLC for their MS sonxTOP Membrane, which punches and seals the membrane to a plastic housing, in one step, in less than 2 seconds.   
• 3rd place winner: Effecto for their Flexible Smart Gripper (FSG), which can pick and place parts in myriad shapes and sizes.   

BNP Media owns and produces the trade shows and conferences. It is a leading B2B media company serving more than 60 industries through magazines, custom media, digital products, webinars, events, and market research. Learn more at www.bnpmedia.com. BNP Media also produces The ASSEMBLY Show, which takes place October 21-23 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. 

Perrin Appointed President of Metrologic Group, DCS 

Metrologic Group, leading provider of measurement software and analysis, and Dimensional Control Systems (DCS), supplier of tolerance analysis software to industry, merge to form a Business Unit within the Swedish Sandvik Group. Benoit Perrin has been appointed president of the new entity. 

Prior to joining Metrologic Group - DCS, Benoit was managing director of EasyMile, a French company pioneering the development of autonomous driving technologies for private and industrial sites. Prior to this, Benoit Perrin held a number of management positions in major technology companies (such as Alstom), bringing in-depth expertise in software product development, technological innovation and business development. His track record bears witness to his ability to transform technological innovations into concrete solutions that meet market needs. 

His experience in launching new innovation programs and in international business will be a crucial asset in driving the performance and growth of the newly merged entities of DCS and Metrologic Group. Benoit Perrin is a graduate of CentraleSupélec and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

“Benoit will be valuable to Metrologic Group, DCS and Sandvik with his broad business background, strategic acumen, leadership, and insight into modern technologies in the industrial world," explains Matthias Nilsson, President of the Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions business area segment. "In times of increased ambitions for our business in agnostic 3D metrology software, his leadership will match our team's needs very well, and I look forward to working with Benoit in the years to come.” 

The synergies between DCS (Dimensional Control Systems) and Metrologic Group are particularly strong in the fields of dimensional control, variation analysis and quality management in the manufacturing industry.  

Together, the two entities offer a complete solution integrating simulation, measurement, traceability and manufacturing process optimization within a connected factory workflow, which is a strong asset for well-established as well as emerging industrial sectors such as aeronautics, automotive and rail. 

The aim of this Business Unit will be to position the company as a key player in the metrology market, capable of offering innovative solutions to meet the needs of industrial players in the fields of quality control, 3D inspection and process improvement. 

For more information, visit https://www.metrologic.group/. 

Manufacturing Machinery Orders Increase in February 2025  

New orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $389.9 million in February 2025, a 9.9% increase from January and a 12.5% increase from February 2024. Through the first two months of the year, orders totaled $744.74 million, an 8.8% increase over the first two months of 2024. 

Through the first two months of 2025, it seems as if the optimistic forecast for machine tool orders had begun to materialize. In addition to the uptick in the value of machinery ordered, unit sales have rebounded in 2025. For much of 2024, growth in the number of units sold lagged the increase in the total value of orders. That trend has reversed in 2025, with the number of units ordered 9.6% above the first two months of 2024. 

Contract machine shops, the largest consumer of manufacturing technology, increased orders by nearly 25% over January but were short of the levels that closed in 2024. 

The value of orders placed by aerospace manufacturers declined sharply from January to February, but the number of units increased slightly. This indicates the industry is buying machinery to overcome capacity constraints. This is confirmed by capacity utilization for the aerospace and miscellaneous transportation sector exceeding the level seen before the Boeing machinist strike for the first time in February 2025. 

Order values of machinery placed by electrical equipment manufacturers were roughly flat from January to February, but the number of units ordered nearly doubled. While order activity remains elevated amid an ongoing transformer shortage, it could be at risk if recent plans to shutter data center development expand. 

In response to the new tariff regime announced by the Trump administration at the beginning of April, many forecasters downgraded their expectations for 2025 growth as uncertainty grew. Amid this environment, many major stock indices experienced declines. Since the stock market reflects expectations of future corporate profitability, the observed declines could be interpreted as waning confidence in future demand from consumers. In an alternate interpretation, companies may not be able to pass the full cost of inputs on to customers after an extended bout of inflation has increased business and consumer price sensitivity. In this scenario, manufacturers who invest in newer, more efficient technologies could help recoup some of that lost profit margin through cost-saving process improvements. 

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org. 

AME President, CEO Humphrey Honored with Baldrige Leadership Award 

The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) announced that AME President and CEO Kimberlee Humphrey has been awarded the esteemed Malcolm Baldrige Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence in Nonprofit. This award recognizes exceptional leadership in driving innovation, quality and performance excellence across the United States. 

The Baldrige Leadership Award is a testament to Humphrey’s relentless pursuit of excellence and her influential role in shaping the future of leadership and performance improvement. Throughout her career, Humphrey has been instrumental in implementing transformative strategies that have enhanced operational efficiency, fostered a culture of continuous improvement and delivered measurable results. 

"I am deeply honored and truly grateful for this recognition as a Baldrige Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence recipient," shared Humphrey. "It is a humbling reminder and reflection of the incredible teams, mentors and colleagues who have guided, challenged and supported me throughout this journey. 

This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, an unwavering commitment to excellence and our shared dedication to continuous improvement. The Baldrige Excellence Framework® helps organizations improve and achieve sustainable results. We embrace innovation, adaptability and the courage to push boundaries — always striving to serve our customers and stakeholders at the highest level. 

I have been a Baldrige believer for several decades and have seen firsthand how Baldrige helps organizations navigate dynamic environments, focus on strategy-driven performance, achieve customer and workforce engagement, and improve governance, ethics, societal responsibilities, competitiveness and long-term organizational sustainability. 

I celebrate this moment with each of you. Together, we drive meaningful change, strengthening our organizations and the communities we serve." 

AME Board Chair Billy Taylor praised Humphrey’s achievements, stating, "Her contributions to the manufacturing industry, her advocacy for quality and continuous improvement, and her dedication to leadership development reflect the highest ideals of this prestigious award. Kim’s influence has not only transformed the organizations she has led but has also inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence in their personal and professional lives. Her legacy of leadership, innovation and service will continue to benefit future generations.” 

The award was officially presented at the Baldrige Quest for Excellence 2025 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on Tuesday, April 1. 

For more information, visit www.ame.org.