Connections member newsletter

www.fmanet.org march/april 2009

Kloppenberg Finds its Niche

March
11 FabCast–Cash is King
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT
11 FabCast–Roll Forming Basics
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT
12 FabCast–Plate Cutting with Lasers
10 - 11:30 a.m. CDT
19 FabCast–Finding and Measuring
Waste and its Effects: The Value
Stream Map
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT
27 FabCast–Die Maintenance
10 a.m - 12:30 p.m. CDT
25-27 Metal Matters: FMA’s 4th Annual
Leadership Summit
Carefree (Phoenix), Ariz.
Kloppenberg’s Accents in Water built this water feature for St. Mary’s Hospital in St. John, Ind.

April
1 FabCast–Protecting Your
Company from the Impact of
Customer Bankruptcy
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT
21-22 World Class Rollforming
Workshop
Jefferson (Louisville, Ky.), Ind.
23 FabCast–Practical Lean Enablers:
Sustaining 5S
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CDT
Details at fmanet.org/training
safety................................................ 3
going green....................................... 4
education......................................... 8
foundation......................................10
newsmakers.....................................11
Visit American hospitals, health care, and hospitality settings today where something
soothing has been combined with something new: calming, cascading water on a
mission—not just to beautify a space or provide better feng shui, but to actually help
purify the air.
While traditional water features present an attractive, aesthetic quality to any indoor
space, ordinary water features can also promote breeding grounds for some microbes,
including bacteria and fungi. Enter Accents in Water, just one of the company’s four
distinct product lines that Kloppenberg, a custom metal fabricator and FMA Advantage
member, has to offer.
Kloppenberg has a 110,000-sq.-ft. production facility headquartered in Denver.
The 67- year-old company is one of the country’s oldest stainless steel fabricators.
George Kloppenberg re-opened his sheet metal fabrication plant in Denver shortly
after World War II.
Now, every product starts in its high-quality stainless steel metal fabrication division.
The company prides itself as a completely ‘Made in America’ manufacturer who ensures
the quality of its new, one-of-a-kind water features with a 25-year warranty and
incomparable health benefits.
“No longer is it an ongoing challenge to maintain functional water features sanitary
conditions to meet strict health care requirements,” says Guy Bertelli, international sales
manager.
These hospital-approved water features by Accents in Water are the only patent-
pending anti-bacterial (Pathoban AG254™) re-circulating indoor water systems
exclusively designed for being able to inhibit microbial growth during operations.
cont. on page 2
1
Kloppenberg Finds its Niche cont.
St. Mary’s Hospital—Cafeteria View
IT Risks Business Owners Should Know About
By Byron Spencer
From more efficient recordkeeping to Web sites that bring the
world to your door, technology has radically changed the way
businesses are run. Unfortunately, many business owners have been
slow to change the way they approach risk management, discounting
potential threats.
Today, virus contamination, unauthorized access to information,
and other criminal trespasses are costing businesses billions of dollars
each year. This new breed of misconduct threatens the privacy of
customers, the efficiency of operations, and the financial stability of
businesses everywhere. Most business owners assume they’re protected
by security software and other internal controls. In reality, many of
those safeguards are inadequate because they’re outdated, installed
incorrectly, or bypassed easily by determined hackers. What follows
are a few of the most common technology risks that every business
owner should understand.
Privacy. Customers trust your company with personal information
that could, if compromised, lead to identity theft. Most client
database and spreadsheet programs used by smaller businesses are
vulnerable to attack because they operate in an open format—
meaning nothing is done to disguise or protect the information. An
investment in encryption hardware and software, as well as a properly
installed and maintained firewall, can guard this information the way
your customers would expect.
Malware. There are thousands of varieties of malicious software, or
malware, lurking in cyberspace. From viruses that cause computers to
behave erratically; to Trojan horses that delete files; to spyware that
collects personal information without your knowledge or consent;
your computer system is exposed constantly to serious, external
threats. Antivirus and anti-spyware software is readily available to fight
hackers. The key is to keep the software updated once it’s downloaded,
because hundreds of new viruses are unleashed each month. If you’re
not taking the time to ensure your protection is current by
downloading and installing available updates, your system is
defenseless against newer and potentially more dangerous intruders.
2
The Accents in Water systems can entrain airborne
particles and microbes, as well as inhibit microbial
growth making them preferred by hospitals,
health care facilities, restaurants, and other public
business environments.
“Bioaerosol tests and disinfection modeling
conducted at the University of Colorado’s Civil
Engineering Laboratories validated the ability of our
water features to harvest pathogenic airborne bacteria
and other particulate matter from indoor air which
results in locally cleaner air,” says Company President
Joe Kloppenberg.
Has your company recently branched out
and done something new and exciting like
Kloppenberg’s Accents in Water? If so, FMA
wants to hear about it. E-mail kimp@fmanet.org
with your company’s story.
Wireless networks. The cost, convenience, and flexibility of
wireless networks have made them popular among small business
owners. However, the airborne nature of these networks leaves them
exposed to hackers both inside and outside the walls of your building.
Sensitive information may be plucked from the airwaves, and
intentionally static-jammed airwaves can shut down entire networks.
If you must use a wireless network, don’t rely on the router’s default
settings. Use hard-to-guess passwords at each access point. Adjust the
signal strength and direction at each access point so that information
is not being broadcast far beyond your walls. Sweep for rogue access
points regularly, banning any unauthorized users.
Employee theft. The greatest threat to confidential information
may actually be on your payroll. Employees increasingly are pilfering
everything from procedure manuals to customer lists and sensitive
competitive data. Thanks to MP3 players and small storage devices,
it’s become easier than ever to download information and sneak it off
the premises. Tracking software is available to help you determine who
is accessing certain files. The time to install such software—and notify
employees of its use—is before you discover former employees are
marketing competitive products and services to your client base.
No matter how good your IT team may be, it may not be possible
to eliminate all technology-related risks. In short, while IT risks may
be complex, a few simple actions could enhance your protection and
reduce your exposure, possibly saving you and your customers both
money and heartache.
Byron Spencer is president of Norman-Spencer Inc. He can be
reached at 800-842-3653 or byron@normanspencer.com n
The purpose of this article is to provide information, rather than advice or
opinion. It is accurate to the best of the author’s knowledge as of the date of the
publication. Accordingly, this article should not be viewed as a substitute for the
guidance and recommendations of a retained professional.
Arm Yourself with the Facts About Hand Safety
Hand injuries can be especially traumatic, stripping away not only
one’s ability to work, but the ability to perform activities of daily
living. Dr. Greg Merrell is a surgeon at the Indiana Hand Center, the
largest, free-standing hand surgery center in the country. The facility
is also the nation’s leading training center for hand surgeons.
Merrell shared his views on the primary causes of hand injuries, plus
valuable tips to help employers and employees avoid them and their
potentially devastating impact.
Two Categories
The two primary categories of workplace hand injuries are
traumatic events and overuse or repetitive-motion injuries. According
to Dr. Merrell, amputations and other serious injuries typically occur
due to a lack of experience or training. He cited a recent patient, a
young man who was assigned to work on a machine that stamps out
truck mud flaps. The worker had been placed by a temporary agency;
he had little training and little experience with the equipment.
Fortunately, Dr. Merrell was able to re-attach the worker’s arm
following a horrible accident. He concludes: “The company had no
business putting him on that machine.”
Current economic conditions may worsen the risk. Dr. Merrell
explains that, “If and when things come back around,” employers
may hire less experienced people to fill positions once held by more
seasoned workers. In other cases, workers who will be retained may be
assigned to tasks with which they are less familiar, thus increasing the
chance for injury.
Dr. Merrell is a self-described skeptic about the direct link between
work and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, whether on the
production floor or in the office. He points to a number of studies
that cast doubt on the strict workplace cause of these ills. Instead, he
believes the conditions usually result when other risks are present,
such as severe cold, exaggerated wrist position, or excessive grip/force
requirements. Merrell also notes the effect of nonwork activities such
as gardening and sports, as well as the overall aging of the population.
Younger tendons are better able than older tissue to sustain repetitive
work, lifts, etc.
FMA Announces the Purchase of Canadian Industrial Machinery (CIM) Magazine
Founded in 1986, Canadian Industrial Machinery is a full-service
magazine supporting Canada’s metalworking manufacturing sector.
CIM is Canada’s leading national monthly magazine dedicated to
the metalworking and fabricating industry, reaching nearly 17,000
industry professionals every month. CIM also produces the annual
Metal Manufacturers’ Purchasing Guide (MMPG).
“My goal 23 years ago was to provide our readers with the best
information on machine tooling and fabricating technology,” said
Tom Dillon, publisher of CIM. “We want our audience to
understand machines so that it can help them when making
purchasing decisions so they can grow as a company. This
acquisition by FMA International will enable Canadian companies
to continue to grow and be progressive in today’s market.”
“The merger supports FMA’s mission to be the principal
knowledge resource to our members and customers throughout
North America,” said Edward Youdell, group publisher of FMA
Communications Inc. “We believe we can help the Canadian
fabricating and metalworking industries be more competitive on a
global stage by providing access to new markets and opportunities
through our integrated media products. We are extremely pleased
Beware! Take Action
Whatever the causes, there are a number of steps employers can take
to help reduce the risk of hand injuries and to minimize the impact of
those that do occur. Merrell’s recommendations include the following:
• Recognize the value of experienced workers, especially on
high-risk equipment.
• Invest in workplace safety training.
• Identify opportunities to increase the comfort and ergonom-
ics of tools. Find ways to decrease the amount of force workers
must apply to create and assemble parts. Merrell says good
industrial engineers will pay for themselves many times over in
terms of safety and reduced absenteeism.
• Cross-train employees and rotate them during the day, or
between shifts, so that they are using different muscle/tendon
groups. This will help increase job satisfaction and can decrease
the risk of injuries, especially among older workers.
• Consider an on-site occupational health nurse. Merrell says
the presence of a caring, competent nurse communicates to
workers that their employer cares about their comfort and
safety.
• Establish a plan, along with your workers’ compensation
carrier, for how you will manage hand injuries. Some
businesses acknowledge that, even though the ailments may
have been caused by nonwork factors, they can be claimed
through workers’ compensation. This shows that an employer
values the employees and their overall well-being.
Advantage-level members can log on to fmanet.org as a member to
access Safety.BLR.com. Basic members can view a Webinar to find out if
the features of Safety.BLR.com can work for their company.
to have the opportunity to carry on Tom’s great work supporting
Canadian manufacturers.”
“This is an exciting time for The FABRICATOR and its
publishing team. For the longest time, Canadian shops have
shown interest in the editorial content in our publications and at
thefabricator.com,” said Dan Davis, editor-in-chief of FMA
Communications. “Now we can serve Canadian metalworkers with
a publication written specifically for them. From a larger
perspective, with FABRICATOR en Español in Mexico, we are
now serving the entire North American January
2009 -Vol.$2
metalworking market and helping them
compete more effectively against their
global competitors.”
FMA Communications, Inc., the Canada’s Met
alworking &
Fabricating
Technology
Magazine
publishing affiliate of the Fabricators &
Manufacturers Association that will
manage CIM, serves the metal forming and
fabricating industry by publishing business-
to-business magazines, e-newsletters, vendor
directories, and Web sites.
3
Keeping the Focus
By Joe Mayer, Mayer Business Group
Much has been written about New Year resolutions. The gyms are
bustling; diet books, supplements and programs are flying off the shelves;
and Weight Watchers classes are overflowing. As everybody promises to
make resolutions stick, past experience tells us that some resolutions will
become unplugged and enthusiasm wanes by the middle of February. By
March, most of them will be completely forgotten.
So, while everybody was compiling their resolutions and focusing on
the things to do in 2009, I was putting together what I call my “I will
not do” list. Why? This year will be unlike any year we have
experienced. The deep recession, the lack of consumer spending, and the
lack of accessible credit will challenge all businesses. So, by adapting an
“I will not” list, I will constantly be reminded of how to make the best of
the challenging situation.
So here is my “I will not” list:
• Get complacent. Now is not the time to hunker down and fade
away. As leaders, we have to come up with new products, ideas for
new services, and new value propositions to keep our customers
engaged. Keeping their loyalty and staying connected with them is
the No. 1 job!
• Not celebrate. Yes, it is easy just to see the severe challenges.
Therefore it is even more important that we stop and recognize
small victories or extraordinary efforts. Have fun and celebrate
and recognize those who over-deliver.
• Count on anything before it is reality. Taking customers’ loyalty,
business connections, or incoming orders for granted will be fatal.
Get out, be well prepared, and help your customers. They are
hurting too.
• Lose sight of the fact that I can replace my job, but not my
family.
Perhaps you have started to compile your own list of things you will
not do in 2009. If not, I would like to encourage you to get started.
As with all goals and resolutions, you should not have more than
five in order to keep them. If you add more, it will be easy to feel
overwhelmed, and it is very likely that you will not accomplish any.
If you have too many and can’t decide which ones are the most
important, try this: Reverse the process and consider what will have the
least impact. Eliminating the least likely candidate(s) can be easier than
choosing the top one(s).
Good luck! Four or five resolutions combined with a heavy dose of
resolve will help you get a better start into 2009.
Joe Mayer is a FMA Past Chairman of the Board
and is the Managing Partner of the Mayer Business
Group. He can be reached at
JMayer@MayerBusinessGroup.com.
4
Green Initiative
FMA Advantage Member Labconco is now a member
of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The
USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to
expanding sustainable building practices. It is composed
of more than 13,500 organizations from across the
building industry that are working to advance
structures that are environmentally responsible,
profitable, and healthy places to live and work.
Members includes building owners and end-users, real
estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers,
engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product,
and building system manufacturers, government
agencies, and nonprofits.
The goal of the USGBC is to transform the way
buildings and communities are designed, built and
operated, enabling an environmentally and socially
responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that
improves the quality of life.
The primary tool used by the building industry to
create sustainable (green) building is the Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating
system, which was developed by the USGBC. LEED is
a third party certification program and the nationally
accepted benchmark for the design, construction and
operation of high performance green buildings. LEED
gives building owners and operators the tools they need
to have an immediate and measurable impact on their
buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole
building approach to sustainability by recognizing
performance in five key areas of human and
environmental health: sustainable site development,
water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and
indoor environmental quality.
Three of Labconco’s major product lines contribute
toward LEED credits: fume hoods, biosafety cabinets,
and glassware washers.
Labconco’s Environmental Mission Statement
Labconco is committed to working to improve the
social, economic and environmental well being of our
community. We further this commitment by:
• Instilling environmental responsibility as a
corporate value
• Fostering a participatory process in developing
environmental policies
• Designing products that use less energy, while
maintaining the highest standards in product
performance
• Striving to buy, sell and use environmentally
friendly products
• Continuously looking for ways to reduce and
recycle our process and office waste
• Providing resources and volunteering our time to
local schools and community charities
Going Green?
If your company is making business decision based on
green initiatives, e-mail your story to kimp@fmanet.org
and it will appear in a future edition of Connections.
Networking @ the
Great Manufacturing Get Together
Minneapolis, MN

On Jan. 29, FMA was one of the sponsors of The Great Manufacturing
Get Together held at Hennepin Technical College in Minneapolis.
More than 700 attendees participated. In addition to 100 exhibits,
there were presentations on topics of manufacturing interest, and an
interview show that mimicked The Tonight Show. FMA’s economic
analyst Chris Kuehl and Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs founder and
spokesperson, John Ratzenberger, were two of the interviewees.

FMA’s young race car driver and spokesperson, Brennan Palmiter,

spent three days visiting eight technical schools and spoke to more
than 350 high school and tech school students about his passion for
welding and careers in manufacturing.

FMA hosted the networking portion

of the day where participants visited
with colleagues and made new friends.
The next FMA regional networking
event will be May 13 in Milwaukee at
the new Harley-Davidson Museum. If
you live in or near Milwaukee, mark
your calendar and plan to join us.
More info at fmanet.org/community.

6
Practical Welding Today and ®

Be True to Your School –

A Winning Combination!
“Welding and manufacturing are cool.”

That is the message that Brennan Palmiter, a 16-year-old stock car racer and part-time welder,
wants high school students to consider. Palmiter teamed up with Practical Welding Today (PWT)
and asked subscribers to nominate a high school where Brennan, along with his stock car, visits the
students and talks about welding, racing, and manufacturing.
Lebanon Technology & Career Center in
Lebanon, Mo., was the winning school. It was
nominated by subscriber Joe DeWeese.
The selected high school had to have a shop
or vocational program in order to qualify for
Brennan’s visit. The winning nominating PWT
subscriber was awarded a $500 American
Express gift card.

7
 Upcoming Conferences
Sign up now to attend these outstanding spring events!
World Class Rollforming Workshop

April 21-22. 2009
Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel | Jeffersonville
(Louisville, Ky.), Ind.
Build your Roll Forming Skills, Improve Your Production!
FMA’s World Class Roll Forming Workshop will deliver the
intelligence you need to boost productivity and quality in your facility.
The Workshop will offer you 12 sessions, featuring three new
topics - high strength steels; continuous improvement; and open/
closed loop, flying and stopping lines. You’ll also enjoy updates to
other sessions and new speakers bringing new perspectives!
Roll Form Corp. will open the doors of two plants, and
networking opportunities will allow you to meet others in the
industry. Plus, take advantage of the expanded Ask the Speaker
session to get one-on-one answers and solutions to your challenges.
Be sure to bring your parts and drawings!
Don’t wait, get rolling! Join other roll form professionals at
World Class and make the difference in your organization! Call
888-394-4362 or go to fmanet.org to register today. Member fee:
$695/General fee: $795.
Want to promote your company? There is still space to share your
company’s information at the workshop through our literature tables.
Contact Audrey Long at 815-227-8206 or audrey@fmanet.org for
more information.

May 5-6, 2009
Hyatt Regency | Deerfield (Chicago), Ill.
Job shop safety issues covered from A to Z helping you to prevent
machine-related injuries, avoid expensive citations, and save on
workers’ compensation costs!
Hear from your peers! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from
other fabricators:
• Melody Barszcz, HR administrator at the Flexible Steel
Lacing Co., will partner with Angie Blakeney of the
Workers Comp. Trust of Illinois to discuss how Flexco is
self-insured.
• Learn from Kastalon Inc.’s president, Bruce DeMent, on how the
company has gone more than 1,000 days without a reportable
injury.
• Terri Roessler, CEO of United Alloy, will share how its company’s
business philosophy and incentive system is a significant driver of
a successful safety record.
On Tuesday May 5, tour the Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL)
corporate home and marvel at how it is specially designed and
equipped to conduct safety investigations on thousands of electrical,
chemical, and mechanical products and systems. Plus, FMA and CNA
will honor Advantage and AdvantagePlus members for excellence in
safety for 2008. Join in the celebration and meet the recipients at a
special reception to follow the award presentation the evening of May 5.
Contact Megan Paja at 815.227.8203 or meganp@fmanet.org to
learn more about the conference and sponsorship opportunities.
Register
 at fmanet.org/training or call 888-394-4362.
8
May 12-14, 2009
The Inn at St. John’s
Plymouth (Detroit), Mich.
Mark your calendars! For the 17th year in a row, ALAW returns
to Michigan!
Do you want to go green and make some green? Improve
productivity and reduce manufacturing costs with laser processing!
This premier industry event encompasses state of the art laser
processes for manufacturers and job shops as well as automotive
manufacturers and their suppliers. NEW this year...two full program
days for fabricators! Returning events include: golf outing, exhibits,
networking receptions, and open houses!
Lasers for Fabricators Track: Going Green and Making Green!
• Fabricator Case Studies: 1. How to Run a Green Shop
2. Beyond Flat!
• Fibers in the Fabrication World
• Interactive Roundtables: Workflow Across Lasers
• Cost Estimating Exercise
Automotive Track: Laser Applications, the Enabler for Green Car
Body Production
• Laser Processing of High Performance Materials
• Tier 1 Laser Applications Success Stories
• New Developments in Fuel Cells and Batteries
• Laser System Integrators
**Register by April 1 and receive $50 off your registration fee. For
more information, go to alawlaser.org or contact Jen Christian at
jen@alawlaser.org
Coil Processing Workshop & Exhibition
May 12-13, 2009 • Hotel Capstone | Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Looking for ways to find cost-saving opportunities in these
challenging times?
FMA’s Coil Processing Workshop features recognized industry
experts who will illustrate time-tested strategies on getting the most
out of your existing equipment. Learn how to cut costs, improve
systems, and increase productivity in your coil processing operation.
Presentations will cover topics such as leveling, slitting, cut-to-length,
preventive maintenance, safety, and more. Sessions will be geared
toward optimizing existing equipment and capabilities.
• Observe proven techniques for maximizing efficiency in your
leveling and cut-to-length processes.
• Discover ways to optimize productivity on slitting lines with
proper tooling and setup methods.
• Learn how one company improved workplace safety to boost
employee morale and the bottom line.
A highlight of the event will be a tour of the NUCOR steel mill
located in Tuscaloosa. The plant tour and evening reception provide
excellent networking opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with
peers and leaders in the coil processing industry. Make valuable
contacts and investigate dozens of solutions to your processing
problems during the exhibit viewing. Come ready to share your
challenges and frustrations, and leave with answers you can
implement immediately!
Put your company’s name out front! Reach your target audience
with a sponsorship or tabletop exhibit! Several opportunities still
available. To learn more, contact Cindy Day at 815-227-8208 or
cindyd@fmanet.org
Cash in on Wind
In a variety of ways, FMA is exploring the fabricator’s role in
supplying wind and other alternative energy components (solar,
nuclear, fuel cell) to major OEMs. This involvement is timely
considering the huge impact the recently approved stimulus
package will have on these industries. FMA activity to date includes:
• FMA’s Board of Directors is considering a new technology
council called, Alternative Energies Council. Interested? View
a listing of current councils at fmanet.org/training or contact
Jim Warren at jimw@fmanet.org.
• An FMA Certified Education Center, Kirkwood Community
College, located in Cedar Rapids, Ia., is the home of several
major OEM wind turbine manufacturers. Learn more at
kirkwood.edu/industrialtech/.
• FMA is partnering with the Chicago Manufacturing
Renaissance Council (CMRC) to bring a regional wind
components supplier conference to either Chicagoland or
Rockford this spring. More details on this soon at
fmanet.org/training.
• Several FMA staff will be attending the WINDPOWER
Conference & Exhibition this May 4-7 in Chicago, and
arrangements are under way to have FMA and the FABTECH
Int’l & AWS Welding Show Including METALFORM
represented on the show floor with a booth. Details available
at windpowerexpo.org.
• The 2009 FABTECH Int’l & AWS Welding Show Including
METALFORM will include an Energy Day on November 17
where wind, solar, nuclear, and new fossil fuel technologies
representatives will be featured during the day at panels and
deep-dive hour long sessions. More on this is available at
fmafabtech.com.
• Finally, a great resource for fabricators to investigate is the
already up and running Great Lakes Wind Network (GLWN):
wire-net.org/wind.htm. The GLWN is focused on
growing the wind supply chain. FMA, via the City of
Rockford’s Manufacturing Council, has engaged with the
GLWN and plans further cooperation to benefit our
membership.
Contact FMA’s Education Director Jim Warren at jimw@fmanet.
org or 815-227-8213 if you would like to discuss how FMA can assist
its members in involvement with alternative energy initiatives.
Selling is Everyone’s Job!
In tough times, heightened sales skills and targeted sales strategies
are crucial to business survival. Companies that focus on business
acquisition during an economic downturn will have a better chance
of making it through the lean times than companies that cut back on
sales and marketing efforts in an attempt to reduce expenses.
If you live within a comfortable drive of Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.,
here’s a not-to-be missed evening program about sales that can help
you rejuvenate your company’s sales—despite the economy.
Jeffrey Gitomer, one of the best known sales trainers in the world,
will be the speaker at an April 21 event organized by MSCI-Central
States Chapter, and co-sponsored by FMA, IMA, and AWMI.
Jeffrey’s sales books—all of them—have been number one best sellers
on Amazon and four are N.Y Times best sellers. His weekly e-zine,
“Sales Caffeine”, has more than 350,000 subscribers. Do all these
readers know something you don’t know? His promise is that
audience members will learn sales information they can take out into
the street one minute after the seminar is over and turn into money.
Join your colleagues in the metal manufacturing industry for
cocktails and dinner followed by Jeffrey’s high energy presentation
covering:
• Attitude Makes Sales
• Effective Networking
• Mastering the Phone
• The 30-second Commercial
• Staying in Front of Your Customers
• Earning Referrals.
“Jeffrey combines tremendous research, talent and an
ability to immediately relate to any audience to have
maximum impact. He has certainly made a difference in
our business and we will continue to use him.”
Rod Beeler, vice president, Caterpillar
Register before March 20 for $125; $145 after that
date. Go to www.msci.org/eventcalendar or call Kate
Johnson at 847-485-3006.
9
FMA Foundation merges with Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs
Foundation to reach America’s future “tinkerers”
The FMA Foundation is joining forces manufacturers,” said Ratzenberger. “I am proud to join forces with
with the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs FMA and know that with each child who attends one of our camps or
Foundation, a charitable organization receives one of our scholarships, we are rebuilding America’s foundation
founded by TV personality John one tinkerer at a time.
Ratzenberger. The result will be Nuts, “We must encourage kids when they graduate from high school to
Bolts & Thingamajigs: The Foundation consider manufacturing as a career,” added Ratzenberger. “Part of the
of the Fabricators & Manufacturers problem is the media and Hollywood often portray manufacturing and
Association, Intl. NBT’s official mission, anyone who works with their hands in a poor light. But the industrial
“to nurture the tinkering spirit,” responds arts have always taken precedence over the fine arts … remember,
to a growing need in this country to someone had to build the ceiling before Michelangelo could go to
prepare a future manufacturing work work. We need to do better at informing the next generation and their
force. NBT will be dedicated to inspiring America’s youth to consider parents that working a skilled job with your hands can be
careers in manufacturing. rewarding financially and fulfilling personally.”
The dynamic initiative allows NBT to broaden operations and The new organization will feature an 18-member board of
increase charitable activities including providing grants to educational directors; six members from the former NBTF will join the 12
institutions offering manufacturing camps and awarding scholarships former FMA Foundation board members.
to students pursuing manufacturing careers. FMA and TPA Members are encouraged to visit
Former FMA Foundation executives Gerald Shankel and Terrence NutsAndBoltsFoundation.org, check out the new foundation’s
Egan will direct the new organization, serving as president and direc- initiatives, and see how you can help further its mission.
tor, respectively, and John Ratzenberger will continue to serve on the
governing board and lead the Foundation’s national public policy and
media campaigns.
“This partnership combines John Ratzenberger’s voice and passion
on an issue so dear to his heart with FMA’s infrastructure and resources
to spread the message that manufacturing is a viable career option,”
said Shankel. “We will be even more effective working together to spark
interest among young people in the industry and help revitalize the
future of manufacturing in America.”
“As a champion of manufacturing, John Ratzenberger will have a
great impact on fostering media coverage on this quest and help us
spread the word that it’s honorable to work with your hands,” said
Egan. “The focus is on inspiring young people to ultimately explore
the manufacturing career path by getting them to tinker, fix and make
stuff, and dream about inventing things. The groundwork that we’ve
laid and the programs that we’ve implemented in the past will continue
to be the core of our work.”
Ratzenberger will contribute his extensive experience with American
manufacturers and valuable relationships in the entertainment,
political, social and corporate arenas.
“I can think of no enterprise more worthy than one devoted to John Ratzenberger (left) visits a 2008 FMA Foundation manufacturing
inspiring the next generation of engineers, builders and summer camp.
10
The Cost of Doing Business Aeroglide started off the New Year by
introducing video teleconferencing to
Watch for a special email in early April announcing the launch of the new FMA
communicate with its customers.
Cost of Doing Business Survey. You’re probably familiar with the Wage & Benefits,
Salary & Benefits and Financial Ratios surveys FMA has been conducting for years. AMS Controls announces the introduction of the
But this new survey tool is light years beyond the old format. 5840 valve booster. The DIN rail-mounted 5840
In the past, participants filled out a lengthy paper survey instrument, completing replaces the model 3840 “Slammer” board, which
the shop floor wage survey one year and management salary survey the next. was produced for more than 20 years.
financial ratios was a separate survey tool. The results were contained in a static print AP&T will exhibit at BLECH Russia in
document you could view, but not manipulate. With the new survey, data for all three St. Petersburg during March 10-13. This is its first
of the previous surveys plus a new business conditions survey will be collected Russian trade fair.
simultaneously, in one survey which you can download to your desktop as an Excel
file, allowing you to work on it in sections – as time permits, or forward to several Atlas Manufacturing launched a
people in your organization for completion. MAXFORM hydraulic press brake from
Cincinnati Inc.
Advantage & AdvantagePlus Member Survey Participants Get Bonus Results Tools
Basic members who participate will receive a complimentary Executive Summary Eaton Corp. CEO Sandy Cutler appeared on the
and be able to purchase compiled results at a discount. But the real excitement is Jan. 6 edition of “Mad Money” on CNBC.
reserved for Advantage-level member survey participants. When results are issued in Epicor is the sponsor of Milhouse Public
the fall you’ll get the full compiled results, but you’ll also have a link to an online tool Broadcasting’s five-part series documenting the
where your company’s data can be used for two different interactive comparisons with production of the new off-Broadway musical
the rest of the collected data. You can compare your company’s financial profile against In the Key of ERP. Visit inthekeyoferp.com to
others using company size, region, and other demographic selects. You can also view episodes.
compare your wage, salary and benefit statistics against the rest of the compiled data
Exact CEO Raj Patel was voted “Entrepreneur
by a range of demographic selects. No more need to create your own comparison
of the Year 2008”. The award was presented at a
studies – the program will do it for you saving time and frustration.
special ceremony during the annual Big
The survey tool will be available in early April and have a completion deadline of
Improvement Day in Amsterdam.
June 1. Compiled survey results will be available Sept. 1.
Mellish & Murray was featured in a
Take Advantage of Historically Low Energy Prices Chicago Tribune article titled “Local
Change and uncertainty continues apace in the United States and overall world manufacturers thriving”.
economies. Credit issues and concerns are front and center on Main Street, Wall PRIMA North America announced the sale of a
Street, and in the energy industry. Now more than ever, energy consumers need ways LASERDYNE 795 XS to IPG Photonics Corp. of
to mitigate risk and reduce operating expenses. Oxford, Mass.
Electricity and natural gas markets are at historically low price levels. Commercial/
industrial demand is down a bit and market prices reflect it. The market is ignoring Schneider Electric hosted a meeting with the
other factors that would have sent the market running, such as cold weather and the investor community during which its strategic
Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. Locking into a rate while prices are low is ambition and operational priorities under its
advised initiative forglobal leadership in energy
Affiliated Power Purchasers Intl.’s solutions effectively lower your energy costs, management.
decrease/eliminate operating risks, and create budget certainty with no upfront costs. Superior Tube Co. Inc. and its affiliated
APPI has a 12-year proven track record of due diligence of energy suppliers, review companies in the United States and in the United
and recommendation of supply contract terms and conditions, and competitive Kingdom, conducted research to identify viable
bidding process combine to give you the competitive edge you need to function most alternatives to TCE in its manufacturing and to
effectively in the dynamic and volatile energy markets. Call APPI today to schedule reducing TCE emissions.
your free energy audit at 800-520-6685.
Thermcraft Inc. announced its acquisition of
Handshakes at Harley Contemporary Kilns Incorporated.
Milwaukee area residents – mark your calendar for the upcoming FMA networking Underwriters Laboratories and the National
event on May 13, 5 – 8 p.m. at the new Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Institute for the Defense of Competition and the
More information coming soon in Member Updates, on the FMA website, and in Protection of Intellectual Property announced an
your special invitation, mailing in April. agreement to promote the use of UL
Standards for Safety in the ongoing development
Did You Know? of national safety standards in Peru via
Wind turbine fabricators are on Fast Company’s top 10 green jobs. Wind is the formalized communication and information
leading and fastest-growing source of alternative energy with more than 300,000 jobs exchange protocols.
worldwide. Turbines are 90 percent metal by weight, creating an opportunity for Ursviken Technology AB announced it received
autoworkers and other manufacturers to repurpose their skills. According to the an order for an Optima Press Brake with a press
American Wind Energy Association, the industry currently employs some 50,000 power of 3,000 tons from a company in China.
Americans and added 10,000 new jobs in 2007. Voss Industries won the Weatherhead 100 award
Source: Greendollarsandsense.wordpress.com from the The Weatherhead School of
Management at Case Western Reserve University.
11
Connections
member newsletter
march/april 2009

Connections Staff
Editor
Kimberly Pollard
kimp@fmanet.org
Contributing Writers
D’Ann Hamilton, Dena Mattausch
Member Services & Research Director
Nancy Olson
Membership Operations &
Customer Service Manager
Jill Klug
Graphic Designer
Sarah Currie

Contact us
Customer service: 888-394-4362 or
815-399-8775
Fax: 815-381-1371
FMA e-mail: info@fmanet.org
FMA Website: www.fmanet.org
TPA e-mail: info@tpatube.org
TPA Website: www.tpatube.org
FMA Connections is
published bimonthly by:
Fabricators & Manufacturers
Association, International®
Tube & Pipe Association, International®
833 Featherstone Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107-6302 USA