AWS, PMA Join Forces at MAX International

CLEVELAND -- October 16, 2000 -- The American Welding Society (AWS), Miami, FL, and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), Independence, OH, have announced that their co-located expositions, the International Welding and Fabricating Exposition and METALFORM ExpoSium, will operate under the umbrella name of MAX International. The organizations will co-host the expositions during a 10-year strategic alliance. The first co-located exposition will be held May 6-10, 2001, at the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH.

Expected to draw a crowd of nearly 40,000, MAX (Manufacturing Applications Exposition) International will fill the entire I-X Center almost 800,000 gross square feet of space. As one of the largest, most comprehensive integrated manufacturing expositions ever presented in North America, MAX International is the driving force at the core of the manufacturing industry. MAX International offers attendees the opportunity to view technology at work in the areas of stamping, forming, joining, welding, fabricating, pipe and supplies.

"Co-locating the shows offers a comprehensive manufacturing technology event," said William E. Gaskin, CAE, president of PMA. "We've expanded the marketplace so there's something for everyone an incredible range of equipment, services and supplies in an integrated manufacturing environment. Yet by holding the two premier shows side by side, on a co-located basis, attendees who are interested in attending just one show are welcome to do just that."

Frank G. DeLaurier, executive director of AWS, adds, "It's a chance to learn, network and see the full range of manufacturing applications. Attendees and exhibitors alike are looking to maximize their investment, and MAX International does that. Together, the AWS Welding Expo and METALFORM represent the core of the manufacturing industry. Attendees will get answers to the toughest manufacturing questions."

Since 1953, the AWS Welding Show, the International Welding and Fabricating Exposition and Annual Convention, has been the primary resource for the welding industry. It regularly attracts nearly 25,000 purchase decision-makers, distributors, researchers, scientists, executives and other professionals from 70 countries who represent the $50 billion welding and materials joining process industry. Expo exhibitors come from more than 20 countries to this annual event. Hands-on and live demonstrations, free technology sessions, continuing education opportunities and special interest pavilions are available for attendees. The 2001 Expo is shaping up to be another record, as the floor is nearly sold out. Supporting education and the future of the industry it serves, AWS biennially cosponsors The US Open Weld Trial. This competition encourages students to test their math, engineering, welding, science, physics and other skills before a panel of judges. The winner receives a $40,000 scholarship and is eligible to compete at the World Trials.

METALFORM, first held in 1981, has grown to include exhibitors in the areas of stamping, precision metal fabricating, forming, spinning and roll forming, with a growing emphasis on automation and the use of sensor technology to improve productivity. Currently, 85 percent of METALFORM exhibitor space has been sold. The Symposium addresses a variety of technical issues including operation and maintenance of presses, precision sheet metal fabrication, tool and die, safety, material handling, quality and management issues. PMA's Educational Foundation will host a silent auction to benefit its numerous programs for student and employee training. Additionally, the association will honor the winners of the 2001 Awards of Excellence in Metalforming during a special ceremony on site.

The American Welding Society is the largest organization in the world dedicated to advancing the science, technology and application of materials joining. Headquartered in Miami, FL, AWS serves more than 50,000 individual members in the United States and around the world. Additional information on AWS' programs and publications can be found on the Society's website, www.aws.org.

PMA, the first trade association in the U.S. to be registered to the ISO 9002 standard, represents the $41 billion metalforming industry of North America the industry that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating and other value-added processes. Its more than 1600 member companies include metal stampers, fabricators, spinners, slide formers and roll formers, as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. Members are located in some 30 countries, but the majority are found in North America in 41 states of the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.metalforming.com.