August Orders of Manufacturing Technology Grow 16.1% From July, Totaling $404.2M

New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $404.2 million in August 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. August orders increased 16.1% from July 2023 but were down 12.2% from August 2022. Year-to-date orders reached $2.23 billion, 12.6% lower than the first eight months of 2022.

“We are seeing industries focused on shorter-term projects reduce their spending, but at the same time, OEMs focused on longer-term production timelines have been increasing their spending, keeping orders at an elevated level,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “The net result is that for the third consecutive month, the gap between year-to-date orders in 2022 and 2023 has narrowed, falling from a 14.6% deficit in May to the 12.6% difference we see today.”

Job shops continued to order machinery below their typical monthly share. The value of orders was well below their historical trend despite their share of unit orders remaining elevated. This indicates that while job shops are continuing to buy to increase capacity, OEMs are increasing their purchases of specialized machinery to make more complex, higher-value parts. Of those OEMs increasing orders, manufacturers of automotive transmissions have increased for yet another month. This marks the highest three-month streak of orders since June to August 2017.

Manufacturers of engines, turbines, and other power transmission technologies are also increasing orders at a rapid pace. The current upward trend is the largest sustained increase in orders since the increase that peaked in summer 2008, which was driven by the transition from coal-fired power plants to electricity generated by natural gas turbines.

“Much of the spike in demand for manufacturing technology over the last few years can be traced back to elevated consumer demand. To gauge the probable path of manufacturing technology orders in the future, we should keep an eye on the health of consumer spending,” said Woods. “Between mortgage payments becoming a larger share of discretionary income, wages in many industries not keeping pace with inflation, and ongoing labor disputes shuttering production lines, there are still several headwinds that face both consumers and the manufacturing technology industry.”

For more information, visit www.AMTonline.org.

Marposs Corporation Celebrates 60 Years with Customer, Employee Open Houses 

Marposs recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of its North American subsidiary Marposs Corporation with a Customer Day and a Family Day Open House.  Both of the events were kicked off by short presentations from Marposs Corporation President Ed Vella and Vice President Francesco Fussi, along with a video highlighting the history of the company’s establishment and growth in North America.

“We were delighted to be able to spend a couple of days celebrating the company’s success in America and recognize the hard work of our entire team,” said Vella, “Since 1963, we have seen huge industry shifts, especially with the move toward electric vehicles, and we’re proud that Marposs has stayed ahead of these trends while our employee base – many with 30+ years – have continually applied themselves to meet evolving market needs.”

Visitors on both days enjoyed authentic Italian food, live music, and musical entertainment, as well as showroom tours. Additionally, on Customer Day, also attended by governing officials from the City of Auburn Hills and the Consulate of Italy Detroit, there were industry presentations that highlighted Marposs’ newer capability within the EV motor and battery, HVAC, and semi-conductor markets. Additionally, equipment demonstrations were ongoing to showcase the company’s wide range of technologies for ensuring quality during the manufacturing process.

In addition to the above-mentioned, Marposs Corporation employees and their families enjoyed a children’s area, yard games and other activities on Family Day.

Marposs Corporation is home to over 130 employees and one of 25 Marposs sales and service organizations located across the globe. Worldwide, the Marposs Group employs over 3,500 people in major manufacturing, sales and service centers.

Parent company Marposs S.p.A. was founded in Italy in 1952 and provides cutting-edge solutions for quality and process control in the shop floor environment recognized for improving quality and productivity while reducing manufacturing costs. Offerings include solutions for precision measurement of mechanical components before, during and after the manufacturing process; process control and machine tool condition monitoring; leak testing for all industrial sectors; and automatic assembly and quality control lines.

For more information, visit Marposs.com.

Software, Automation, Quality 4.0 Will Be Focus of 5th Biennial Quality Show

Discount registration available until October 13.

The Quality Show, a 3-day tradeshow dedicated to connecting quality manufacturing professionals with process improvement vendors for all things QUALITY will take place on Tuesday, October 24 through Thursday, October 26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The event will offer a dynamic keynote presentation, expansive exhibit hall, presentation of the 2023 Quality Award, the Hand Gage and Measurement Zone, Guided Exhibit Hall Tours, Learning Theater Presentations and much more.

“We look forward to welcoming quality managers, engineers and manufacturing professionals who will have the opportunity to network, attend education sessions and test out the latest technologies and products that will improve quality and productivity in your manufacturing process,” said Buck Bicek, publisher of Quality Magazine. “For those not able to attend in person we are excited to offer six of the education sessions as part of the Broadcasting Live program where attendees can view presentations & download valuable content.”

Highlights of the event include:

• Keynote Presentation by Travis Jarrett, Quality Manager, TITANS of CNC who will talk about The Future of Quality: What Lies Ahead? The keynote will take place on Wednesday, October 25 at 9:00 am.
• Exhibit Hall featuring over 100 exhibiting companies including Gold Sponsor ZEISS, Silver Sponsor InnovMetric, and Collaborative Partners ASQ Inspection Division and ASQ Measurement Quality Division, Assurance Technologies Inc and CMS.
• 2023 Quality Awards presented by the editors of Quality Magazine to The Quality Plant of the Year: Reed Switch Developments, The Quality Professional of the Year: Saso Krstovski, former Ford Lean Manufacturing Manager, and the Rookie of the Year: Jared Curits, PPI Quality & Engineering.
• Hand Gage Zone sponsored by ATI. Stations include receiving inspection, in-process inspection, PPAP/FAI inspections and SPC technology streamlining reporting processes. Utilizing gages equipped with Bluetooth technology transmitting to data collection software automating reporting processes.
• Measurement Zone - The Coordinate Metrology Society Measurement Zone is a unique user experience that is designed to provide an informative ‘hands on’ learning approach with the latest cutting-edge coordinate metrology measuring equipment. The zones are set up to allow both novice and experienced attendees to use the metrology equipment in an engaging and welcoming environment and will focus on API Radian Laser Tracker, Hexagon Absolute Arm with Scanner, and Verisurf Software.
• Guided Exhibit Hall Tours - Four free guided tours of the exhibit floor will be led by Quality editors. The tours focused Software, Automation and Quality 4.0 will stop at key exhibits and discuss different products and solutions.
• Learning Theater Presentations: On the show floor during all three days, the Learning Theaters will feature more than 20 presentations offering a unique opportunity for industry experts and exhibitors to demonstrate their company's expertise in a particular area related to the latest technological advances in quality.
• Valuable Networking Opportunities: Happy Hour Welcome Reception will be held on Tuesday, October 24 from 3-5 pm. On Wednesday, October 25 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, attendees and exhibitors will gather at the Pub Night Networking Reception. Plus, on Thursday, October 26 from 9:00 – 10:00am the Morning Mingle & Breakfast will be held right on the show floor.
• Broadcasting Live – Six sessions will be available to a virtual audience through the broadcasting live program. The sessions airing on October 24 include Good Quality is Good Business, sponsored by AlisQI; Connected Quality to Improve Profits, sponsored by ETQ; Digitally Connected 3D Measurements, sponsored by InnovMetric; and Total Process Control in Automated Manufacturing, sponsored by Renishaw. On October 25 The Top 4 Quality Inspection Nightmares, sponsored by Discus; and Accelerating Your Quality Assurance Validation Process, sponsored by ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions will be broadcast live. All six sessions will be available on The Quality Show website for one year.
• The ASSEMBLY Show: The Quality Show will be co-located with The ASSEMBLY Show, the leading event covering the processes, technologies, and strategies for assembling discrete parts into finished products. and all attendees will have access to both events.

For more information, visit www.qualityshow.com.

SCOTUS Affirms Manufacturers’ Call for Skilled Worker Support Program

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of cert to reconsider the D.C. Circuit’s decision affirming the validity of Optional Practical Training extension for STEM graduates, a program that expands access to hundreds of thousands of skilled workers for manufacturers and other American businesses, National Association of Manufacturers Chief Legal Officer Linda Kelly released the following statement:

“Today’s decision ends a years-long legal battle, and the NAM Legal Center is proud to have fought to preserve the STEM OPT program, which will aid manufacturers in filling critical, skilled positions. Thanks to the NAM Legal Center’s efforts, the STEM OPT program will remain a vital talent pipeline, providing opportunities for those graduates in science, technology, engineering and math to enhance their education through hands-on work.”

Background: In 2018, after an anti-immigration activist group brought a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security seeking to invalidate the entire STEM OPT program, the NAM and two other business groups moved to intervene as defendants in the case. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in the NAM’s favor in 2020, holding that DHS acted within its statutory authority and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act by continuing the STEM OPT program, a decision the D.C. Circuit affirmed in 2022. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court not to hear the case maintains the Circuit Court’s ruling and preserves the STEM OPT program.

For more information, visit www.nam.org.

The STEM Careers Coalition Presents New Collection of Curated Digital Content for Manufacturing Day 2023 

In celebration of National Manufacturing Day, the STEM Careers Coalition™ – the first-of-its-kind national STEM initiative powered by corporate leaders and anchored in schools by Discovery Education – offers students and families new STEM resources to explore the world of modern manufacturing. With over 4 million manufacturing positions predicted to be available in the next ten years, the new resources from the STEM Careers Coalition connect today’s students to the manufacturing careers of tomorrow.  

Manufacturing (MFG) Day is founded by the Manufacturing Institute, a member of the STEM Careers Coalition, and occurs annually on the first Friday of October to inspire students to become the next generation of innovators leading the manufacturing industry. To support students’ pursuit of careers in modern manufacturing, the STEM Careers Coalition presents a curated collection of standards-aligned student activities and career profiles, including 11 new content collections on manufacturing. The resources are created in collaboration with an array of industry-leading organizations such as Boeing, Caterpillar Foundation, GAF, Nevada Gold Mines, and Stanley Black & Decker. View the free manufacturing resources from the STEM Careers Coalition here. 

The STEM Careers Coalition prepares 10 million students for the future of work by providing equitable access to digital content and experiences that engage students, build foundational STEM knowledge, and develop the critical skills students need for college and career success. Having reached over 7.2 million students, the Coalition is nurturing a diverse culture of STEM education in K-12 schools and afterschool centers nationwide by empowering educators to teach STEM effectively in the classroom, fostering and promoting quality education, and building the next generation of STEM solution-seekers with an intentional focus on racial and gender equity. 

“Manufacturing presents today’s students with so many opportunities to think about and explore STEM. With resources from the STEM Careers Coalition, students can connect what they learn in school to rewarding careers that solve real-world problems,” said Jackie Smalls, Vice President of Coalitions at Discovery Education.  

For more information, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.

Two SME Leaders Appointed to National Manufacturing Boards of Directors

SME, the nonprofit committed to accelerating new manufacturing technology adoption and building North America’s talent and capabilities, announced the recent appointment of two of its leaders to national boards of directors in the manufacturing industry.

Appointed were Toni Neary, director of community engagement and workforce innovation for SME, who was named to the board for the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers, and Greg Surtman, workforce development manager for Tooling U-SME, who was named to the board for The Uniquely Abled Project.

“Toni and Greg were no doubt chosen for their passion for developing people and expertise in workforce development,” said SME’s Chief Workforce Development Officer Jeannine Kunz. “Their insight, experience and counsel to these two organizations will help them to thrive, which ultimately will benefit our national manufacturing workforce.”

Neary and Surtman join other SME leaders who are committed to volunteering on the boards of partner organizations, which SME collaborates with to support workforce development.

Toni Neary serves as SME’s director of community engagement and workforce innovation, leading efforts to grow diversity, equity, inclusion and access in the manufacturing industry as well as highlighting and strengthening successful such programs throughout the United States. 

She works directly with communities to build, fill, and sustain viable manufacturing ecosystems. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for career and technical education – engaging, developing and helping to grow advanced manufacturing programs through various roles. Neary’s self-professed goal is to combine workforce partners, strategies and best practices to unite and uplift individuals, communities and organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from the University of Toledo.

“It is an honor to rejoin the NCATC Board representing SME, to work side by side with the most innovative advanced technology centers in the country,” said Neary. “The leadership, growth and initiatives that NCATC works toward is significant, and I am excited to roll my sleeves up and do good work with these community and technical college leaders from around the country.”

NCATC is an Affiliated Council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), catalyzing a network of higher education and industry-led strategic partner resources that advocates, advises, and promotes the use of advanced technology applications to enhance economic and workforce development programs and services.

With over 160 members from community and technical colleges, universities, career and technical education (CTE) high schools, adult education organizations and the corporate community, NCATC provides great networking opportunities at their Fall Conference every year.

Greg Surtman is the workforce development manager at Tooling U-SME, where he is responsible for leading the team that supports Tooling U-SME’s 900+ partner network. This includes academic institutions (high schools, colleges and universities), manufacturing extension partnerships, workforce and economic development agencies, manufacturing associations and community-based organizations. His focus is addressing the skills gap by creating better alignment between the educational ecosystem and employer demand.

Greg has more than 26 years of workforce development experience during his career including Tooling U-SME, manufacturing companies and academic institutions. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Toledo, is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and is a Certified DiSC Facilitator.

“I am honored to be part of a group that’s focused on providing hope and life-changing opportunities for the uniquely abled and their families,” said Surtman.

The Uniquely Abled Project (UAP) is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind collaboration with the business community. Its focus is the creation of vocational opportunities for the uniquely abled by matching their unique abilities to jobs in demand. It is different from other jobs programs because it has a business conversation with companies and provides an extraordinary solution to a need that businesses have. UAP is not asking them to “help the handicapped.” 

The organization enables those with a diagnosis to have the possibility of a meaningful career providing income, dignity, and purpose while filling a major need for employers.

Kunz said these SME leaders – and the organizations they provide volunteer leadership support for – do the hard, innovative work of addressing national challenges in workforce development which exemplifies the importance of these collaborations.

For more information, visit SME.org.

FABTECH 2023 Concludes with High Marks, Remarkable Success

FABTECH 2023 successfully wrapped up its four-day run at Chicago's McCormick Place on September 14, achieving significant milestones for attendance, exhibitors, and show floor size. From September 11 – 14, FABTECH 2023 welcomed 40,505 attendees from across the globe—a 26% year-over-year gain in attendance compared to the 2022 event in Atlanta and a 40% increase compared to the 2021 event in Chicago. Representing 80 countries and all 50 states, these industry professionals converged at McCormick Place to explore cutting-edge technology, engage in education sessions, establish new business relationships, and foster invaluable networking connections.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the attendees, exhibitors, speakers, members, and everyone who joined us for FABTECH 2023 in Chicago," expressed Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH Group Director at SME. "This year's event was an exceptional gathering, offering the industry a one-stop-shop for solutions with an expansive show floor that truly showcased the future of manufacturing. FABTECH remains well positioned to continue its leadership role in delivering access to leading-edge trends, technologies, and innovations that are driving manufacturing forward."

FABTECH 2023's show floor, spanning 825,325 square feet across three exhibit halls, featured an extensive showcase of over 1,500 world-class suppliers. Among these were 235 new exhibitors unveiling more than 575 new products, exemplifying the industry's unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

The eight technology pavilions explored critical sectors such as 3D/Additive Manufacturing, Forming and Fabricating, Finishing, METALFORM, Tube/Pipe, Robotics and Industrial Automation, Welding, and Welding Automation. Prominent industry leaders, alongside a diverse range of exhibitors, once again converged at the event, drawing significant attention. Notable companies missing from the show floor in 2021 such as Lincoln Electric, AIDA-America, and MC Machinery Systems/Mitsubishi Laser, among others, were back in Chicago to showcase their latest products and solutions, contributing to the event's success.

"Overall, the experience was excellent. The show was incredibly busy, and we had some truly meaningful customer conversations. It felt like we were back to pre-COVID levels of attendance and interaction, which was fantastic. We engaged with customers who were genuinely interested in exploring technology and equipment. We had some great leads and high-quality conversations. We couldn't be happier with the show," said Vince Iozzo, Head of Marketing, TRUMPF North America

Special events at FABTECH 2023 included inspiring keynote presentations and FABx Tech Talks, addressing the latest industry trends and challenges. Attendees gained valuable insights into topics ranging from advanced technology and manufacturing processes to business leadership and risk management. The September 12 morning keynote featured former pro golfer and PGA announcer David Feherty who entertained audiences with his sharp wit and colorful personality sharing great life stories and behind-the-scenes moments from life on the PGA Tour.

Additional special events featured daily Leadership Exchange Panels, offering discussions on advanced manufacturing, robotics, workforce development, and capital funding sources. The Women of FABTECH breakfast celebrated the achievements of women in manufacturing, and the State of the Industry session offered a comprehensive analysis of the manufacturing landscape. These special events provided attendees with a unique opportunity to learn, network, and gain valuable knowledge to stay ahead in the ever-evolving manufacturing industry.

FABTECH 2023 presented an extensive educational program comprising over 180 sessions and workshops across 15 technology tracks. Industry thought leaders and experts guided over 1,000 conference participants through topics like automation, smart manufacturing, welding, cutting, lasers, lean, workforce development, and business management strategies.

FABTECH 2024, which marks a shift in location, is scheduled for October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center. Registration details for FABTECH 2024 will be announced in the spring of 2024.

For more information, visit fabtechexpo.com.

Missouri S&T to Break Ground on Protoplex, Celebrate Manufacturing Day

Missouri University of Science and Technology will kick off its celebration of Manufacturing Day with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Missouri Protoplex at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. When it opens in fall 2025, the Protoplex will anchor S&T’s planned manufacturing and innovation campus. The event is free and open to the public.

There is no parking available at the groundbreaking site. Shuttle transportation will be provided to the Protoplex site north of Interstate 44 at Exit 185. The shuttle will depart from campus lot M19, located near the intersection of N. State St. and N. Bishop Ave., from 8:30-9:15 a.m. Guests with mobility needs should contact Sarah Jones at jonessarah@mst.edu or 573-341-6359.

“We are dedicated to creating a powerful collaborative community that includes our students and researchers, Missouri’s manufacturers, and the innovative equipment manufacturers we’re partnering with,” says Missouri S&T Chancellor Mo Dehghani. “Together, we are committed to making sure our students, upon graduation, possess an unparalleled understanding of the technology that will help move Missouri manufacturing companies forward. The equipment and expertise that will be housed in the Protoplex will provide a unique opportunity for manufacturers to learn about new methods and technologies and for students to develop skills that are increasingly critical to their ability to excel.”

Speaking at the ceremony will be Robin R. Wenneker, at-large member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, University of Missouri President Mun Y. Choi, Dehghani and Kummer Institute Center for Advanced Manufacturing Director Richard Billo, who will oversee the Protoplex.

The Protoplex will serve as a hub for the network of companies S&T is building through partnerships with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and other universities, community colleges and technical schools across the state. In addition to offering an opportunity for manufacturers to learn about new methods and technologies, the full-sized advanced manufacturing machines housed in the Protoplex will enable S&T students to be industry-ready to build Missouri’s innovative products of the future.

Funding for the 116,000-square-foot facility comes from federal and state support as well as private funds from the Kummer Foundation Board of Directors.

Following the groundbreaking and as part of its Manufacturing Day activities, S&T will host a panel discussion on bridging the workforce development gap in manufacturing. From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Carver-Turner Room of the Havener Center on the S&T campus, representatives from Ozarks Technical Community College, Missouri Enterprise, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, St. Charles Community College, the Missouri Association of Manufacturers) and East Central College will discuss strategies for preparing a workforce ready to excel in an industry increasingly driven by technology. The discussion, which will be moderated by Billo, is free and open to the public.

Immediately following the panel discussion, S&T will offer a tour of the Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies, which is housed in Room 101 of the Engineering Management Building.

Manufacturing Day is observed each year in early October to highlight the importance of the industry and to plan strategically for the future.

To register for Missouri S&T’s Manufacturing Day events, visit https://camt.mst.edu/manufacturingday/. For more information, visit www.mst.edu.

Baker Industries Achieves ISO 14001 Certification of Environmental Management System

Baker Industries (the "Company"), a Lincoln Electric company, announced that it has achieved ISO 14001 certification.

Baker Industries is the 40th Lincoln Electric site to achieve ISO 14001 certification. This recognition reflects Lincoln Electric's commitment to operational excellence and provides assurance to its stakeholders that the appropriate systems are in place to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and a focus on reducing its environmental impact.

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their environmental policies and practices. By adhering to ISO 14001, companies can effectively manage their environmental impact, reduce resource consumption, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

To achieve ISO 14001 certification, an independent auditor completed an on-site assessment of the Company's plants to assess readiness. The audit examined environmental compliance obligations, environmental objectives, pollution prevention, and employee involvement. The audit deemed the Company's EMS effective with zero non-conformities.

"We are extremely proud of our recent ISO 14001 certification. It provides the Company with a framework for environmental management and allows the environment to be considered in everyday business activities. We understand the importance of protecting the environment from our manufacturing processes and being mindful of the resources we use," said Austin Mullins, Environmental Health and Safety Manager.

According to Mullins, during the audit, the Company showed notable strengths in stormwater compliance, sustainability reporting, and coolant reclamation.

Mullins continued, "ISO 14001 will allow us to increase recycling rates and improve resource efficiency and environmental performance. We look forward to implementing new methods to decrease our environmental footprint and positively contribute to Lincoln Electric's 2025 Higher Standard Strategy sustainability targets."

For more information, visit www.bakerindustriesinc.com or www.lincolnelectric.com.

AMT, SME Announce New Strategic Partnership in Workforce Development

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and SME announced a strategic partnership, making bigger strides together toward solving North America’s manufacturing workforce challenges. The two organizations have been longtime collaborators on advancing manufacturing, and this partnership focuses on leveraging the strengths and resources of each organization for the betterment and advancement of the industry through three key areas: workforce development, educational products and services and student events.

A key cornerstone of this partnership included welcoming Greg Jones, former AMT vice president, Smartforce Development, to the workforce development team of SME as director, strategic programs and partnerships, where he will report to Jeannine Kunz, chief workforce development officer at SME.

“Workforce development continues to be one of the most important factors affecting our members and the manufacturing community, so it makes sense to combine our forces in this area to scale solutions,” said Douglas K. Woods, president and chief executive officer at AMT. “Greg Jones has dedicated his career to this effort and now joins forces with Jeannine Kunz and her team at SME to accelerate their collective impact.”

AMT’s education products and services will now be owned and operated by SME, which will leverage the existing strength and industry leadership of Tooling U-SME, the organization’s workforce development area. The AMT programs migrating to SME include the Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE) program, the MT Sales Fundamentals program, and additional AMT e-learning products in the area of transformational technologies. They will remain available to AMT members and to the manufacturing community more broadly through Tooling U-SME. Both organizations recognized the opportunity to incorporate AMT’s education products and services into the expansive learning and development solutions of Tooling U-SME, which include its powerful learning management system. This provides manufacturers with greater value through one access point to a larger and more integrated solution to meet their needs.

“This is a key indicator of our belief that unprecedented collaboration is required at this time to fully address the current and near-term education and workforce development challenges facing manufacturers in North America,” Kunz said. “There are a tremendous number of valuable programs happening across the United States, and the more we can amplify, align, and strengthen one another, the more impactful we can be for individuals, educators, employers, and communities.”

AMT is well known for its expansive IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is held every other year in Chicago and where the Smartforce Student Summit convenes. The Smartforce Student Summit is dedicated to showcasing the manufacturing technology classroom of the future to educators and students through an engaging, hands-on, and memorable experience. Serving over 100,000 students and educators over the years, the Student Summit is designed to inspire students to seek an education pathway in STEM and lead them to a career in manufacturing.

The Student Summit aligns strongly to SME’s mission as well, and it is no surprise that SME and AMT identified coproducing the Student Summit at IMTS 2024 as another important pillar of its announcement to partner in workforce development.

“Expanding our existing partnership with AMT on producing the MT Series and Smart Manufacturing Experience events to include collaborating on workforce development is exactly what nonprofits should continuously aim to do when it benefits the industry,” said Bob Willig, executive director and chief executive officer at SME. “We are particularly excited to work with AMT on coproducing the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024 centered around our shared vision for the ‘manufacturing technology classroom of the future.’”

For more information, visit AMTonline.org or SME.org.