Jerry Cook Editor, MPP jcook@clbmedia.ca

WMTS 2009 promises to be busy despite economic slowdown

Despite the downturn in the oil and gas sector, this year’s Western Manufacturing Technology Show and Conference 2009 (WMTS) still promises to be a busy and active venue showcasing the latest technology and solutions for manufacturers in Western Canada.

“We see from an exhibitors’ standpoint two types of exhibitors. There have been some large suppliers who have been looking to restrict some of their marketing spending whereas with other companies it has been a completely different story. These companies see that a lot of the companies in Alberta are looking at this as a time for restructuring and getting their operations in order because they know that another boom (in oil and gas) will be coming,” says a spokesman with show organizer Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

Continues the spokesman, “These companies will be seeking suppliers because when the (recovery) does come there will be a lot of companies caught with their pants down and not able to deliver because of cutbacks.”

WMTS 2009 is expected to attract approximately 3,500 visitors.

WMTS 2009 is a three-day event which highlights a variety of products and technologies ranging from arc welding equipment, cutting tools, laser systems, EDM, drilling and tapping machines, milling machines, press brakes, finishing systems, hydroforming equipment, grinding/abrasives, and much more.

“In fact, due to demand from exhibitors, we had to expand the show from one hall to two halls in the Northlands Agricom in Edmonton, AB,” he says.

This year’s event also includes a significantly expanded conference program. The “Manufacturing Innovations Conference: Technologies for Oil and Gas” conference will feature a number of speakers addressing various topics relating to manufacturing for the oil and gas sector. Some of the topics that will be covered include machining processes and systems; advanced non-destructive testing-phased array, digital radiography, and standardized inspection; welding automation for pressure equipment and pipelines; fabricating; machining alternative materials, and more.

Another highlight of WMTS 2009 will be the interactive Town Hall panel discussion which will focus on “How to Manage Manufacturing Operations in a Rollercoaster Commodity Market.”

WMTS 2009 is being held Tuesday, June 16 to Thursday, June 18 at the Northlands Agricom in Edmonton, AB. Show hours for WMTS 2009 are Tuesday, June 16 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, June 17 from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; and Thursday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

There are currently 175 exhibitors covering 43,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. The SME anticipates approximately 3,500 visitors will attend the show. For further information on WMTS 2009 contact the Society of Manufacturing Engineers at canadasales@sme.org or Telephone: (888) 322-7333.

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March 2009 Digital Edition

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Canadian Machine Tool Distributors Association - A resource for Canadian machine tool distributors.
www.cmtda.com

Canadian Tooling & Machining Association - Information resource for the Canadian tooling & machining industry.
www.ctma.com

Canadian Welding Bureau - Information resource for the Canadian welding industry.
www.cwbgroup.org