Each year, the WCMA conducts its flagship event, the Fall Conference & Plant Tour Event. The Fall Conference presents an excellent opportunity for WCMA members to network and have open discussion on common concerns. Attendees also tour the production facilities of several dimension, component, cabinet, furniture, millwork, and related woodworking companies. These plant tours provide attendees a unique opportunity to observe innovative woodworking manufacturing operations and discover new manufacturing techniques, exchange ideas, and learn about alternative manufacturing methods. Everyone comes away with at least one good idea that can be implemented in their own plants.

The WCMA is very excited to be partnering with the Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association (MMPA) for the 2019 Fall Conference, Tech Ed, and Plant Tour event. The two associations are joining forces to offer attendees expanded educational opportunities, increased networking, personalized meetings with suppliers, and unique plant tours. The event will be held Sept. 22-25, at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event will give attendees an excellent opportunity to learn how industry professionals stay updated in areas such as woodworking machinery, equipment, tooling, supplies, software and overall business solutions.

The 2019 Fall Conference, Tech Ed and Plant Tour Event will be open to member companies of either association, as well as their industry suppliers. Registration opens in May; visit WCMA.com for more information.

Networking with Tech Partners 

This year, WCMA Tech Partners will have the opportunity to participate in Productivity Information Exchange (PIE) sessions. These sessions match customers with suppliers and allows for dedicated time to educate attendees on their specific needs. Each Tech Partner is guaranteed two appointments with manufacturing members when they register early. There will also be two receptions which will connect leading providers of woodworking machinery, equipment, supplies, software and other business solutions with WCMA members.

A listing of WCMA Technology Partners can be accessed at WCMA.com by clicking on Suppliers. These companies are a great source for all your woodworking machinery, tooling, software, and business solutions.

The WCMA Education and Programs Committee has been working hard to ensure that there is something for everyone, so be sure to make plans now to have plant managers and other key personnel in attendance. Program details and registration for the WCMA Fall Conference & Plant Tour event will be available in May. For more information about participating in this event, contact the WCMA office at [email protected], or visit WCMA.com today.

2020 Spring European Plant Tour

WCMA will be hosting its third European Plant Tour event in 2020. Attendees who have participated in this event in the past report such positive takeaways and were impressed by the quality of the plant tours.

Steve Gerber, with Gerber Wood Products, stated “I found the quality of the plant tours to be excellent.  They offered a diverse view into the European philosophy of manufacturing by utilizing more automation and technology, replacing aging equipment quickly, and utilizing a wide range of wood composite materials.  I saw levels of automation in action that I had often dreamt of but never believed were being applied in real woodshop applications. I left my week in Germany inspired and ready to apply aspects of what I learned in my own business.”

You will surely want to participate in 2020. Plans are still being finalized, so be sure to visit WCMA.com for more information.