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Podcast offers state-of-manufacturing insight, FABTECH Intl. & AWS Welding Show preview

Two industry experts provide their views on the state of U.S. manufacturing and preview North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, tube & pipe and welding trade show on the free "Better Process" podcast, a show that covers manufacturing on PodcasterNews.com. The full interview is available by visiting www.podcasternews.com/bpp/5176/.

Mark Hoper, expositions director with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), and Burke Doar, vice president of sales & marketing for TRUMPF Inc., discussed with host Ken Rayment the concerns of manufacturing executives, and how companies and industry executives can benefit from the upcoming FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show (including METALFORM) taking place in Las Vegas, Oct. 6-8, 2008.

Representing both the show management and exhibitor sides of the exposition, Hoper and Doar also discussed why the trade show, which is expected to bring in an estimated 20,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibitors, is making its first appearance in the western United States.

During the interview, Hoper stated that, according to previous FABTECH show surveys, the two most important concerns for manufacturing executives are finding production efficiencies and hiring and keeping qualified labor. "Shops are having difficulty finding labor with the necessary basic education level," he said.

Hoper added, "FABTECH has become the gathering point for the forming and fabricating industry. All of the sponsors and the show itself offer numerous networking opportunities for people to discuss issues. Manufacturers can see thousands of pieces of equipment on the show floor to help them improve their production efficiencies and stay competitive in the global market."

Doar explained that as an exhibitor the show is an important forum for companies to display new technologies and equipment.

Commenting on the show's new location, Hoper said, "When we moved the show to Atlanta, seven of the top 10 states were from the Southeast. We hope by going to Las Vegas that we will attract manufacturers from Texas, Arizona, California, and Washington as well as states east of the Mississippi. This show is expected to be the second largest FABTECH event ever with more than 800 exhibitors."