FABTECH Presentations Highlight How Manufacturers Can Better Compete
Discussions on diversification and sustainable manufacturing practices are free and open to all show attendees.
Posted: September 22, 2010
In today?s competitive global marketplace and unpredictable economy, manufacturers must seek ways to survive and thrive. Two keynote presentations at FABTECH 2010, November 2-4 in Atlanta ? one on diversification and another on sustainable manufacturing practices ? will provide knowledge manufacturers can use to enhance their businesses.
The keynote session on November 2 titled, ?Diversify Your Business or Die,? focusing on the importance of diversification in today?s manufacturing environment, will be moderated by Paul Veryser, strategic leader at Novitas Advisors (Shelby Township, MI). A panel of experts, including Roy Verstraete, president and CEO of Anchor Danly ( Windsor, ON), Sam Strausbaugh, managing partner of Defiance Metal Products (Defiance, OH), and Brent Schwartz, vice president of engineering for MetoKote Corporation (Lima, OH), will discuss which diversification practices work and which don?t, plus the risks and rewards of various diversification options. ?In today's manufacturing environment, relying on one customer, one market or one process can spell certain death, but understanding the choices and deciding how and when to diversify can be complex,? said Randy Kish, exhibition marketing manager with the Precision Metalforming Association (Independence, OH), a show sponsor. ?This session will provide first-hand perspectives and insights to jumpstart and grow your business.?
The ?Make Green by Going Green? discussion on November 3 will be led by Kristin Pierre, green supplier network manager with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and will review how manufacturers can gain a competitive advantage through sustainable practices. Panelists Mary Ellen Mika, energy and environmental manager for Steelcase, Inc., Jon DeWys, owner of DeWys Manufacturing (Marne, MI), and John Spangler, technical steward, Caterpillar (Peoria, IL), will provide insight on how implementing a practical lean and green approach to consuming water, gas, utilities and raw materials can benefit both the environment and the bottom line. ?In case study after case study, the pursuit of sustainable manufacturing practices and execution of conservation principles have proven profitable for manufacturers,? said Mark Hoper, show co-manager. ?Our panelists will share examples of how they?ve done it and how companies can improve their bottom line by going green.?
Other expert-led sessions include ?Look Before You Leap ? The Economics of Diversification,? ?The Nuts and Bolts of Diversification,? ?The Choice to Merge or Acquire,? ?The Lean and Green Audit: Step one to Practical Green,? ?Is it Possible to be Lean and Green with Your Finishing System?? ?Converting Factory Lighting: Process and Payback,? ?Outlook for Welded Pipe Usage in Natural Gas Shales,? and ?The Essentials of Job Shop Marketing.? All sessions are free and will be presented in the Solutions Showcase Theater on the show floor.
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