What a year it’s been. We’ve managed to see a bit of a recovery, and most forecasts show positive signs of that trend continuing. But what lies ahead is still anyone’s guess. All we can do is keep moving forward and try to stay on top of technology, making sure our companies are as prepared as possible to do business as the work comes in and produce the best quality products that we can.
To achieve this objective, it’s important to keep ourselves abreast of emerging technology and, as much as possible, keep our shops equipped with the tools that can get the job done most efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Thorough research is a must.
In the past month, I’ve attended two significant trade shows for our industry. The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), held every other year in Chicago in mid-September, is North America’s largest show serving the machine tool industry. With 82,000 attendees and 1,700 exhibiting companies, this year’s show brought decision makers together from across the manufacturing industry to get ideas and find answers to manufacturing problems. Because cleaning touches almost every area of manufacturing and plays a large role in the output of quality products, more than 50 companies that market equipment, chemistries and services for parts cleaning and degreasing chose to exhibit at the show. In recognition of the significance of cleaning operations during the manufacturing process, IMTS added a Components/Cleaning/Environmental pavilion.
According to IMTS Vice President – Exhibitions and Communications Peter Eelman, “IMTS 2010 met and, in many cases, exceeded our exhibitors’ and visitors’ expectations. Manufacturing professionals were searching for confirmation that manufacturing in the United States is not dying or dead and in fact, found that it is robust and poised for growth, clearly understanding that investing in the latest technology is the key to being competitive.” This show was an exciting indication of economic growth on the horizon.
The parts2clean show, held in mid-October in Stuttgart, Germany, brought more of the same enthusiasm. As the world’s largest show focused on attaining, controlling and documenting specified levels of component and surface cleanliness, this exposition brought together 230 exhibitors and more than 4,000 visitors from 40 countries. It was quite clear, from talking to exhibitors and attendees, that people were there for a reason – to address specific problems in their manufacturing operations through the purchase of equipment. The trend continues.
But the need to purchase can arise at any time, and shows like these are not necessarily accessible to each individual, or the timing of the next show might not be right. Fortunately, another tool is available to provide ongoing support for keeping up-to-date with cleaning technology. Every other month, Process Cleaning brings you new product ideas and articles that touch on the latest trends of the industry. And with this Buyer’s Guide issue, we share access to contact information for more than 300 companies dealing in 130 product and service categories relating to industrial cleaning. This issue, paired with the continuously updated online directory at processcleaning.com, is a year-round reference for the cleaning professional.
So when you’re in need of some new cleaning equipment, whether or not you’ve had a chance to see the latest technology on a show floor, know that you can turn to page 36 of this issue, locate the product or service you require, and begin your own buying process. Much of manufacturing is in a buying mood. It’s best not to get left behind.
