2018: A Big Year

Happy New Year!  Gardner Business Intelligence reports growth opportunities for mold builders this year and beyond, and even notes specific future spending plans on technology and equipment by the industry (see related article).  This positive projection in growth and spending is coincidentally timed with what I’ll call the trifecta of trade shows: NPE, Amerimold and IMTS.

These three upcoming industry events will help make 2018 a big year for moldmaking. By that I mean, big opportunities to learn and grow. With NPE taking over Orlando in May, Amerimold moving into Detroit in June and IMTS occupying Chicago in September, both the metalworking and plastics side of mold building will be given the spotlight. What a perfect and powerful opportunity for moldmakers to research the technologies, processes and strategies in which to invest, and to learn about new business opportunities to help them grow. And, MMT will be right there with and for you, as we cover each event in print, online and live, including product reviews, exhibitor profiles, blogs, Show Daily features and videos—all housed in their online zone areas.

On top of this, and of special personal importance to me, is MMT celebrating its 20^th anniversary! Today, MMT remains committed to everything moldmaking from design to first shot.  It was exciting when we launched the magazine 20 years ago and remains an exciting time for this industry. We are honored to celebrate this milestone with you and look forward to many more years.  Thank you for your continued support.

Back in 1997 I recall sitting at a table with founder Joe Prischak and then partner Gary Orfe, planning out the mission and focus of a magazine dedicated to the unique challenges and complexities of mold manufacturing. This industry, which is utterly dependent on accurate, repeatable and efficient technologies throughout the design and build stages, was so worthy of a publication of its own. So after much research, the premier issue hit the streets in April 1998, and in this year’s April issue we are excited to revisit the people, companies and topics that filled the pages of MMT’s first six issues. However, you don’t have to wait until April to see some anniversary coverage. Beginning this month, take note of our 20^th anniversary emblem throughout the issue, identifying original MMT supporters.

Last, but certainly not least, 2018 also marks the 15^th anniversary of our annual Leadtime Leader Awards competition. This Award continues to grow in industry importance and prominence as our running list of winning shops stands by the value of this honor to their businesses and employees.  During Amerimold this year, we will feature a panel of past winners sharing their best practices for continually raising the bar in mold manufacturing. Mark your calendars for June 13-14 today!

We hope you will join us in all of this good news and celebration by not only continuing to read MMT and attending Amerimold, but also sharing your ideas and feedback throughout this special year. Feel free to drop me an email.