 Tom Grasson |
I just returned from the Farnborough Air Show, and based on the conversations I had with both exhibitors and attendees, I can tell you the aerospace supply chain can no longer think in terms of cost reduction. According to OEM aerospace manufacturers like Boeing, suppliers must now think in terms of affordability. The aerospace industry – particularly the commercial side of the business – must meet all customer requirements for the aircraft of their choice, at an affordable price.
Today’s aerospace manufacturing companies are being pressured to compress product development cycle time, work with increasingly difficult-to-machine materials, incorporate lean manufacturing, and improve collaboration across the supply chain in order to provide the enduser with an affordable product.
So, as you peruse the pages of this special IMTS 2010 (International Manufacturing Technology Show) issue of Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, I think you will agree with me that this is a must attend show for serious-minded aerospace manufacturers seeking productivity improvements.
As an IMTS attendee, you will find that the show delivers unlimited potential to improve your competitive position. With more than 1,100 exhibitors occupying 1.2 million square feet of space at Chicago’s McCormick Place from September 13-18, you will have an opportunity to view the newest technologies and innovative ideas in action. In addition, IMTS 2010 will feature an Emerging Technology Center (ETC) which will showcase leading edge manufacturing technologies in 3D. Experts will provide hands-on experience in ways that must be seen to be believed. Highlighted ETC technologies will include Additive Manufacturing, Cloud Computing, MTConnect, Nanotechnology, and Micro Manufacturing.
For your convenience, you will find the products listed in this issue listed by pavilions, just as the show organizes exhibits into various pavilions geared toward specific industries, technologies, and solutions. This should make it easy for you to research the products and services which interest you.
I would also like to make you aware that the IMTS Industry & Technology Conference, which will take place at the McCormick Place – West Building from Tuesday, September 14 to Friday, September 17, will provide an opportunity to network with a community of your industry peers and explore fresh ideas to enhance your business.
An estimated 55 sessions, running over the course of four days, will explore innovative as well as revered-technologies, workforce efficiencies, productivity, and much more. Furthermore, special emphasis is being placed on maintaining short- and long-term goals during a rocky economic environment.
While you are visiting the various pavilions and/or attending some conference sessions during the show, I hope you will set some time aside to visit our booth (W-100), to introduce yourself, and take a look around. I assure you, Booth W-100 will not be hard to find.
Personally, I think you will be surprised with what you see. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough room in this editorial to mention everything that will be in the booth. So, I urge you to go to pg 12 to read about the various technologies that we have worked long and hard over the past several months to put on display. It is our way of expressing our thanks for the many compliments we have received for delivering pertinent information on a timely basis.
As I look forward to meeting you at IMTS 2010, I would like to ask a favor. After you take a good look around the booth, I would like to hear your thoughts on American manufacturing. Some people want us to believe it is dead. What do you think?
I trust your IMTS 2010 experience will be successful.
tgrasson@gie.net
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