EASTEC Manufacturing Event fosters biotechnology.
Press Release Summary:
EASTEC has partnered with Regional Technology Corporation to help manufacturers learn how to succeed in biotechnology markets. On May 19, RTC will present Biotechnologies and Opportunities Resource Center at EASTEC, offering attendees chance to learn from experts. Some presentations will include: Opportunities in Nanotechnology: Working with UMass Amherst, Materials in Biotechnology: New Frontiers, and Business Development Strategies for Small Businesses in Biomedical and Other Markets.
Original Press Release:
EASTEC® Fosters Biotechnology and Opportunities for Manufacturers
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 5, 2009 - Biotechnology has exploded throughout the Northeast region. New biotech startups are finding this frequently well-funded, emergent market, very promising. Some established manufacturers who, in years past, may have cut metal for molds or gears for automotive are now using their same high caliber skills today in the growing medical device and biofuel industries. Local biofuel company, Qteros (formerly SunEthanol) continues to receive national attention and exceptional funding.
EASTEC, the largest annual manufacturing event on the East Coast, has partnered with the Regional Technology Corporation to help more manufacturers learn how to succeed in these new markets. On Tuesday, May 19, the RTC will present the Biotechnologies and Opportunities Resource Center at EASTEC, offering attendees the chance to meet with and learn from the experts.
"This resource center will connect experts in nanotechnologies and biotechnologies to entrepreneurial manufacturers who want to enter these markets of the future," notes Ellen Bemben, president of the RTC. "And, although these are tough economic times, we hope to show companies new cost-effective ways to finance use of these new technologies through new government initiatives."
Resource Center presentations will include:
"Opportunities in Nanotechnology: Working with UMass Amherst"
Jeff Morse, PhD, National Nanomanufacturing Network, UMass Amherst
"Materials in Biotechnology: New Frontiers"
Harry Bermudez, PhD, Polymer Science and Engineering Dept. (PSE), UMass Amherst
"Business Development Strategies for Small Businesses in Biomedical and Other Markets"
Rafael Diana, Avant Development Group LLC
"The SBA, SBIR and STTR Funding and the Stimulus Package Explained"
Greta Johansson, SBA Deputy District Director for Connecticut
"State Resources in Biomedical Manufacturing"
Rich Pellagrini, MA Office of Business Development (MOBD)
"Overview - Massachusetts $1 Billion Life Sciences Initiative and its Opportunities"
MA Life Sciences Center
"Through the Stimulus Package, the SBA is now able to offer significant financing assistance for equipment purchases," suggests Bernard M. Sweeney, SBA district director for Connecticut. "Manufacturers can borrow up to $2 million to buy the technologies they need to remain competitive and all non-bank fees will be waived. At that borrowing level, the savings to the manufacturer would be approximately $36,000."
About EASTEC
EASTEC is co-sponsored by SME, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology. The event celebrates its 30th anniversary May 19-21 at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., and is expected to draw more than 14,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors. Spread over 160,000 square feet, EASTEC consists of five technology-focused areas: design, engineering and rapid technologies; tooling, workholding and machining accessories; automation and process improvement; plant, energy and environmental efficiency; and precision manufacturing equipment and systems. Attendees can also learn how to maximize their use of technology and learn about leading-edge, cost-effective approaches through four new EASTEC Resource Centers: Lean and Green, Energy, Medical, and Aerospace and Defense.
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.
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
