FABTECH 2024, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, hosted an enthusiastic crowd in Orlando, Florida October 15-17. Some 30,000 attendees participated in four full days of product evaluation, education, and collaborative discussions on key industry issues. Hundreds of exhibitors highlighted the emerging trends and technologies influencing the future of manufacturing.
 
AMFA members were represented at FABTECH 2024 as the result of a partnership with the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR). The two organizations collaborated to represent the manufacturing industry with a 20’ exhibit space staffed by IRRR staff and AMFA volunteers. On behalf of the membership of AMFA, the board extends a sincere “thank you” to IRRR for its role in providing exposure for AMFA members at a significant venue.
 
Many hours of volunteer time were dedicated to planning and preparing for the show. Those assisting with planning, setup, tear down, and staffing the booth at the expo are listed below. Thank you to these dedicated AMFA volunteers!

• Rally Hess from Hibbing Fabricators
• Andrew Stokes, Chair, from Hibbing Fabricators, Inc.
• Wade Karnes, Zakobe
• Sandy Bryant, Revolv Manufacturing
• Mike Peterson, Range Tool Company
• IRRR rep: Scott Sundvall

The AMFA exhibit booth was updated this fall to have a greater impact including a new tagline “Discover Northern Minnesota: Your Partner in American Manufacturing.” Signage is focused on calling attention to specific manufacturing capabilities (welding, machining, etc.) of the AMFA membership, along with numerous photos depicting AMFA-made products and components.
 
Following the show, a “list of leads” was distributed via email to AMFA’s manufacturing members (contact the AMFA office to request the list).
 
FABTECH 2025 is set for September 8 -11 in Chicago. AMFA members interested in attending/serving on the planning committee should contact the office. Your fellow members have great things to say about the value of attending in the past.