Page 52 - MetalForming July 2012

2012 training sessions in June, allows participants to learn practical skills and strategies about how to succeed when analyzing metalforming markets, conducting marketing research, man- aging assets and budgets, and devel- oping and managing supply chains, financial and customer accounts, con- tracts and human resources.
In fact, middle-management training has been highlighted as a major associa- tion goal by P.J. Thompson, PMA’s 2012 Chairman and president of Trans-Matic Manufacturing Co., Holland, MI.
“We must shine the light on these key leaders within our companies, identify opportunities to train them, bring them into the forefront and empower them to help guide our com- panies forward,” Thompson says.
“If you can start developing two, three, four people in an organization,” reasons Laystrom, “who will come to PSMA’s meetings, the association will continue to become more and more valuable to us all.”
PMA’s MetalForming Magazine Highlights Industry Technology
One way PMA and its predecessor the American Metal Stamping Associ- ation (AMSA) have fostered technolo- gy transfer to membership and the industry is through its magazine, Met- alForming. Consider this passage from Metal Stamping—which evolved into MetalForming—that appeared in the March 1967 issue:
“Technological change in the metal- stamping industry is going forward at an ever increasing pace. Those who are slow to adopt ideas and methods for improv- ing quality and efficiency will be left behind by those who are more receptive to change.”
That was true in 1967, and it’s just as true today. Only the ideas and methods have changed. Back in the mid-1960s, few could imagine the profound effect developments in automation and con- trols, materials and process equipment would have. Add to that the bevy of man- agement philosophies and the advent of
regulations following the formation of OSHA and EPA, and the landscape now traveled by metalformers would scarce- ly be recognized by their ancestors. Not to mention the creation of ISO and relat- ed quality systems. Today, MetalForming magazine takes advantage of commu- nication and media advances to offer information to the industry in a variety of formats, not just in a monthly print publication but 24/7 worldwide through the Internet.
“MetalForming magazine allows our associates to stay informed and up to date on the latest technologies and techniques,” explains Mark Cross, responsible for sales, marketing and special projects at metal stamper PTM Corp., Fair Haven, MI. Cross notes that the magazine is the one PMA service he would not want to do without.
“The magazine is in wide distribution throughout our buildings. I think it adds great value. The technical articles keep our designers and tool builders thinking and fresh.” MF
Our Continuous Hinges Reflect Our Superior Customer Service
At the S & S Hinge Company, we manufacture continuous hinge (or piano hinges) using steel, stainless steel, aluminum, pre-plated brass, pre- plated nickel and brite-annealed stainless metals. We back our customer service with Lean Manufacturing processes, which reduce “soft costs” and eliminate waste throughout order development, manufacture, and shipment. Our 6 and 8 foot standard continuous hinge stock supports customers with immediate needs, while our “make-to-order” capabilities provide OEM and contract job shop customers the full service of “value-added” fabrications.
Celebrating 80 years of manufacturing excellence!
210 Covington Drive
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
800-332-1227 • 630-582-9500 • fax 630-582-8844
Continuous Hinge, Quality and Service Worldwide Est. 1932 http://www.sandshinge.com
50 MetalForming/July 2012
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