WMNTMA News
1st Annual Pathfinder Bike Rally a Winner
The 1st Annual Pathfinder Bike Rally, organized by Dan Walker from Hoppe Tool Inc.,was highly successful, and raised $11,800 toward the purchase of a CMM machine for the Machine Tool Technology Program at Pathfinder. Thanks to Dan for his hard work, to Eric Hagopian from Hoppe Tool Inc. for his initial challenge donation of $1,500, and to the WMNTMA member companies for their generous contribution to the Rally.
Raymond James Receives Industry Recognition
Raymond James ranked "Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full-Service Brokerage Firms" in J.D. Power and Associates 2008 study. Read more about this exciting recognition.
WVTHS-WMNTMA Golf Tournament a Huge Success
The annual WVTHS-WMNTMA Golf Tounament enjoyed another successful year with proceeds of $39,905. This years proceeds were used to purchase a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) for Westfield Vocational Technical High School. In addition, a donation of $5,000 was made to Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in memory of the Dick Sunderland Memorial Scholarship.
WMNTMA Companies Receive National Safety Awards
Associated Electro-Mechanics Inc. and WGI Inc. have recived the NTMA Safety Award Certifiate for 2007 for their excellent safety record. This national recognition is given annually by the NTMA to recognize the industry's committment to safety, and to acknowledge those member companies that have met a series of industrial safety standards.
Tell Tool, Inc. President Announces Retirement
Mark E. DiLorenzo, President of Tell Tool, Inc. will be retiring from his position on September 1, 2008. Under DiLorenzo's leadership, Tell Tool has become one of the leading precision manufacturing companies in the country, and is known industry wide for its committment to quality, service and dependability. DiLorenzo, shown here (center) at the Northeast Regional Conference in May,has been a driving force in the growth of the WMNTMA over the years, and his leadership on the Program Advisory Board of the Manufacturing Technology Program at Westfield Vocational Technical High School has been critical to the growth and success of the program.
WMNTMA and EDC Promote Industry Sector
The WMNTMA is collaborating with the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts (EDC) to promote and market the precision manufacturing industry. The EDC web site features information on the general industry sector,specific sector markets, and direct links to individual company web sites.
Putnam Machine Program Set to Expand
The Machine Tool Technology Program at Putnam Voc.Tech. High School will be increasing its student enrollment in September 2008, and is seeking an additioinal instructor. Please read the Announcement of Position for specific Duties, Qualifications and Contact information. Please see advertisement in The Repuiblican(MaaaLive.com) from July 6, 2008.
Area Technical Schools Showcase Talent at EASTEC
Students from the Machine Tool Technology Program at the area's technical high schools used the REB booth at EASTEC 2008 to showcase their work to EASTEC attendess, and to the middle school students who visited the REB booth on Student Day.Thanks to the teachers and students from Chicopee Comprehensive High School, Dean Technical High School, and Pathfinder Regional for collaborating with the REB and the WMNTMA.
EASTEC 2008 Hosts Middle School Students
Eighth grade students from the area's middle schools toured the EASTEC Exposition on May 22, 2008, and observed world class precision manufacturing equipment and processes. The 62 students were exposed to interactive demonstrations in several aspects of manufacturing techniques. Special thanks to our partners at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) for sponsoring the students, and making arrangements with selected vendors to speak with the students during their visit to their exhibits.
WMNTMA Partners with Wright Flight Program
The WMNTMA partnered with the Wright Flight Program to provide career and industry information, and company tours for 90 students from five area middle schools who are participating in the Wright Flight Program, an after school enrichment program focusing on STEM skills. The students were exposed to engineering and precision manufacturing processes and operations at selected WMNTMA companies. Thanks to Peerless Precision, Tell Tool, WGI, Berkshire Industries and the B&E Group for their participation in the project, and to the REB for its financial support of this exciting education and career awareness program.
Hoppe Tool Inc. Donates CNC Equipment
Hoppe Tool Inc. has donated a CNC Surface Grinder to Chicopee Comprehensive High School, and an Automatic Surface Grinder to Westfield Vocational Technical High School for use in their Machine Tool Technology Program. Thanks to Eric Hagopian for his continued committment and generous support.
NTMA Regional Conference Highlights Industry Strengths
The NTMA Regional Conference was held on May 8-10, 2008 in Portsmouth NH. The Conference was attended by 115 industry representatives from across New England, and featured excellent presenters, three industry focused roundtables, and informative exhibitor product displays. Thanks to Mark DiLorenzo, Tell Tool Inc. and Eric Hagopian, Hoppe Tool for their leadership in organizing the second annual conference, and to Angie Beavis for her hard work in ensuring that the event was such an overwhelming success.
Westfield Voc. Tech Receives $294,000 from HUD
The Manufacturing Technology Program at Westfield Voc. Tech., through the efforts of Congressman John W. Olver, has received funding of $294,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through the efforts of the Manufacturing Technology Program Advisory Board and the WMNTMA, this significant federal allocation will allow the program to purchase new equipment for its program.
Putnam Vocational Receives New Tooling
The Machine Tool Technology Program at Putnam Vocational has added $10,000 in new tooling to its program. WMNTMA President Ed Leyden, Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing Co., and Buck Upson, Pioneer Tool Supply Co. worked with Putnam to facilitate and coordinate the acquisition of this important upgrade to the Machine Tool Technology curriculum at Putnam.
FREE Precision Manufacturing Courses-September 2008
The REB will be sponsoring FREE skills enhancement courses for incumbent employees of the area's precision manufacturing companies. Classes begin on September 15, 2008. Please click here to view the course descriptions and registration information. Deadline to register is July 7, 2008.
Advance Welding Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Christopher Kielb and Melinda Mitton are proud to announce the 30th Anniversary of Advance Welding (www.theperfectweld.com). Founded in 1978, by Kasmer Kielb, Advance Welding has grown and evolved into a full service metal joining facility offering high quality welding, brazing and fabricating services to many industries including aerospace and defense, medical, and power generation.
Advance Welding is accredited with merit to the requirements of Nadcap for Fusion Welding, Resistance Welding (Spot) and Brazing (Torch and Induction). In addition, Advance Welding's quality system is approved to AS9100: 2004 and ISO 9001: 2000.
Smith and Wesson Donates $40,000 in Cutting Tools
Smith and Wesson has donated $40,000 in cutting tools to the WMNTMA for distribution to the area technical high schools and community colleges for use in their precision manufacturing training programs. Through the efforts of Buck Upson, Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc.,this generous corporate investment will insure that students have access to the latest in cutting tool technology. Ed Leyden, WMNTMA President, received the donation from Michael F. Golden, Smith and Wesson President and CEO on April 3, 2008.
Sec. Bump Headlines WMNTMA/REB Graduation Ceremony
Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne M. Bump presented certificates and spoke to graduates at the WMNTMA/REB incumbent employees graduation ceremony held on March 31, 2008 at Chicopee Comprehensive High School. The second annual event was attended by 110 company owners, program graduates and their families, and program faculty and regional school officials.
Springfield Mayor Tours Smith and Wesson
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno met with Smith and Wesson officials and toured the company on March 11, 2008. Mayor Sarno's visit was arranged by Buck Upson, Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc.The tour gave Sarno an opportunity to see the scope of the precision manufacturing occurring at the Roosevelt Avenue company, and the critical role that Smith and Wesson plays in the economic development of Springfield .
Clem Fucci Meets with Gov. Patrick
Clem Fucci, Department Chair of the Manufacturing Technology Program at Westfield Vocational Technical High School had an opportunity to meet with Gov. Deval Patrick at the Governor's recent education summit at Westfield State College.
Springfield City Councilor Tours Smith and Wesson
Springfield City Councilor Patrick J. Markey met with Smith and Wesson officials, and toured the company on February 20, 2008. Councilor Markey's visit was arranged by Buck Upson, Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc.The tour gave Markey an opportunity to see the scope of the precision manufacturing occurring at the Roosevelt Avenue company, and the critical role that Smith and Wesson plays in the economic development of Springfield and the region.
Ed Leyden Elected New WMNTMA President
Ed Leyden, President of Ben Fanklin Design and Manufacturing Company in Agawam is the new President of the WMNTMA. Ed was unanimously elected by the membership at their January 21, 2008 meeting. Congratulations to Ed, and special thanks to outgoing Prersident Larry Maier from Peerless Precision who will serve as Trustee on the WMNTMA Board of Directors.
Middle School Students Tour WMNTMA Companies
On November 15, 2007, 198, 8th grade students from twelve (12) middle schools throughout the Pioneer Valley, who visited the MassMEP Mobile TrainingLab in October, toured twleve (12) WMNTMA companies to see first hand,precision manufacturing in operation. Please click here to read a letter from a student who toured B&E Tool in Southwick.
Smith and Wesson Donates CNC Lathe to Putnam
Smith and Wesson donated a Nakamura CNC Lathe to Putnam Vocational Technical High School for their Machine Tool Technology program.Thanks to Rich Picard, and Smith and Wesson for their continued commitment and generous support.
Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc. Donates Harig Grinder to MCDI
Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc. donated a Harig Grinder to the Massachusetts Career Development Institute for their Machine Tool Technology program.Thanks to Buck Upson and Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc. for their commitment and generous support.
Smith and Wesson Donates CNC Lathe to MCDI
Smith and Wesson donated a Nakamura CNC Lathe to the Massachusetts Career Development Institute for their Machine Tool Technology program.Thanks to Bob Pion, and Smith and Wesson for their commitment and generous support.
