AMTDA & SME Representatives Attend Productivity Improvement Day

Charlotte, NC (June 17, 2009) - AMTDA (The American Machine Tool Distributors Association) and SME (Society for Manufacturing Engineering) representatives were just three of the 23 attendees, representing 13 companies, that attended the most recent Productivity Improvement Day at the Partners in THINC facility.

Larry Schwartz from Okuma, Peter Borden & Bill Herman from AMTDA, Steve Prahalis from SME stand in front of the Okuma oil coupling cell at Partners in THINC.

Larry Schwartz, President of Okuma America described how the Partners in THINC facility was created and explained that efficient and effective machine tool solutions require a complete understanding of the customer’s production process, their challenges and their goals. He described how the Partners in THINC facility provides a one-stop opportunity for manufacturers to present their toughest production problems and have them solved by a multitude of experts in machine tool technology and peripheral equipment. This collaboration is possible because of the open-architecture of the THINC control. The needs of customers are driving the capabilities of the THINC control as they bring new problems and challenges to be solved.

Travis Blackburn (left) and Mark Elmore (right) of Morris South stand with Glenn Capwell of Southern Prestige as Glenn shows off his iPod Touch door prize.

Attendees were treated to a live demonstration of Sandvik tooling on an Okuma MB-46V vertical machining center and had the opportunity to meet with other Partners in THINC members to discuss workholding, gauging, bar feeders, high pressure coolant systems and more. Partner presentations included the automated oil coupling cell featuring a Fanuc robot, presented by Andy Anderson of Gosiger Automation and adaptive software presented by Caron Engineering. Morris South representatives were on hand to help answer questions and identify partners for solution development.

Scott Janus, Dan Arrington and Mike Dunn hold their door prizes from Partners in THINC.

Scott Janus of TurboCare stated that his company sends people to the events at Partners in THINC to get exposure to the tools and technology available from the partner members and that, "there is a lot of talent here." He enjoyed the opportunity to see and talk to vendors such as Renishaw and Marposs.

In addition to presentations and demonstrations, attendees were treated to lunch, door prizes and a facility tour.

Okuma and Morris South welcome the chance to work with manufacturers to solve their toughest problems. The Partners in THINC facility is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Tours and meetings can be scheduled by contacting Kathy Poulin (Partners in THINC) at kpoulin@okuma.com or Mark Elmore (Morris South) at melmore@morrissouth.com.

About Okuma America Corporation:
Okuma America Corporation is the US based affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in the development of computer numeric controls (CNC) and machining technology, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. Known for its technology leadership and world-class manufacturing, product quality and dedication to customer service, Okuma strives to be the machine tool solution provider to manufacturers worldwide. Fore more information, visit www.okuma.com

About Partners in THINC
Partners in THINC is a unique facility and concept offering integrated solutions and a one-stop-shop designed to streamline current manufacturing processes, improve capabilities, or for exploring advanced manufacturing options. Each member of Partners in THINC brings specialized equipment, expertise and a commitment to provide the best possible integrated solutions to the end-user. For more information, visit www.partnersinthinc.com.