FABTECH 2021, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, hosted an enthusiastic crowd at Chicago’s McCormick Place September 13-16. Some 30,000 attendees participated in four full days of product evaluation, education and collaborative discussions on key industry issues. Hundreds of exhibitors highlighted the emerging trends and technologies influencing the future of manufacturing.
 
AMFA members were represented at FABTECH 2021 as the result of a partnership with the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. The two organizations collaborated to represent the manufacturing industry with a 20’ exhibit space staffed by IRRR staff and AMFA volunteers. On behalf of the membership of AMFA, the board extends a sincere “thank you” to IRRR for its role in providing exposure for AMFA members at a significant venue.
 
Many hours of volunteer time were dedicated to planning and preparing for the show. Those assisting with planning, setup, tear down and staffing the booth at the expo are listed below. Thank you to these dedicated AMFA volunteers!
Ø  Kellen Bolander, American Precision Avionics
Ø  Sandy Bryant, Stern Assembly, Inc.
Ø  Jeff Halter, Range Steel Fabricators
Ø  Ben Larson, HydroSolutions of Duluth
Ø  Dan Larson, Hydrosolutions of Duluth
Ø  Jim Petruga, Northern Engineerin
Ø  Ian Vincent, APEX
Ø  IRRR reps: Seth Dostal, Scott Sundvall, Matt Sjoberg, Janelle Greschner
 
The AMFA exhibit booth is continually updated to have a greater impact. Signage is focused on calling attention to specific manufacturing capabilities (welding, machining, etc.) of the AMFA membership, along with numerous photos depicting AMFA-made products and components. Postcards promoted the AMFA Connection (AMFAconnect.com) program. The booth displayed a “We Are Hiring” sign to get folks thinking about relocation/employment opportunities.
 
Following the show, a “list of leads” was distributed via email to AMFA’s manufacturing members (contact the AMFA office to request the list).
 
FABTECH 2022 is set for November 8-10 in Atlanta. AMFA members interested in attending/serving on the planning committee should contact the office.