Checking In

Students Participate in NASA Student Launch Projects Challenge
More than 500 students, representing 53 middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities in 28 states, launched rockets of their own design – complete with working science payloads or engineering payloads – at Bragg Farms, Toney, AL. Students vied to see whose rocket could come closest to the 1-mile altitude goal and safely return its onboard science payload to Earth. After the event, there were presentations for 10 preliminary awards, and then the grand prize – $5,000 from ATK Aerospace Group in Salt Lake City, UT. This is the fifth year ATK has sponsored Student Launch Projects. nasa.gov; atk.com

Chiron America Expands Charlotte, NC, Facility
Having increased their workforce by 20% during the past year, followed by the completion of a 20,000ft² expansion at Chiron America Inc.’s manufacturing facility in Charlotte, NC, called for a celebration with employees, dealers, and customers.

“This expansion will improve the efficiency of our business, providing the needed floor space for our expanding markets in North America” says Cris Taylor, CEO, Chiron America Inc. “We are proud of the fact that we are adding jobs in our Charlotte facility and increasing U.S. content in our products. This is crucial to our strategy for the North American market.” says Taylor. chironamerica.com

Kaman Corp. Shares Trade Under KAMN on NYSE
Executives and guests of Kaman Corp. rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate the company’s recent transfer to the NYSE on February 7, 2012. The company began trading on the NYSE under ticker symbol KAMN.

“We are excited to join a network of global leaders and industry innovators listed on the NYSE, including most of our customers and suppliers,” says Neal Keating, chairman, president and CEO of Kaman Corporation. “We continue to focus on creating long-term shareholder value and believe the NYSE is the right partner in those efforts.” kaman.com

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell Visits MAG
MAG was host to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) at its Hebron, KY, manufacturing facility, where the senator met with MAG president Dan Janka and members of the executive team while addressing plant employees. The senator praised the company for its export success serving the aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, and renewable energy industries worldwide. MAG exports approximately 60% of the machines built at the Hebron facility. The company is the largest U.S. machine tool builder and one of the last U.S.-based large machine manufacturers.

McConnell, whose wife is former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, was also impressed with the company's nationally recognized apprenticeship training program, stating, “A key to filling manufacturing jobs is getting workers trained with skills vital to the job, and MAG is achieving that through this program.” MAG currently supports the development of 12 apprentices through its program with Gateway Community & Technical College. mag-ias.com

AMT, AMTDA Merge at The MFG Meeting
Merging of two associations, AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA-The American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association, became official at The MFG Meeting (Manufacturing for Growth) in Orlando, FL. The two associations will integrate their products and services to better serve the members of both associations.

This merger marks the beginning of a more powerful voice for the industry and an unparalleled scope of benefits for AMT’s members. The numerous advantages of this new organization include:

• Strengthened and expanded products and services
• Access to powerful business intelligence systems
• Data and information from industry economists and analysts
• A focus on the priorities and needs of the industry
• Networking and collaboration through expanded membership
• Education and smartforce development

AMTonline.org

Launch of Smalley Steel Ring’s Mobile Website
Smalley Steel Ring Co. officials announce the launch a new mobile website – smalley.com/mobile. The site offers Smalley customers increased ease to access some of the most useful tools on the Smalley website via the smartphone. The Smalley mobile site features allow for fast and easy part selection. By using the Quick Search function, users can view and select parts based on type and diameter, and then further research the part by viewing product specifications. Once a part is chosen, free samples or a quote can be requested. The mobile site is ideal for design engineers on the factory floor engaged in the production process. smalley.com/mobile

Sherry Earns Gulfstream Aerospace Approval
Daleville, IN-based Sherry Laboratories has earned approval as a Gulfstream Aerospace supplier. With this approval, the materials laboratory can perform testing for Gulfstream Aerospace, including chemistry and physical testing.

“This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to continuously evaluate and enhance our ability to serve our portfolio of aerospace customers.” says Jennifer Tret, vice president of Materials Testing. “Our materials lab in Tulsa is also Gulfstream approved, so we can provide redundancy to each laboratory’s Gulfstream Aerospace customer base.” sherrylabs.com

Boeing and COMAC Sign Agreement
Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) and Boeing agree on a collaboration agreement to partner in areas that will enable commercial aviation industry growth in China and potentially around the world. This is the first collaboration agreement between COMAC, which is building the new C919 jet and ARJ21 regional jet, and Boeing.

As part of the agreement, the two companies will create the Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation and Emissions Reductions Technology Center in Beijing. Funded by both companies, the Boeing-COMAC Center will support research projects to increase commercial aviation's fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. boeing.com; english.comac.cc/