Aerospace Buyer's Guide: A Showcase of Resources

It's been said that timing is everything, and I don't think the timing could be better for you to receive the Aerospace Manufacturing and Design 2009 Buyer's Guide.

By now, I'm sure you've heard that Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract. The agreement covers 27,000 employees in Washington, Oregon and Kansas, and union leadership is recommending that the employees vote to ratify the contract.

"This is an outstanding offer that rewards employees for their contributions to our success while preserving our ability to compete," says Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Recognizing the hardship a strike creates for everyone — our customers, suppliers, employees, community and our company — we're looking forward to having our entire team back."

I'm certain that the entire aerospace manufacturing sector is relieved that the strike is over. In these trying times, it's great to know that aerospace manufacturers can go full throttle and once again begin producing parts and components to satisfy the needs of the commercial aircraft industry. That's what makes this issue so special. As you peruse these pages, it will be evident that the suppliers listed are truly involved in the aerospace industry and ready to help manufacturers, such as yourself.

These are the suppliers that can relate to your particular situation and have the practical experience to solve the most complex productivity issues. No aerospace manufacturing problem is too big that it can't be resolved by contacting one of these companies listed in this buyer's guide.

I'm confident that you will find the Aerospace Manufacturing and Design 2009 Buyer's Guide to be a handy reference throughout the coming year. And, if you are looking for more detailed information on a particular product or process, please go to our website (www.onlineAMD.com). In addition to finding answers to your questions, you will have an opportunity to tune-in to actual product demonstrations.

As we all look forward to a strong aerospace market in 2009 and beyond, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design is committed to presenting our readership with relevant, up-to-date information on the latest developments in materials, manufacturing processes and design principles for the machining and assembly of aerospace components. Taking this commitment seriously, I would like to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how we can further improve the editorial content to provide even more benefit to you, our reader.

I can be reached via e-mail (tgrasson@gie.net).