In Atlanta for information and forging ties

REGIONAL. From November 7 to 10, 12 companies, including Hydrexcel from Bécancour and Soudure DR Lemire from Saint-Léonard-d’Aston, attended the Fabtech show in Atlanta. This mission initiated by the Créneau d’excellence Design et fabrication de machines, Alliance Métal Québec and the Réseau de la transformationmetallique du Québec (RTMQ) was organized by Carrefour Québec international (CQI).

FABTECH is the largest show in North America dedicated to the metal sector. More than 1,200 exhibitors gathered under the same roof for a period of 3 days. The annual event, held alternately in Chicago, Las Vegas and Atlanta, provides an opportunity to discover the latest industry news and innovations, identify productivity improvement tools and meet world-class suppliers.

“For companies in the metal sector, Fabtech is the ideal show to discover new innovations in the sector, be on the lookout for new technologies and initiate exchanges with potential partners. In addition to stocking up on technological ideas and meeting new suppliers, the participants in the mission especially had the opportunity to network among themselves and create business ties. Labor recruitment, retention issues and automation were at the heart of the discussions,” says Anne-Marie Lamothe, export project manager at CQI and head of mission.

On the sidelines of the visit to the show, participants attended a networking lunch organized by the local Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Quebec delegation in Atlanta. Participants were able to learn more about business opportunities in Georgia (logistics/distribution hub). They also networked with visitors and exhibitors at the show and partners such as the Quebec delegation in Atlanta and members of the Consulate General of Canada. The delegation also visited the advanced manufacturing pilot site at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where they were able to learn more about additive manufacturing, digital, industry 4.0, as well as industrial automation.

“The industry is disrupted by labor shortages and supply issues. It is essential for manufacturers to stay abreast of the latest innovations in order to remain competitive. This mission was a privileged opportunity for companies to meet suppliers and discover equipment aimed at improving their productivity. We are very happy with the mobilization and exchanges created during this technological mission. Collaboration was at the heart of the discussions,” says Nancy Allaire, director of the Créneau d’excellence Machine Design and Manufacturing.