There’s an important and complicated “behind the scenes” story that makes ACMA’s composites advocacy successes possible. This story starts with the industry; comprised of primarily smaller entrepreneurial companies making products like rebar for bridge decks, pollution control scrubbers, corrosion-resistant storage tanks for gas stations, lightweight automotive, truck and mass-transit components, and ballistic panels. It...
Two composites executives from American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) member companies warned Congress that small manufacturing concerns across the U.S. – and hundreds of thousands of jobs – could be at risk unless the federal government restores its reliance on credible science in the risk assessment process and reverses the listing of the industrial...
Galvanized by the listing of styrene as a “reasonably anticipated” carcinogen in the 12th Report on Carcinogens (RoC) released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in mid-June of 2011, the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has been working hard on Capitol Hill to advance what it views as a common sense...
Jack Wallace started working in the wind energy market in 1985. In 1998, he came up with the idea to build variable link blades for wind turbines but he didn’t know how to manufacture the fiberglass components. He taught himself how to make a wind blade and attended the COMPOSITES 2006 in Saint Louis...
Dave Giovannini is the general manager of MFG South Dakota, a 32,500 square foot composite manufacturing facility with over 400 employees in Aberdeen. MFG South Dakota produces wind blades for large companies like General Electric (GE) Wind. Giovannini has a long career working with rotating equipment, including compressors and turbines. Over a year ago,...
ACMA is the voice of the composite industry and I am always reminded of that when I attend ACMA’s annual COMPOSITES trade show. For those of you who were able to attend COMPOSITES 2012, I hope you had a successful and gratifying show! For me, attending COMPOSITES has always been the best opportunity to...
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Composites professionals representing the industry’s full range of market segments came to Las Vegas with specific goals and challenges in mind. In doing so, they faced the industry’s backdrop — economic challenges and regulatory hardship — with energy and a sense of camaraderie.
For all the merits of online research, email introductions and video conferencing, nothing replaces a look in the eye, a firm handshake and a raised glass. Much of the value of COMPOSITES 2012 happens away from the show floor and education rooms — in hallways, elevators and restaurants where attendees come together for meaningful...
First-time attendee Kelly Patterson stepped onto the COMPOSITES 2012 show floor with enthusiasm. “I’m looking forward to learning and seeing as much as possible today,” he said. “I’m impressed with the show, and have spent time this week learning about all the opportunities composites can create.”
