EASTEC 2007 covered latest manufacturing technologies.

Press Release Summary:



Held in West Springfield, MA from May 22-24, EASTEC 2007 brought together experts on latest technologies and management strategies for large and small manufacturing companies. It included nearly 600 exhibitors covering 169,000 sq ft. Show also offered Resource Centers and free sessions covering topics such as automation, lean, medical device manufacturing, and how to optimize plant, energy, and environmental efficiency.



Original Press Release:



High-Tech Manufacturing Technologies and Management Resources Take Center Stage at EASTEC 2007



Eastern States Exposition Grounds o West Springfield, MA o May 22-24

DEARBORN, Mich., May 16, 2007 - EASTEC 2007 will take place on May 22-24 at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts. To help manufacturers in the Northeast compete in a global economy, EASTEC brings together experts on the latest technologies and management strategies for manufacturing companies large and small. Nearly 600 exhibitors covering 169,000 square feet are coming to the "Big E" to connect with manufacturers who share a common concern: how to increase productivity and reduce costs.

In addition to showcasing the latest manufacturing equipment and processes, EASTEC is offering Resource Centers and free sessions designed to help manufacturers improve their bottom line, covering hot topics such as automation, lean, medical device manufacturing, and how to increase plant, energy and environmental efficiency. EASTEC is anticipated to draw approximately 14,000 attendees from throughout the East Coast.

Event features include the following (visit www.sme.org/eastec for complete schedule of events):

Five Shows in One Venue:
Precision Manufacturing Equipment & Systems (Buildings 1 & 2)
Tooling, Workholding & Machine Accessories (Building 5)
Automation, Supply Chain & Process Improvement (Buildings 3 & 4)
Design, Engineering & Rapid Technologies (Building 5)
Plant, Energy & Environmental Efficiency (Buildings 3 & 4)

May 22 - Manufacturing Innovation Day:
At the MEP Innovation Resource Center, the Massachusetts MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) will talk with manufacturing business leaders about applications of ideas for new products, and processes to boost their companies' profits.

May 22-24 - Automation, Lean & Quality Resource Center:
Attendees will visit this Resource Center for free sessions and expert advice on lean manufacturing and lean/Six Sigma certification programs. Plant owners can sign up for a free one-day post-event lean and quality assessment.

May 22 - Avoiding the Pitfalls of Doing Business In & With China:
As China continues to grow, companies that understand the culture and business environment will have far greater success than those approaching the market blindly. Attendees will hear from Paul Swenson, Director, Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment, Shanghai, China. $50 registration fee.
Register at: mass.gov/export/pft.htm.

May 22 - Shipping Under NAFTA & Other Free Trade Agreements:
This session features an overview of free trade agreements and discusses eligibility under rules of origin; tariff shifts; regional value content; claims and liability. Attendees will hear from Stephen Leahy, Principal, Law Office of Stephen J. Leahy. $50 registration fee. Register at: mass.gov/export/pft.htm.

May 23 - Precision Manufacturing for the Medical Device Industry Day:
Attendees will learn about the requirements of a medical device manufacturer to enter the market and be successful in the industry. This is a brand new feature at EASTEC, and covers hot topics such as nanotechnology, medical polymers, the FDA approval process, and clinical trials.

May 23 - A.I.M. Plant Manager Roundtable: "Leadership & Culture":
This very special roundtable, which is sponsored by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (A.I.M.), will share how HID applied lean and cut average lead times from 25 to four days, boosted on-time delivery from 55 percent to 96 percent, and reduced scrap from 20 percent to 3.5 percent.

May 23 - The Technology & Manufacturing Workforce of the Future:
This session provides details on workforce pipeline and funding assistance for training incumbent workers and new hires. Attendees will hear from Keith M. Hensley, Executive Director of Workforce & Economic Development, Holyoke Community College.

May 24 - Energy & Environmental Assessment Day:
At this Resource Center, attendees will talk with EPA and energy experts who can help their companies reduce energy consumption and improve their overall energy and environmental efficiency through lean production. There will be discussion about environmental regulatory issues associated with lean.

May 24 - EASTEC Careers in Technology Student Event:
This special day will engage educators and students in a unique activity, where students will tour EASTEC and interact with industry leaders, view the latest in industry and manufacturing technology, and see first-hand demonstrations. Designed for middle school and high school students, this activity dovetails with SME's commitment to inspiring young people to consider a fascinating and rewarding career in manufacturing. The EASTEC Careers in Technology Student Event is co-sponsored by SME Pioneer Valley Chapter 32.

About EASTEC:
For 28 years, EASTEC has been the premier manufacturing event in the Northeast, bringing the latest manufacturing equipment and services to buyers. EASTEC is the place to find advanced machine tools, cutting tools and accessories, manufacturing technology applications and solutions, emerging technologies, and other manufacturing and business resources for OEMs and small to medium-sized shops. Northeast decision-makers from the aerospace, defense, medical, consumer products and other industries can visit one location with all the equipment and metalworking technologies needed to compete both domestically and globally on display.

EASTEC 2007 Show Hours:
Tuesday, May 22 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 23 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 24 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Press Registration:
www.sme.org/eastec (click on "Newsroom")

Show Sponsors:
EASTEC 2007 is co-sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA), and the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT).

About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The Society, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2007, has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

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