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 FIA Quick Read Newsletter
May 2012
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FIA Welcomes Nichols Tillage Tools, Inc.! | |
 Welcome to FIA's newest forging producer Member - Nichols Tillage Tools, Inc. (www.nicholstillagetools.com ). Located in Sterling, Colorado, Nichols Tillage is an impression and open die producer of catalog forgings for the agriculture market.
Joe Nichols, President, will serve as Official Representative. 970-522-8676
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National Labor Relations Board Rule on "Ambush Elections" Effective, But Court May Still Overturn It | The NLRB's so-called Ambush Election Rule became effective April 30, even though a pending Court case has not been resolved. The Court refused to delay the rule, but did indicate that it will rule by May 15, which it said should be before any elections are held under the new rule. However, pre-election hearings may happen before May 15.
FIA has been actively engaged in opposing this overreaching rule, making it one of our key issues at this year's Lobby Day in Washington, April 17. The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, of which FIA is a member, is actively seeking additional funds for a possible appeal if the Court rules in favor of the NLRB, as well as seeking to identify companies that receive a union election petition within the next two weeks. FIA members who wish to contribute to the CDW, or would be willing to share information regarding any election petitions or pre-election hearings, please contact FIA's Washington Representatives, Jennifer Reid (jreid@thelaurinbakergroup.com) or Laurin Baker (lbaker@thelaurinbakergroup.com) .
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Forging Design Seminar - May, 23rd, Cleveland | |
 A one-day seminar on:
· Why use a forging?
· How to design a forging
· How to buy a forging
The Forging Design Seminar is a one-day Seminar, created to assist component designers in understanding the nuances of forged part design, to improve part design, to reduce cost, improve quality and reduce administrative and production lead times.
This course will familiarize attendees with the forging process, forging design topics, and the optimum utilization of forgings in critical service applications. Engineers at OEM's will learn about topics that influence the component design. Buyers will gain a better understanding of the process and commercial issues that may be unique to forging. Attendees will be in a better position to select a supplier and collaborate with them to develop an optimum and cost effective forging. While attendees won't become forging experts, they will be provided with information that will accelerate their learning curve by years.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cleveland Airport
For additional information contact George Layne at: glayne@forging.org, or call: 216-781-6260
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Theory & Applications of Forging & Die Design School - June 11-14, 2012, Cleveland | |
The "Theory and Applications of Forging & Die Design" school continues to evolve, reflecting new insights into forging technology and the wide availability of metal flow simulation software. This four-day school is taught by a team of industry experts and engineering professors who work together to carefully explain principles and practice. We urge you to join the 1000+ forging employees who have already attended this course.
(Click here) to view/print brochure.
This will be the only offering of this program in 2012. Class size is limited, (last year's class filled up early, leaving many closed out), please don't wait to register.
For additional information, contact George Layne at: glayne@forging.org.
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Forge Fair 2013 Exhibitor Prospectus Posted |
FORGE FAIR 2013 is the next in a series of technology trade shows and symposium programs sponsored triennially by Forging Industry Association since 1970. The program has been carefully developed and planned to provide important networking opportunities between forgers and vendors...opportunities closer than generally available at any other forging industry program. Supplier companies from throughout the world that would like to exhibit, demonstrate and talk about their products and services in front of a worldwide audience of forging industry customers are invited to register as exhibitors at FORGE FAIR 2013.
All FORGE FAIR 2013 events will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which is located in the middle of a vibrant city. The area is alive with cultural activities, arts, sports and entertainment - all within walking distance. As the winner of multiple Prime Site and Inner Circle Awards, this striking, modern facility has become one of North America's most popular sites for local, state, regional and national groups and organizations.
Don't forget, there are still prime Sponsorship Opportunities available.
(Click here) for additional Forge Fair information.
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Forging Foundation Partners with ASM International
To support Materials Camps for Teachers | |
The Forging Industry Educational & Research Foundation (FIERF) will provide over 900 high school science and math teachers with information about the forging process and careers through a partnership with ASM Materials Education Foundation. ASM Materials Camps for both students and teachers are well regarded and attended. The grant made by FIERF will help finance camps and provide FIA Members an opportunity to interact with teachers in their local areas. Every teacher that attends a Materials Camp this summer will be given a "Forge Your Future" kit of information for use in their classrooms.
Each bag contains...
Forge Your Future - Find a Career Now (CD) that includes Career Path interviews with fourteen forging industry employees in accounting, engineering, human resources, information technology, management, sales & marketing and technical support talking about what they do and enjoy about their jobs;
The Forging Advantage (CD) withvideo follows the manufacturing cycle of a forged gear - from scrap raw material to final use in a truck's rear axle assembly as well as videos, animations and details about forging processes;
Forging - Where, Why, How presents in photo, graphic and text formats major forging end use markets, characteristics of forgings, metals forged and how forgings are produced.
A listing of web based resources will provide additional content for teachers in the classroom including the Forging Career Center, additional videos and forging process information.
Contact Karen (karen@forging.org or 216.781.5040) in the Foundation Office for more information about camps in your area and how you can reach out to local teachers.
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Mark your Calendars! Tech Conference September 10-12, 2012 | |
 
Mark your calendars! Tech Conference September 10-12, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel Downtown Cleveland. Call for papers Click here.
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FIA 2011 Profit Report Released |
FIA's just released, Annual Profit Report, shows 2011 surpassing 2008's record levels.
Industry Cost of Goods Sold at 79.8% in 2011 decreased from the 80.5% in 2010, but stayed about the same as 2006. Gross Profit on Sales at 20.2% for 2011 increased from the 19.5% reported in 2010, but improved from the 21.1% reported 5 years ago in 2006.
Profit from Regular Operations at 13.7%, increased from the 12.8% reported a year ago but stayed the same as reported in 2006. As documented in FIA's Annual Orders and Shipments Reports, net sales broke the 2008 record.
To see these figures as well as a complete breakdown of industry profits by forging process, companies must participate in the Annual Orders and Shipments report. All data is kept in strictest confidence. Remember, this forging specific service is not otherwise available from any other source. All forging company members are encouraged to take part in FIA's Orders and Shipments Report and Annual Profit Report programs. Both reports are free to participants. Also all forging members will receive the Quarterly Forecast Report for the next year. Call Diane or Mary Ann at the FIA office at 216-781-6260 (diane@forging.org; maryann@forging.org) for more information about these programs and how to get started.
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What is FIA All About & What Can It Do for Me? | |
 
On Friday, May 18th a webinar focusing on the expanding programs of FIA and FIERF is open to all interested in receiving the maximum benefit from FIA Membership.
Members participating in previous webinars indicated they learned about programs and opportunities that will bring value to their organizations.
Get the most out of FIA Membership by registering for the 1:30pm EDT webinar (approximate length 1-1/2 hours) by contacting Karen at 216.781.6260 or karen@forging.org.
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Lobby Day 2012 |  The forging industry was well represented at this year's Lobby Day when 25 individuals from 19 FIA member companies flew into Washington, DC to deliver the forging story to the 112th Congress on April 17th. The event started with dinner on the 16th, where our guest speaker, Representative Mike Kelly (PA-3), encouraged us to "get involved in the process".
After a breakfast of reviewing FIA's position papers (see links below) with the Laurin Baker Group, we divided into 5 groups and spent the rest of the day in over 33 Congressional Office visits, 5 meetings with standing Congressional Committee staffs, and in the Capital meeting, with the House Majority Whip's office.
FIA has produced a short video that was used to introduce our industry to the congressional offices, and to show the importance of forging to the US's manufacturing base.
If you are interested in participating in this annual event next year, contact Roy Hardy (roy@forging.org) to get on the mailing list for Lobby Day participants.
Energy Policies Can Make or Break Manufacturers Like Forgers
Skilled Production Workers Apply Here!
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FORGExpo - An International Virtual Event |  Forge Magazine's FORGExpo returns in 2012, offering a unique opportunity for education, communication and connection within the forging industry. Reach a target audience of 14,500 forging industry professionals in North America, Europe, China, India and Brazil!
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Annual 2011 Industry Shipments and End-Use Markets Reports Completed | The Annual 2011 Custom Orders/Shipments and End-Use Markets reports were mailed in April to all participants. Annual Orders/Shipment figures for 2011 reported for Impression Die and Open Die surpassed the 2008 record levels. Rolled Ring shipments although increased over 2009 and 2010, stayed just below 2008 figures.
Impression Die........... +21% shipments and +22% orders over 2010
Open Die.................. +30% shipments and +40% orders over 2010
Rolled Rings ............ +18% shipments and +23% orders over 2010
This survey may be purchased upon request, please call Diane Rothaermel or Mary Ann Foot at 216-781-6260. You can also see the press release by clicking here or visiting our website: www.forging.org
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FIA Wins 2012 Blue Drop Award for Best Non-Profit/Education Website www.forging.org | |
April 10, 2012 - After more than a month of nominations and community voting, Forging Industry Association has been awarded the 2012 Best Non-Profit/Education Website Built with the Drupal Programing Language.
"The quality of the nominations submitted to the 2012 Blue Drop Awards for the Best Non-Profit/Education Website Built with Drupal was outstanding this year," said Ben Finklea, CEO, Volacci. "Our hats are off to the Forging Industry Association for winning in the face of very worthy competition."
Representing more than 630,000 contributors and developers, Drupal is the largest, most active open-source technology community in the world. The Blue Drop Awards were created to promote Drupal to the greater technology community and to recognize innovative, next-generation Websites and the companies that built them. With thousands of sites leveraging Drupal, the new awards program was designed to be the first democratic, voter-driven recognition program for Drupal members.
To see the winning projects and check out the other nominated websites please visit www.bluedropawards.org .
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SIFCO Forge Group Host Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Associates |
 On March 22, 2012 SIFCO Forge Group hosted twenty-one Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime associates in Cleveland, OH. The Forging Defense Manufacturing Consortium and the DLA's Maritime and Land Forging and Casting Assistance Team (MetaLFACT), coordinated this bus trip so DLA Land and Maritime associates could learn more about forging processes, parts, and tooling. During the tour, the group had an opportunity to witness both hammer and press forging operations, and to see results of recently completed Job Shop Lean Projects implemented through the Ohio State University. Commentary during the tour and subsequent feedback from the DLA participants was very positive, indicating a successful learning event! Prior to the tour, Prabir Chaudhury, FORGE-IT engineer, presented FDMC's "Introduction to Forging" seminar, equipping the students with some basic knowledge of the forging process.
FIA member companies are encouraged to host similar tours. FDMC coordinates these tours as part of its Work Force Development Initiatives. Contact Jon Tirpak at 843-760-4346 should your forge be interested in hosting a tour, or participating in an FDMC project."
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FIA to Exhibit at AeroMat 2012; Power Gen 2012 | |
 
FIA is pleased to announce we will be exhibiting at AeroMat 2012, June 18-20, 2012 in Charlotte, NC. The show's theme: Aerospace Materials and Processes: Making Next Generation Designs Possible. FIA will also be exhibiting at Power Gen 2012, December 11-13, 2012 in Orlando, Florida.
AeroMat 2012 will bring together the World's leading aerospace materials developers, components producers and OEM engineers. Sessions on materials topics that range from light alloys to advanced high temperature materials will be held to allow interaction of raw material producers, aerospace components suppliers and aerospace systems organizations, including launch vehicle, airframe and propulsion systems companies.
To expand the interaction between materials and processing technology, the Forging Industry Association (FIA), and the American Foundry Society (AFS) are joining the AeroMat planning efforts with support of sessions dedicated to aerospace forging and casting technologies to complement sessions on welding, joining, and machining technologies. Companies interested in exhibiting or attending AeroMat 2012, should Click here.
Power Gen 2012 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center attracting 20,000 power generation professionals from 92 countries. It is considered the largest and most trusted power event in the industry. In 2011, 1200 companies exhibited their products and services. For more information on exhibiting or attending please Click here.
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