SME to Launch Groundbreaking Conference Where Manufacturers Deconstruct Fuel Cells and Advanced Energy Systems

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 30, 2004 -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announces the launching of a new event titled, "Alternative & Advanced Energy Technologies: Manufacturing Challenges & Opportunities." This exciting event, taking place October 12-13, 2004, at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn in Dearborn, Mich., will be like no other conference to date. This unique conference will demystify fuel cell technologies by featuring interactive displays and exhibits of automotive, portable, and stationary fuel cells. Researchers and developers of these technologies will deconstruct a fuel cell and show manufacturers how these devices work and how they are assembled. Manufacturers will, in turn, learn how they can position themselves to become a supplier to the industry in an effort to produce these parts more cost effectively.

Participants will hear about the challenges of manufacturing cells both cost effectively and in low volumes while developing a supply network capable of producing the components and advanced materials that make up a fuel cell. In addition to discussing supply-chain opportunities, conference participants will learn how they can reduce their energy costs by implementing lean energy management practices within their operations. For example, advanced energy systems used in plants and "green" buildings today can recover waste heat and recycle it into processes that reduce a company's total energy costs. Speakers will highlight the cross-industry applications of advanced energy systems and fuel cell technologies and their potential for transcending into other industries and markets. Presenters will also focus on the development of an infrastructure capable of safely delivering and storing hydrogen.

The event will also provide a forum for peer networking, information sharing, and technology exchange while offering participants a glimpse at the enabling technologies and manufacturing processes necessary to develop fuel cells. Researchers, developers and designers of advanced and alternative energy technology systems from around the world will have an opportunity to learn from each other and from other industries. Attendees will hear about the latest developments that are occurring in advanced energy technologies at universities, national labs, and private R&D facilities. Attention will be given to industry applications in the military, portable, stationary and transportation sectors that will power the hydrogen economy of the future.

Speakers will include energy experts from Argonne National Laboratory, The Boeing Co., Center for Automotive Research (CAR), DTE Energy, ExxonMobil, General Motors, Motorola Inc., NASA, Toshiba Corporation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Corporation, U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Conference participants will include senior executives representing a cross section of industries including automotive, aerospace/ defense, electronics, energy, and other industries involved in developing fuel cells for wide scale use.

About SME

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide. Visit us at www.sme.org .

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers' background information, press registration forms and news releases can be accessed from the SME Home Page at www.sme.org/pressroom .