AMT (The Association For Manufacturing Technology) and AMTDA (The American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association) announced the merger of the two associations that will integrate their products and services to better serve the members of both associations. The announcement was made at The MFG Meeting (Manufacturing for Growth) held in Orlando, FL, which is a gathering of hundreds of manufacturing leaders. The new AMT will be headquartered in McLean, VA. All current employees of AMTDA will be joining the new AMT immediately. “This merger marks the beginning of amore powerful voice for the industry and an unparalleled scope of benefits forAMT’smembers,” said anAMT spokesperson. “The numerous advantages of this new organization include: • Strengthened and expanded products and services; • Access to powerful business intelligence systems; • Data and information from industry economists and analysts; • Afocus on the priorities and needs of the industry; • Networking and collaboration through expanded membership; and • Education and ‘smartforce’ development.” AMTDA Chairman Steve M. Wherry said, “This merger is a logical evolution for the manufacturing technology industry.We are uniting the entire manufacturing technology supply chain from engineering and building machines, to integrating automation and support, to distribution services, whichwillwell serve the users ofmanufacturing technology for their future.” Eugene R. Haffely, Jr., Chairman of AMT, said, “This move exponentially increasesmember benefits and services to both organizations. We are now a stronger, more complete organization, representing the entire value chain of the manufacturing technology industry. Most important, this will give our industry a more clarified and unified voice.” Both Boards of Directors voted unanimously for the merger, and an unprecedented percentage of the combined membership participated in the vote to approve the move. “As a result of themerger between AMT and AMTDA, the organization took on an intensive process to design a new logo, and hence, a rebranding of the newly conjoined group,” said the spokesperson. “The logo was inspired by the Al Moore Award, which recognizes extraordinary service to the industry. The design is a mathematical Lissajous curve suggestive of a threedimensional knot. This pyramid style shape is evocative of a solid base with stability and strength.” “It has always been our goal to find better ways to serve themanufacturing industry,” said Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT. “This process, upon which we embarked two years ago, is a natural partnership that will help both organizations as we seek to advance manufacturing in the United States.” For more information contact: AMT 7901 Westpark Drive McLean, VA22102-4206 703-893-2900 800-524-0475 AMT@AMTonline.org www.AMTonline.org