WESTEC - Redefined

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WESTEC, the premiere manufacturing biennial event for the Western United States, returns to Los Angeles on March 27-29 with a new look, new content and a renewed commitment to area industry.

The event is a think tank for leaders from diverse industries where they can share new ideas, technologies, products and processes that will impact manufacturing now and in the future. With more than 45 years of bringing the latest technology to the manufacturing community, WESTEC 2012 is evolving to include many new ways to learn and discover solutions, be inspired and to forge new alliances that will drive West Coast manufacturing.

WESTEC will premiere several new features in 2012, including a New Product Presentation Center and Learning Lounges where experts from specialized industries can provide education and insight in small group settings. The show will also host unique networking events for attendees to connect with industry leaders and thinkers.  

In addition, there will be expert-led conference sessions; an Emerging Technology Showcase, highlighting applications for micro, nano and additive manufacturing; exclusive plant tours; and a celebration of key technology developments. WESTEC will also give the audience the opportunity to see and experience California Manufactured Innovations throughout the event.

"WESTEC 2012 is going to give industry leaders an opportunity to share ideas about where manufacturing is today and where it is going in the future," said Christine Longroy, WESTEC event manager. "Working with our advisory committee and manufacturing leaders, we've developed a truly comprehensive conference program that will provide deep-dive knowledge and significant opportunities to attendees."

WESTEC, produced by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, is focused on addressing the evolving manufacturing industry, helping attendees network, build partnerships, highlight new products and processes, and put new solutions front-and-center. Some of the most impactful and growing industries – including aircraft/aerospace, automotive motorsports and medical/surgical – will be featured at the event.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Los Angeles County remains the leading U.S. manufacturing center, employing more than 380,000 people. The United States also remains the world's largest manufacturing economy, producing more than 20 percent of global manufactured products and generating $1.6 trillion worth of output, which represented 11 percent of total U.S. GDP, in 2009.

A recent study by Deloitte Development LLC and The Manufacturing Institute shows that 86 percent of those surveyed felt that manufacturing is very important to our economic prosperity and 85 percent believe it is important to our standard of living. In addition, 83 percent feel that the U.S. needs a more strategic approach to the development of the manufacturing base. The complete survey findings can be read via this link.

"We know that U.S. manufacturing must continue to grow and change if we are going to remain an industry leader," said Longroy. "WESTEC is an important platform where companies and individuals can come together to address where we go in the future and recognize the companies that are leading the evolution."

For more information on WESTEC 2012, visit www.westeconline.com or call 800-733 4763.

About WESTEC

WESTEC, the region's definitive manufacturing event, returns in 2012 to the Los Angeles Convention Center. A true manufacturer's think tank, WESTEC is a platform where creativity, vision and strategy join forces to spotlight the promise of ground-breaking products for vital global markets.

About the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events, magazines, publications and online training division, Tooling U, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technologies and to the most up-to-date manufacturing processes. SME has members around the world and is supported by a network of chapters and technical communities. A 501(c)3 organization, SME is a leader in manufacturing workforce development issues, working with industry, academic and government partners to support the current and future skilled workforce.

Media Contact: Ron Demeter, MWW Group (213 405 3789 / [email protected] )

SOURCE Society of Manufacturing Engineers