FABTECH to address opportunities in energy sector.
Press Release Summary:
Scheduled for Nov 15-18, FABTECH® International and AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, will include keynote presentation titled "Energy - The Outlook is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us," which will connect experts from wind and solar energy sectors to discuss trends, forecasts, and government issues. Presentation on wind energy market will discuss opportunities for investment and growth, including utility-scale and small wind turbine component manufacturing and tower fabrication.
Original Press Release:
Wind and Solar Energy - What it Means to Manufacturers
FABTECH 2009 Provides Insight on Opportunities in Energy Sector
DEARBORN, Mich., October 8, 2009 - The wind energy market has an aggressive goal to supply 20 percent of U.S. energy by 2030, and the U.S. solar energy industry grew to record levels in 2008. How does this translate into opportunities for metalforming, fabricating and welding manufacturers?
Manufacturers can learn more about growth opportunities in the energy sector by attending free sessions at the upcoming FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, in Chicago Nov. 15-18.
A keynote panel presentation titled "Energy - The Outlook is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us," will connect experts from both the wind and solar energy sectors to discuss trends and forecasts, government issues and what it all means to current and future suppliers in the fabricating industry.
A presentation on the wind energy market, featured at the event's Solutions Showcase Theater, will discuss opportunities for investment and growth in the sector including utility-scale and small wind turbine component manufacturing, tower fabrications, installation and grid tie-in.
"The growth of the U.S. wind power industry can be attributed to significant improvements in wind technology, increasingly supportive policies, a growing interest in the deployment of renewable energy resources and a strong desire to produce clean energy jobs," said Brad Lystra, manager of economic development partnerships for the American Wind Energy Association. "This growth has led to a rapid expansion in wind turbine component manufacturing around the country and the creation of thousands of jobs in numerous associated sectors of the wind energy supply chain."
"In the past four years, the share of wind power parts manufactured in the U.S. has grown from 30 percent to 50 percent, and a single wind turbine includes more than 8,000 precision parts," added Lystra. "In addition to creating new jobs, the wind industry is positioned to replace some of the manufacturing jobs that have been lost in other sectors during the economic downturn."
Another Solutions Showcase Theater presentation will highlight opportunities for metalforming, fabricating and welding in the solar energy industry supply chain and will focus on how solar energy is converted, stored and distributed within a home and along the "smart grid."
"U.S. solar energy capacity increased by 17 percent last year, and it is expected that solar power's contribution could grow to 10 percent of the nation's power needs by 2025," said Mark Hoper, FABTECH show manager. "This growth rate means increased job opportunities for the installation of solar panels, manufacturing of components and construction of solar power plants."
The FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with the latest tools, technologies and processes to improve their business in uncertain economic times.
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.
"This event offers two keynote panel discussions and several free educational sessions that offer solutions and strategies for manufacturing executives to operate a more efficient and competitive business," added Hoper.
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 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.
