EASTEC 2007 showed optimism in East Coast manufacturing.

Press Release Summary:



At EASTEC 2007, the 28th edition of the show, over 600 exhibitors filled more than 168,000 net square feet of exhibit space, with more than 14,600 attendees. An estimated 4 million lb of equipment were shown in 5 buildings at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds. The show included the Precision Manufacturing for the Medical Device Industry resource center, the Automation, Lean, & Quality resource center, and the EASTEC Careers in Technology Student Event.



Original Press Release:



EASTEC 2007 Shows Manufacturing is Alive & Kicking on the East Coast



DEARBORN, Mich., June 14, 2007 - There was a definite buzz in the air at EASTEC 2007 - it was optimism about the future of manufacturing in the eastern region. Exhibitors and attendees flocked to the Eastern States Exposition Grounds, May 22-24, to see the latest machine tools and metalworking technologies in action. According to Dave Morton, show manager with the sponsoring Society of Manufacturing Engineers, "EASTEC has a near 30-year reputation for keeping East Coast manufacturers competitive. OEMs, tier suppliers, and small job shops alike count on the event for insights into working smarter, achieving world-class quality, and serving emerging markets."

Over 600 exhibitors filled more than 168,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcased their newest equipment and provided problem-solving ideas to more than 14,600 attendees from throughout New England and the East Coast. Both figures surpassed those of the 2006 show. The amount of equipment being displayed at the event also increased from 2006 - up by more than one million pounds. With an estimated 4 million pounds of machine tools and other equipment in all five buildings at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds, attendees had the opportunity to view the very latest manufacturing technologies and production methods. More than 300 new products were introduced, SME said.

Since EASTEC's 1979 inception in Hartford, Connecticut, more than 428,000 East Coast manufacturing professionals have attended the event. This was the 28th edition of the show, which is sponsored by SME, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association, and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

"EASTEC shows area manufacturers cutting-edge technologies that keep costs down, speed product development time, and help keep their companies in business," Morton noted. "They can get equipment application ideas, learn about new production techniques and get up to speed on lean strategies - which is a chief concern with manufacturing these days."

Several "resource centers" at EASTEC gave attendees an opportunity to learn about updated management ideas, serving emerging markets, and implementing lean in their companies.

The new Precision Manufacturing for the Medical Device Industry resource center (sponsored by the Regional Technology Corporation) provided critical information to over 100 manufacturers seeking business opportunities in the growing medical device industry. Topics included the basics of what it takes to get into medical device manufacturing, FDA approval processes and regulations, and new technologies for medical devices, as well as a case study from a successful manufacturer who switched from a traditional industry to medical devices.

The Automation, Lean & Quality Resource Center (co-sponsored by the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership) provided 22 free sessions and one-on-one assistance on the show floor to over 460 attendees. Attendees heard experts discuss lean and quality-related topics, such as zero equipment stoppages, value stream mapping, and leadership in a lean environment.

Ensuring a supply of qualified new manufacturers is a critical topic. Of special interest this year was the EASTEC Careers in Technology Student Event. Co-sponsored by the Regional Employment Board and SME Pioneer Valley Chapter 32, this unique activity brought in more than 500 students to experience the event first-hand, view the latest industry trends and manufacturing technologies, and see demonstrations of the advanced manufacturing equipment. Designed for middle school and high school students, the program was developed to inspire young people to consider a fascinating and rewarding career in manufacturing.

2008 Show Preparations Already Underway
EASTEC returns May 20-22, 2008, to the Eastern States Exposition Grounds. According to SME show manager Dave Morton, "More than 375 exhibitors have already reserved space in the show. The 2008 event will once again focus on lean strategies and new serving developing markets."

Additional information on EASTEC is available at http://www.sme.org/eastec.

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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