Opportunities for Manufacturers Abound As Economy
Improves
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."
ADVERTISEMENT
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 800.733.4763 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.
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.
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No. 20090059
If you have any questions or comments, please contact SME
Public Relations by phone (313) 271-1500, e-mail communications@sme.org,
or Fax: (313) 425-3403
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