WMNTMA News
FREE Precision Machining Courses for Incumbent Employees Summary
The REB and the WMNTMA have completed the fall 2009 cycle of FREE precision machining courses for incumbent employees.
Sec. Bialecki Witnesses Signing of MOA and UMass Grant Announcement
MA. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Gregory Bialecki was the principal speaker at a ceremony held on December 17, 2009 at the Museum of Springfield History that featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the WMNTMA, UMass, and the REB. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, UMass Chancellor Robert Holub, WMNTMA President Ed Leyden, Bill Ward, REB President and CEO,company owners, John Adams Innovation Institute officials, PMRAP Steering Committee members, and University and project officials joined in the event. Chancellor Holub also announced UMass's receipt of a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation that will partner faculty researchers and WMNTMA companies to implement technology transfer projects and activities.
FREE Precision Machining Courses for January 2010
Registration deadline extended to January 6, 2010. Please view course information and Registration form.
Westfield Voc. Tech. Opens New CNC Manufacturing Technology Center
Westfield Vocational Technical High School opened its new CNC Manufacturing Technology Center at a formal didication ceremony on December 10, 2009. The new equipment and tooling was funded by a $294,000 allocation from Congressman John W. Olver through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and procured with the support of the WMNTMA and ABLE Machine Tool Sales. Industry, government, program advisory board members, and program students participated in the ceremony.
Precision Machining Chapters Tour Hamilton Sundstrand
Members of the WMNTMA and the CTMA toured Hamilton Sundstrand on November 16, 2009, and observed the latest in innovation technology and advanced manufacturing processes. Bob Murray, Vice President, Global Supply Chain Management, at HS spoke to the 81 members present, and presented them with an overview of the United Technologies corporate structure, and current trends impacting manufacturing on the national and international levels.
Ben Franklin Design Awarded Industry Certifications
Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing Inc. has attained certification and is presently operating under AS 9100:2004 and ISO 9001:2008. Congratulations to Ed Leyden and his team for attaining this important industry standard.
FREE Precision Machining Courses forJanuary 2010
The REB is offering FREE precision machining courses for incumbent employees beginning in January 2010. Please see the Course Descriptions and Registration Form. Registration deadline is December 23, 2009.
WMNTMA Companies Briefed on Canadian Business Opportunities
Approximately 55 WMNTMA members and guests were briefed on business opportunities in Canada and the process and protocols involved in conducting business with the Canadian Federal Government and the Defense Department, and doing business with Canadian companies as a subcontractor and a contractor. The October 5, 2009 meeting also included a tour of Tell Tool, Inc.
Bike Rally to Support Pathfinder a Success
The 2nd Annual Bike Rally, organized by Dan Walker from Hoppe Tool, was held on September 12, 2009. Over 50 participants joined in the ride and raised $8,500 for the Machine Tool Technology Program at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School.Thanks to the teachers in the program for their hard work in promotng this annual event. Special thanks to the companies and individuals who financially sponsored the event, and special recognition to Hoppe Tool for their continued generous financial support and leadership.
Garvey Assumes New Position at Insurance Center
Benjamin J. Garvey has been promoted to vice president at the Insurance Center of New England in West Springfield. Garvey is actively involved in many WMNTMA events, and has been an enthusiastic supporter of chapter activities during his tenure at the Insurance Center of New England.
WMNTMA to Partner in $600,000 UMass- NSF Grant
The WMNTMA will be a partner in a National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant recently awarded to UMass-Amherst to develop innovation and technology transfer projects and initiatives between the region's small and medium size precision manufacturing companies and the Polymers Science and Engineering and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Departments at UMass.
FREE Precision Machining Courses for September 2009
There will be a special registraton for the FREE Precision Machining courses for September 2009 from August 17, 2009-August 28,2009. Please see the Course Descriptions and Registration Form. There are LIMITED openings in most of the remaining courses.
Precision Machining Training Completes Successful Year
The REB-WMNTMA sponsored precision machining courses for incumbent employees of area precision manufacturing companies has completed its 2008-2009 training cycle. The program continues to provide value-added training in manufacturing processes to assist employees and companies respond to new technology and customer demand.
Sec. Bialecki Presents Certificates to Progam Graduates
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Gregory Bialecki, presented certificates and addressed the incumbent employees who graduated from the REB/WMNTMA sponsored precision machining courses that completed in March 2009. The third annual graduation ceremony was held at Westfield Vocational Technical High School and was attended by 74 employees,their families, and company owners.
Fagor-Automation Corp. Enhances Putnam Technology
Fagor-Automation Corp (Chicago, IL) recently donated the installation of their new Innova 40i "True Vision",digital readout system to the Machine Tool Technology (MTT) Program at Putnam. The 3 new computer controls will assist Putnam students to blend their pre-existing Windows computer skills with most of the manual metal working machines at the school. In preparation for a hands-on open house this spring at Putnam, companies that are interested in viewing this new equipment, which will be debuted at EASTEC 2009 on May 19-21, 2009, should contact Fred Carrier at Carriera@sps.springfield.ma.us. Thanks to Buck Upson and the Putnam MTT Program Advisory Board for their continued support and direction.Special thanks to Danny Steidi and Joel Kasnick for donating their time to install the 3 new computer controls.
Acu-Rite Corp. Supports Putnam Program
Acu-Rite Corp. has committed $10,000 in goods and services to the Machine Tool Technology Program at Putnam. The donation of 3 programmable color readout systems will insure that the program continues to provide students with the latest in instructional technology. Special thanks to Tom Wright, Acu-Rite CEO and President for his committment to our initiatives, and to Doug Day for installing the readout systems. Thanks to Buck Upson for his leadership in this inititive, and to our Program Advisory Board members, Ed Leyden, Rich Picard, Mark DiLorenzo, Jack Mitchell and Larry Maier for their continued support and dedication to the development of the Putnam program.
Middle School Manufacturing Day Hosts Students
The Middle School Precision Manufacturing Career Awareness Day was held on November 19, 2008. 219 eighth grade students from 13 middle schools in the region were partnered with 12 precision manufacturing companies for a company tour and informational program. Please read their reaction to this exciting educational and career awareness program.
FREE Precision Machining Courses for January 2009
The REB is offering FREE precision machining courses for incumbent employees beginning in January 2009. Please see the Course Descriptions and Registration Form. Registration deadline is December 17, 2008.
Maier Elected to NCDMM Board of Directors
Larry A. Maier, President of Peerless Precision, Inc. has been elected to a three year term on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM).Maier will join seven other Board members representing the manufacturing and defense industries.
Westfield Voc. Tech. Receives Technology Funding
Westfield Vocational Technical High School received $14 Million in GO PLM software from Siemens USA, and over $47,000 in new computers from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation. Bart A. Aslin SME Director presented the check to the school. Lt. Gov. Timothy P.Murray attended the event and praised the school and the students for their committment to advancing the precision manufacturing industry.
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.
