Conference to focus on wind energy opportunities for suppliers.

Press Release Summary:



Scheduled for Aug 31 to Sept 1, two-day Wind Energy Conference is designed to help manufacturers identify and capitalize on wind energy supply chain. Sponsored by Green Manufacturer magazine, FMA, and Perfection Machinery Sales, Inc., conference will include overview of wind industry and procurement procedures, technical presentations on fabricating and machining wind turbine components, and tour of wind turbine generator assembly plant.



Original Press Release:



Conference to Focus on Wind Energy Opportunities for Suppliers



Registration for Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Event Available Online, Via Phone

ROCKFORD, Ill., - Wind energy, one of the fastest growing industries in North America, is a huge opportunity for precision manufacturers. The two-day Wind Energy Conference, Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is designed to help manufacturers identify and capitalize on the wind energy supply chain.

Sponsored by Green Manufacturer magazine, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA), and Perfection Machinery Sales, Inc., the conference will include an overview of the wind industry and procurement procedures, technical presentations on fabricating and machining wind turbine components, and a tour of a wind turbine generator assembly plant.

"Recognition of the value of wind energy as a low cost, clean source for electricity is creating major new business opportunities for manufacturers," said Kate Bachman, editor of Green Manufacturer magazine. "Conference attendees will have a jump start in learning about the requirements and expectations of suppliers in this emerging sector."

Registration is available online at www.fmanet.org or via phone by calling 888-394-4362.

Dale Reckman, director of field services for Great Lakes WIND Network, will deliver the event's opening address and provide an overview on the components in a wind turbine. Reckman has more than 25 years of executive manufacturing experience with an extensive background in the wind industry.

Following Reckman's presentation, participants will tour the Acciona Windpower wind turbine generator assembly plant in West Branch, Iowa.

On day two, Jeff Anthony, manager of utility programs for the American Wind Energy Association, will provide an industry outlook on the wind energy sector. The United States has passed Germany to become the country producing the most wind power, and Texas, Iowa and California are the three leading states for wind power production. The Department of Energy has estimated that wind power could account for 20 percent of the nation's electricity supply by 2030.

A panel discussion on procurement procedures will feature Perry Wozney of Acciona Windpower North America, Jason DeGroot of Clipper Windpower Inc., and Gene Cuenot from Vestas Nacelles A/S.

Attendees also can tour Kirkwood Community College's precision sheet metal and CNC machining labs, and review tabletop exhibits of products and services to get up-to-date on industry advancements.

Based in Rockford, Ill., the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,100 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. Founded in 1970, FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, networking events, and the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show. FMA also has a technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, International (TPA), which focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating.

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