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FMA announces 2012 Industry Award winners

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), Rockford, Ill., has named Airtronics Metal Products as the winner of The FABRICATOR®'s Industry Award 2012 and Chicago Tube & Iron as the winner of TPJ – The Tube & Pipe Journal®'s Industry Award 2012.

"These awards recognize those individual leaders and companies that consistently optimize business practices, promote manufacturing in their communities, and exemplify success in daily operations," said Ed Youdell, president and CEO of FMA.

Airtronics Metal Products Inc. (AMP), a sheet metal fabricator based in San Jose, Calif., is a supplier to the semiconductor and networking industries. It recently added high-production lasers expected to increase production by 25 percent. To increase workplace safety, an outside consultant routinely performs environmental, equipment, and shop floor safety inspections, and employees receive comprehensive preparedness training.

AMP's recent ISO and AS certifications have allowed expansion into the medical device and aerospace industries, while its presence in the solar and electric vehicle markets has grown as well. In 2011 the company launched a new subsidiary, Metal Gourmet, to assemble and distribute mobile food carts and trailers to entrepreneurs and the restaurant trade. AMP's community outreach includes partnerships with the engineering departments at Stanford, Santa Clara, and San Jose Universities.

Chicago Tube & Iron designed all of its 10 U.S. facilities to maximize material and work flow. The company performs regular audits to check product quality and to ensure optimal production. Consistent training and emphasis on employee and shop safety practices have led to a 50 percent drop in workplace accidents over four years and a 75 percent reduction in accident-related costs. The company offers employee tuition reimbursement, summer internships, and sponsorship of a practical engineering class at the local middle school.