Society of Manufacturing Engineers Partners With UM-Dearborn to Feature F150 Suppliers at Manufacturing Technology Summit

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 6, 2004 -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and the University of Michigan Dearborn, join forces to present SME's first-ever Manufacturing Technology Summit. This exciting two- day event will be held August 10-11, 2004 at the University of Michigan Dearborn Fairlane Center in Dearborn, Mich. and is open to professionals from all manufacturing industries who want to see the full breadth of advanced technologies and innovative manufacturing processes. Suppliers to the F150 will showcase how these technologies were applied throughout an effective supply chain to achieve the tough quality and cost goals associated with this world-class F150 truck.

The 2004 SME Manufacturing Technology Summit is being developed by SME's Technical Community Network and will emphasize the latest advances in manufacturing, processes and applications. For those faced with the need to learn other areas of the manufacturing enterprise or to broaden their current manufacturing skill-set, this is truly a valuable event. This exciting one- of-a kind conference will address emerging technologies in these key areas:

  *  Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing
  *  Product & Process Design & Management
  *  Engineering Materials & Application
  *  Machining & Material Removal
  *  Forming & Fabricating
  *  Automated Manufacturing & Assembly

A keynote address and networking reception will take place during the Summit. Conference attendees can also participate in a customized Ford Rouge factory tour that will showcase the production of the F-150 Truck and the application of the technologies and processes highlighted in the conference sessions.

For information on the 2004 Manufacturing Technology Summit or to find out about participating and sponsoring opportunities at this cross-manufacturing event, visit www.sme.org/techsummit or call the SME Resource Center at (800) 733-4763. Speaking opportunities are still available. If you are interested, please contact Jane Wellington at (800) 733-4763, x 3228 or via e-mail at techcommunities@sme.org

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. www.sme.org