IMTS 2008 is flying high to improve your competitive position

As you peruse the pages of this special IMTS 2008 – International Manufacturing Technology Show issue of Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, I think you will agree with me that this is a must-attend show.

Today's aerospace manufacturing companies are being pressured to compress product development cycle time, work with increasingly difficult-tomachine materials, incorporate lean manufacturing and improve collaboration across the supply chain. At IMTS 2008, you will find answers for these tough manufacturing challenges from experts who know your industry.

As an IMTS attendee, you will find that the show delivers unlimited potential to improve your competitive position. With more than 1,500 exhibitors occupying 1.2 million square feet of space at Chicago's McCormick Place complex from September 8-13, you will have an opportunity to view the newest technologies and innovative ideas in action. In addition, you will be able to view experimental equipment and processes still in development.

Just as the show organizes exhibits into various pavilions geared toward specific industries, technologies and solutions, you will find the new products in this issue listed in the same format. This should make it easy for you to research the products and services you are looking for.

I would also like to make you aware that Wednesday, September 10 is Aerospace Day, sponsored by AMD, at the Innovation Center during IMTS. As part of this important day, I want to invite you to the Innovation Center (booth D-4168) for a highly-informative presentation given by Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis at the Teal Group. The presentation will provide overviews and forecasts for all major aviation manufacturing sectors, including commercial jetliners, regional aircraft, military aircraft and private business jets. Aboulafia will also delve into future trends that are impacting the aerospace market today and over the next five years relative to company outlooks, strategies and market shares for all major players in each of the above sectors. The presentation will be given at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.

While you are visiting the various pavilions at the show, I'm hopeful you will set aside some time to visit the AMD booth (F-2744) to introduce yourself and let us know what you think of our publication.

As the staff of Aerospace Manufacturing and Design looks forward to meeting you at IMTS, we wish to thank you for your support over the past year. Based on comments we've been receiving, it's encouraging to know we are on the right track in delivering the editorial content that is expected from a publication dedicated to the design, manufacturing and assembly of aerospace components and systems.