The two main associations for the US manufacturing industry, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and AMTDA – The American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association, have announced the formation of a committee to explore ways to integrate their products and services to better serve the members of both associations.As introduced, this committee, which will be made up of staff and board members from both organizations, will meet and discuss strategic partnerships and a joint approach to important manufacturing issues, as well as consolidated services. The committee will begin its work in the next several weeks and is expected to report back to both organizations by year’s end.Commenting on the committee formation, Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT, said, “This exploration, which we expect will lead to a very close cooperation with AMTDA, is a natural partnership that will help both organizations as they seek to advance manufacturing in the United States.”"AMTDA has always been focused on strengthening the collaboration between the product manufacturer (OEM), the local distribution firms, and the final customer,” said Peter Borden, President of AMTDA

Schiess is joining forces with its parent company, Shenyang Machine Tool Group (SYMG) to produce high-value machinery that meets German quality standards, the German large machinery manufacturer revealed in a press release on August 20.Stemming from this collaboration is a new generation of machinery for the mid-range machining center market, which will debut at the upcoming EMO 2011 show in Hannover.According to Schiess, with their forward-looking German-Chinese partnership model and highly innovative products, the manufacturers want to make an impression on the mid-range machining center market with high-value machinery for all segments.”This type of international partnership is a logical result of globalization,” said Torsten Brumme, Schiess CEO.

EADS, the pan-European aerospace and defence organisation based in Filton, UK, has announced that it will collaborate with GKN Aerospace to examine industrialising additive layer manufacturing

TORONTO— The Ontario government is providing $900,000 in funding for advanced software training in the province’s machine, tool, die and mould manufacturers sector. The funding will help the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) provide computer-aided design and manufacturing software training to members

CAMBRIDGE, MA: Chemical producer BASF is establishing a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL). The company has become a Strategic Partner in the Center’s Supply Chain Exchange. The Supply Chain Exchange is a community of companies working together to use research and knowledge to achieve competitive advantage through supply chain innovation.

Hexagon Metrology has entered into a partnership with Dormer Tools, based in Sheffield, to demonstrate the benefits of metrology throughout the production cycle.

Hexagon Metrology has entered into a commercial co-operation with GE Measurement & Control Solutions. The collaboration will see the first computed tomography system introduced into Hexagon Metrology’s key industry segments within the next few months.

PURCHASINGB2B MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010: Attending my first International Symposium on Supply Chain Management recently, I found it a unique and positive setting for academics and practitioners to interact and share research and best practices. Professional events tend to be geared for either groups of practitioners or researchers.

WASHINGTON , Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the honorees of the 2010 George Washington Carver Agricultural Excellence Award

Open ADR-based architecture enhances utilities’ demand response & grid management options BOULDER, Colo. , Oct.