METALFORM - March 20-23, 2005

Metalforming industry representatives took advantage of the opportunity to see the latest equipment and applications in the industry by attending METALFORM'05, North America's premier metal stamping, fabricating and forming exhibition. Sponsored by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), METALFORM'05 was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL from March 20-23. This year's exhibition, METALFORM's 20th show, featured demonstrations of products from 350 companies.

Dirk Palten, vice president of Leifeld USA Metal Spinning in Colorado Springs, CO, explained his experience exhibiting at the show as positive and beneficial. "METALFORM'05 was a huge success for Leifeld," he said. "We sold three metal spinning machines off the show floor and expect many more sales in the coming months as a result of the show."

Jim Landowski, general manager of Komatsu America Industries LLC in Wood Dale, IL, echoed these sentiments. "Without question, METALFORM is the only show that is targeted for the metal stamping industry," said Landowski. "The PMA efforts to promote this show to both members and nonmembers are exemplary and the professionalism of the staff in support of the exhibitors is to be commended. Though recent show attendance is still reduced from past years, the quality of the leads has increased, giving us a good return for our show investment. For Komatsu, METALFORM is the only venue to showcase our technology to the industry."

Events held in conjunction with METALFORM'05 also met with success. The Educational Conference welcomed more than 225 attendees for 16 technical presentations. The METALFORM Supports Manufacturing Rally, featuring Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Al Frink, brought together a crowd of industry supporters to hear about the progress being made by the U.S. Commerce Department to strengthen the American manufacturing sector. Additionally, nearly 100 students and teachers attended Student Day to learn about career opportunities available in the metalforming industry.