Collect Resumes and Post Job Opportunities in IMTS

This year thousands of students and graduates of manufacturing training programs will descend on IMTS, via the NIMS Student Summit. Now you can collect resumes and post job opportunities – without lifting a finger and without spending a dime!

This year the NIMS Student Summit will welcome daily busloads of students armed with their resumes and ready to seek a position in their industry of choice. While many of these students are currently enrolled in manufacturing education training programs, many have just graduated and are ready to prove their skills to an employer like you!

To post job opportunities: Simply email your job listing to Catherine Ross (see email on right). Following IMTS, Catherine will forward all resumes that are left for your particular listing.

To collect resumes: Simply alert NIMS of your intent to participate by contacting Catherine Ross (see email on right). Following IMTS, Catherine will forward you a copy of every resume collected.

RBC Bearings Wins Komatsu America 2009 Delivery/Availability Award

Oxford, CT – July 27, 2010 – RBC Bearings Incorporated (Nasdaq: ROLL), a leading international manufacturer of highly-engineered precision, plain, roller and ball bearings for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries, today announced that the Company has received a top supplier award from Midori Kai, Komatsu America’s association of select supplier companies that have been chosen for membership based on high measurable standards.

“We are honored to accept this prestigious award, which stands as a testament to the strength of our customer relationships,” said Dr. Michael J Hartnett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RBC Bearings. “Strong customer relationships have long been central to our market strategy, and our operating flexibility enables us to meet our customer demands efficiently. We are deeply appreciative of the recognition by such a valued customer, and we look forward to continuing the timely delivery of precision products to all of our customers.”

RBC Bearings was named the top supplier out of the select group of 36 at last month’s Midori Kai supplier meeting. The Company has been a member of the Midori Kai supplier association since 2007.

About Midori Kai
Midori Kai is an association of select Komatsu supplier companies that have been chosen for membership based on measurable high standards. The group’s objective is to forge a mutually beneficial business relationship for both suppliers and Komatsu during economic upturns and downturns by sharing information, technical support and business opportunities.

Midori Kai began in Japan in 1952, and has been a very successful long-term partnership for both Komatsu and its Midori Kai suppliers. Many members have been part of Midori Kai for over 50 years. Komatsu initiated Midori Kai in North America in 2006 and is committed to replicating the long-term business relationships it has had with its Japanese suppliers.

Members of Midori Kai range from small companies to global enterprises and membership offers suppliers access to Komatsu production plans and figures, global opportunities to meet with Komatsu executives as well as investment, technical, engineering and tooling support. Among benefits to Midori Kai members are potential business opportunities with other Komatsu affiliates, worldwide.

Miyachi Unitek Launches New Website

MONROVIA, CA – Miyachi Unitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of welding equipment and systems, announces the launch of its totally redesigned website. The new website, located at www.miyachiunitek.com, offers improved navigation and instant access to company representatives who can provide immediate assistance and answer customer questions. The site also contains a host of technical documentation, including specification sheets, manuals, and application references.

A unique chat feature gives customers a streamlined way to get immediate assistance. With a simple click, site visitors can get connected to a service rep qualified to answer a wide range of technical questions and provide product selection support. The chat feature will initially be available during business hours (EST), but hours will be expanded in the near future.

New features are being added monthly. By autumn, Miyachi Unitek expects to have its full-featured product finder fully active. At that point, customers will be able to enter product specification information, and the finder will help select the best technology based on such factors as size, geometry, and material.

About Miyachi Unitek
Miyachi Unitek is a leading manufacturer of equipment and systems for resistance welding, laser welding, laser marking, laser cutting, and hot bar reflow soldering and bonding. The company provides products to a wide range of markets, including the medical device, battery, electric vehicle, and solar industries, as well as the global electronics, automotive, and general industrial markets. Miyachi Unitek is an ISO9001 certified company. Contact Miyachi Unitek at its company headquarters, located at 1820 S Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016, by phone at (626) 303-5676, or by email at info@muc.miyachi.com. Find out more about the company’s products and services at www.miyachiunitek.com.

FANUC CNC AMERICA REPRESENTED AS A SINGLE ENTITY AT IMTS

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – (July 20, 2010) For the first time in over three decades, FANUC CNC America will present a single FANUC CNC entity in the Americas at IMTS 2010, alongside FANUC Robotics America. The newly formed FANUC CNC America is the largest CNC organization in the Americas with over 350 employees solely dedicated to CNC sales, service and support. FANUC CNC America, which was formed by merging Fanuc America and GE FANUC CNC, provides customers with industry leading technology from the undeniable global leader in CNC.

At IMTS 2010, a new corporate FANUC company symbol will also be unveiled in America’s market. The new symbol was created to represent the three major divisions of FANUC Ltd. Japan: FA (Factory Automation), RO (Robot) and RM (RoboMachine). The dedicated focus of FANUC in each of these three product divisions will help FANUC to continue to expand its position as a leader in CNC and Automation solutions globally. Representing FA (Factory Automation), FANUC CNC America is driven to enhance manufacturing productivity through the use of FANUC CNC’s innovative, efficient and reliable CNC products.

As a subsidiary of FANUC LTD., FANUC CNC America is the exclusive provider of industry leading FANUC CNC systems and solutions in the Americas. FANUC CNC America provides a one-stop shop for comprehensive CNC solutions including industry-leading control systems, engineering, parts, and repair and factory automation solutions.

FANUC CNC America will unveil advanced CNC control innovations at IMTS 2010, Booth #S-8919. These include: new model 30i-B Series CNC Control, 0i-D/0i-DMate Control with newly enhanced functionality, new 35i-B Series CNC Control for transferline machines, new 5-axis volumetric error compensation and comprehensive industry solutions.

FANUC CNC America’s will have an iPad giveaway at IMTS. To register for a chance to win an iPad, go to FANUC CNC America’s Booth #S-8919. A total of six iPads will be given away. One winner will be drawn from each day’s registrants; one entry per person. Winners will be notified after IMTS. *iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc.

EQUIPOIS INC., NAMED THE “MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY OF THE YEAR” FOR NORTH AMERICA

Los Angeles (July 15, 2010) – Equipois Inc., a Los Angeles-based designer and manufacturer of a patented “zero gravity” workplace technology, has been selected as the recipient of the International StevieÒ Award for Most Innovative Company of the Year, North America. The Stevie Award is the only global, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in business. Equipois was recognized for its patented zeroG technology, which allows tools and other objects to float as if weightless, boosting productivity and eliminating injuries.

“Equipois is delighted to have received such an esteemed award for innovation, a category that included many great North American companies. The award is a testament to the value that our zeroG technology has brought to the manufacturing sector, and caps off a gratifying series of successes,” said Equipois Inc.’s President & CEO, Eric Golden.

In a string of victories, Equipois was recently honored by taking first place in two recent Southern California fast-pitch competitions (one hosted by Tech Coast Angels and UCLA and the other by Monte Jade Science & Technology Association and Cal Tech), as well as a Progressive Manufacturing Award and four “product of the year” awards.

The zeroG mechanical arm technology was invented by Garrett Brown, father of the award-winning Steadicam® camera stabilization system that revolutionized the movie and television industry. Equipois collaborated with Brown to adapt the Steadicam technology for the workplace in order to allow workers to maneuver tools and parts with much less exertion and fatigue. The collaboration resulted in a family of new patent applications, in addition to the existing patents related to the Steadicam products.

According to Golden, “The zeroG technology offers a disruptive leap forward in performance over conventional alternatives. Our products have been proven to reduce workplace injuries, increase worker productivity, and save money by eliminating the costly and widespread injuries caused by exertion, repetition and strain, while increasing throughput, control and precision. It allows virtually any payload – from tools to baggage to the human arm itself – to be maneuvered as if weightless, but with full range of motion, as if the object were being manipulated in space.” Equipois’s customers include some of the world’s top manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, machinery, and other sectors.

Equipois has emerged as the pioneer in the development of zero gravity assistive technologies. The company is currently extending its zeroG technologies to other industries, including dynamic support of the human arm for surgery, dentistry, laboratory tasks and other activities, where professionals are forced to work with arms outstretched for long periods. Other uses of the technology include materials handling, military field applications, and construction, among others. The technology also has the potential to serve as a rehabilitative tool and assistive device for disabled individuals. Equipois is presently working with top universities on pilot projects for rehabilitation of victims of stroke and other brain injuries.

About Equipois Inc.

Equipois designs and manufactures revolutionary dynamic assist devices that support the musculoskeletal system while allowing full spatial and rotational freedom of motion. The company’s patented zeroG® systems are designed to support a range of manufacturing, heavy industrial, bioresearch, medical and other applications in order to reduce workplace injuries and associated costs while increasing productivity. For more information, visit http://www.equipoisinc.com.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

ATI INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION’S FOURTH ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AND TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FAIR SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 19TH, 2010

Apex, North Carolina: ATI Industrial Automation, a world-leading engineering-based developer of robotic peripheral equipment, including Automatic Tool Changers, Multi-axis Force/Torque Sensing Systems, Robotic Deburring Tools, Robotic Collision Sensors and Compliance Devices, will host their 4th Annual Open House and Technology Training Fair at the Detroit, Michigan Sales Office located at 4577 South Lapeer Road, Suite 1, Orion Township, MI 48359. On Thursday, August 19th discussions will detail the many new end-effector products developed by ATI over the past year. ATI Account Managers and Engineers will be available throughout the event to discuss existing and potential applications and answer questions about the complete end-effector product line. A schedule will be announced on ATI’s web site www.ati-ia.com; if you would like a specific topic to be covered please contact Catherine Morris as soon as possible.

A live robot demonstration of ATI’s Robotic Tool Changers, Robotic Collision Sensors, Robotic Deburring Tools and Compliance Devices will run all day. ATI Engineering team members will also be available for informal one-on-one meetings to discuss a variety of topics or specific customer applications. Food and refreshments will be available all day.

To register for the Open House and Technology Training Fair contact Catherine Morris at catherine@ati-ia.com or 919-772-0115 ext. 135. For additional information on the entire ATI product line contact ATI Industrial Automation, Pinnacle Park, 1031 Goodworth Drive, Apex, NC 27539, phone
919-772-0115, fax 919-772-8259, www.ati-ia.com.

EXSYS Tool, Inc. Appoints New National Product Manager for Mexico

San Antonio, Florida, July 9, 2010 – EXSYS Tool, Inc. has announced the appointment of Arturo Lozano to the position of National Product Manager in Mexico for the Kitagawa-NorthTech line of products. EXSYS Tool was named exclusive distributor of Kitagawa-NorthTech workholding solutions for the country of Mexico earlier this year.

Mr. Lozano’s career in the machine tool business began in 1998 as a sales representative for Hi-Tec de Mexico, a distributor of Haas and Mori Seiki products. Over the past decade, he has worked in multiple positions that provided experience with Okuma, Mazak and DMG products as well.

“Throughout the course of his career, Arturo Lozano has acquired substantial experience across a broad range of the machine tool industry,” said Stewart Bachmann, President, EXSYS Tool, Inc. “He brings considerable expertise to our operations in Mexico and we are very excited to be welcoming him to the EXSYS Tool family.”

As National Product Manager, Mr. Lozano will provide support to the sales team for any Kitagawa-NorthTech equipment, as well as serve as the direct contact for both Kitagawa-NorthTech and Tecnara in Mexico

About EXSYS Tool, Inc.
EXSYS Tool, Inc. provides high precision rotary and fixed tool holder solutions for CNC turning centers. Each toolholder is designed specifically for unique brands such as Mazak, Doosan, Haas, Hardinge, Okuma and many others. For more information on EXSYS Tool, Inc.’s products and services, please contact Sales at sales@exsys-tool.com.

AMT and NAM Announce Historic Partnership to Promote the Importance of Manufacturing in the U.S. Economy

McLean, Va. . . . AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology announced today that it is joining forces with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to promote the importance of manufacturing and innovation in the U.S. economy. This historic partnership will bring the organizations together in support of the premier manufacturing technology show in the Americas – IMTS 2010 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, sponsored by AMT and held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, September 13-18, 2010.

“AMT and NAM are two of the most important voices in the world of manufacturing today,” says Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT. “Collectively, our members represent every stage of the production process – from the mind of the design engineer to the shop and factory floor to the global marketplace. Together, we want to underscore the importance of a strong manufacturing sector to long-term economic growth and national security. IMTS 2010 – the most important manufacturing event in America – is an ideal launching pad for our industry partnership.”

NAM’s President and CEO John Engler will give a keynote address in the Emerging Technology Center on day two of IMTS, September 14, 2010. Mr. Engler will highlight how investment in innovation, technology and technical skills are critical to a strong U.S. manufacturing sector. The former Governor of Michigan will also provide insights on how the U.S. and states can create an economic climate that encourages innovation.

“We are pleased to partner with AMT on IMTS 2010, where companies will see the latest breakthroughs in manufacturing technology. Innovation along with research and development has long helped manufacturing in the United States maintain its global leadership,” said John Engler, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. “But while we continue to stand strong as the number one manufacturing economy in the world, we face strong competition from other countries. We’ve recently released “A Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a More Competitive America” which provides a vision and clear plan for what policies lawmakers can adopt and advocate in order to keep manufacturing successful and competitive in an ever growing global marketplace.”

This, coupled with AMT’s Manufacturing Mandate calling for a federal policy of collaboration between government, industry and academia to place incentives on innovation and R&D in new products and manufacturing technologies; assure the availability of capital; increase global competitiveness; minimize structural cost burdens; and enhance and build a better educated and trained ‘smartforce,’ make a strong statement calling for action to support manufacturing.

IMTS 2010 is the place more than 92,000 industrial decision-makers come to get ideas and find answers to their manufacturing problems and challenges. From the more than 1,100 exhibits focusing on manufacturing technology to the IMTS Industry & Technology Conference and the NIMS Student Summit, IMTS is all about educating manufacturing professionals from all over the world.

“IMTS attendees repeatedly tell us that they come to the show to learn, to network and to find new resources and innovative manufacturing technology resources,” says Mr. Woods. “We are committing significant energy and resources to make the show, the conference and the Student Summit premier educational offerings available to the manufacturing industry.”

For additional information on IMTS 2010 and registering to attend, visit www.IMTS.com.

IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show
The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. IMTS 2010 will run September 13 – 18. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts more than 92,000 visitors from every level of industry and more than 116 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Founded in 1902 as the National Machine Tool Builders’ Association, AMT supports and promotes the U.S. manufacturing technology industry. The association provides U.S. builders of manufacturing systems with the latest information on technical developments, trade and marketing opportunities, and economic issues. It also gathers and disseminates information about world markets, promotes its members’ products in those markets, and acts as a representative on manufacturing technology matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.

NAM – National Association of Manufacturers
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs. For more information about the Manufacturers, visit www.nam.org.

KEY PERSONNEL MOVES AT MID-CONTINENT ENGINEERING

MINNEAPOLIS, July 2, 2010 – Mid-Continent Engineering, a Minneapolis-based precision contract manufacturer, today announced two key personnel moves.

Melissa Sawin has been promoted to operations manager and Kevin Ciresi has been hired as sales manager for the defense and aerospace industries.

“We’re poised for significant growth, and Melissa and Kevin are two of the key players who will help us achieve our aggressive sales and performance goals,” said Sanders Marvin, Mid-Continent president and CEO. “I’m thrilled to reward Melissa with a well-deserved promotion and delighted to land a sales executive of Kevin’s caliber.”

Sawin joined Mid-Continent in 2009 with extensive senior-level experience in lean manufacturing operations, communications, training, marketing and business development. As operations manager, Sawin is responsible for all day-to-day operations at Mid-Continent, as well as the company’s strategic direction and long-term growth as part of the senior management team. Sawin is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Ciresi is charged with growing the aerospace and defense businesses and developing long-term strategic partnerships with customers. His experience includes a decade with Goodrich Corp. (a Fortune 500 supplier of systems to the global aerospace and defense industry), where his responsibilities included driving strategic growth and sales revenue in the aerospace and defense industry. Later, he managed a portfolio of strategic public sector contracts for Imation Corp. Ciresi has a long history of successfully growing sales and landing significant new program commitments. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s in business administration from the University of St. Thomas.

ABOUT MID-CONTINENT ENGINEERING

Mid-Continent Engineering is a vertically integrated contract manufacturing firm serving the healthcare, aerospace and defense industries. Working with the world’s premier OEMs, Mid-Continent provides precision machining, complex assembly and precision welding, as well as design, engineering and project management services.

Diman, Ranken Students Capture Gold at SkillsUSA 2010

Both gold medalists- secondary and post secondary – are from NIMS accredited programs and both have NIMS credentials. The secondary winner is Kyle Brodeur from Diman Regional Vocational Technical in Fall River, MA and Mike Ehrenstrom from Ranken Technical College in St. Louis won the post secondary. Other medalists include:

Secondary-Level Silver: Alex J. Doman, Warren Occupational Tech Center (Conifer, CO)
Secondary-Level Bronze: Bryan Reiber, Wayne Education Center (Williamson, NY)
Post-Secondary Level Silver: Robert Brobst, Penn College of Tech (Salisbury, PA)
Post-Secondary Level Bronze: Chris Urso, Madison Area Tech College (Middleton, WI)

To view photos from Day 1 – Orientation and Contestant Luncheon – Click Here
To view photos from Day 2 – Manual Machining Events – Click Here
To view photos from Day 3 – CNC Machining and Other Events – Click Here
To view photos from Day 4 – Awards Ceremony at Kemper Arena – Click Here

Thanks to NIMS Board of Directors Chairman Greg Chambers and Board Member Bob Skodzinsky for working the competition from the beginning through the awards ceremony Friday night. Greg worked as the official score keeper, and Bob led the HAAS team. Sandvik-Coromant and LS Starrett were essential partners as well. NIMS Deputy Director James Wall did his usual excellent job of directing the competition with enthusiastic help from NIMS staff – Catherine Ross, Meredith Goff, and Rebecca Gardner. And, as usual, we had the fine services of the Crossland Machinery Company.

Congratulations also go out to Jacob McHaffey of Mid-South Community College (West Memphis, AR) for winning the silver medal in the post-secondary level of the CNC Turning Technology competition. Mid-South Community College is currently working towards NIMS accreditation.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed time, materials, or funds to make the Precision Machining Technology Competition a great success. See you next year in Kansas City!