DEARBORN, Mich. – The aerospace, defense, medical and energy
industries are among the most successful sectors in manufacturing, driven by
changes in national security, an aging population, energy prices and
environmental policy. Professionals from these industries will share solutions
to their common manufacturing challenges at Mfg4 – Manufacturing for the
Future, a new event produced by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) to
be held May 8-10, 2012, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
“Manufacturing is changing. We urgently need strategies to
share knowledge among manufacturers, suppliers and other partners to stay
competitive,” said Debbie Holton, SME director of events and industry strategy.
“Mfg4 is intended to break down traditional barriers and unlock the innovation
that exists within these dynamic sectors.”
With 29 straight months of growth, manufacturing is primed
to help lead the country out of the recession. The Northeast is home to many of
the country’s leading aerospace, defense (including arms), medical and energy
manufacturers who are seeking suppliers and partners with solutions that can increase
productivity and reduce costs. Mfg4 (pronounced M-F-G-4) is produced in
partnership with advisors from those companies – including GE Energy, Pratt
& Whitney, Sikorsky and other OEMs.
With conference sessions and an exhibit floor designed to
promote cross-industry problem- solving, Mfg4 connects manufacturers from
different disciplines and industries. This concept enables the unexpected
discovery of solutions, such as a medical device manufacturer learning about
advanced materials currently being used in aerospace, or for an aerospace
engineer to see how a green energy company is applying advanced turbine
technology.
At the heart of the Mfg4 event floor is the Insight
Intersection – an area where small groups of professionals can meet to exchange
information. There will be both scheduled sessions and an opportunity for
exhibitors to provide in-depth discussions with attendees.
The technical conference features daily keynote and breakout
sessions in each of the four industries and will focus on such topics as
renewable energy manufacturing, arms, medical devices and the use of composite
materials in aircraft. The exposition highlights existing and emerging
technologies, such as additive manufacturing, composites, micromanufacturing
and nanotechnology.
“Mfg4 is not just technology and product demonstrations,”
said Paul Faughnan, technology manager for Pratt & Whitney and an Mfg4
advisor. “It focuses on more integrated and interactive demonstrations
and not just somebody cutting through aluminum at high speed because it looks
cool.”
Mfg4 is targeted towards shop owners, engineers, vice
presidents of engineering and manufacturing, supply chain managers and program
managers. Exhibitors can apply for space at Mfg4, and will be selected based on
a strategic balance of products and services that best match the needs of the
audience.
Mfg4 will alternate years with EASTEC, which has been at the
Eastern States Exposition in West
Springfield, Mass.,
since 1988, returning there May 14-16, 2013.
For more information about attending, exhibiting, or
presenting at Mfg4, visit www.mfg4event.com
or call 800.733.3976. For the most up to date details, follow us on Twitter
@mfg4event.
About SME
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for
manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs,
events, magazines, publications and online training division, Tooling U, SME
connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technologies
and to the most up-to-date manufacturing processes. SME has members around the
world and is supported by a network of chapters and technical communities. A
501(c)3 organization, SME is a leader in manufacturing workforce development
issues, working with industry, academic and government partners to support the
current and future skilled workforce.
Posted by Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief, MDT