More good news from the machine tool industry continues to translate into good news for quality, as was evidenced last month in Detroit, where quality professionals had a chance to see the latest in new quality-related equipment, software and services.

Did you make it to Quality Expo Detroit? If not, then you missed the chance to see that quality continues to enjoy an energetic role in today's manufacturing environment. At the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI, more than 200 suppliers spent two days showcasing their latest technologies. The response from attendees exceeded exhibitors' expectations. Every attendee was interested in quality and had real problems to be solved.

And, as author Mark Twain once remarked how the reports of his death were greatly exaggerated, so too were the reports that the automotive industry would be dormant in its interest. Badges were seen from such companies as DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., TRW Automotive, Federal-Mogul, Toyota, Lear Corp. and others. New products also were unveiled at the show, from a number of suppliers. Quality Magazine editors had a hands-on look at many of them, and they will be detailed in upcoming issues.

There were opportunities to learn, as well. From conference sessions sponsored by NIST, AIAG and ASQ, to Quality Magazine's keynote speakers from Kenworth Truck Co. and Accurate Gauge & Manufacturing, the 2006 Quality Plant of the Year winners, who shared how they have integrated quality practices in daily activity at their plants, to 2006 Quality Professional of the Year winner Dr. Roderick Munro, who mixed humor in with his talk on how to make quality work.

But Quality Expo Detroit is not the end of your opportunities to discover importance of quality in manufacturing. During July, Quality Magazine continues to bring readers worldwide the latest in quality technological and product breakthroughs. Building on the successful debut of its Aerospace Special Section three years ago, this year's iteration will deliver must-read articles on how companies such as Eurocopter and Sikorsky Aircraft develop and implement their measurement, test and inspection methods. We will get this sought-after special section in your hands using print, at Quality Online (www.qualitymag.com), via our Quality Update

e-newsletter and in our new Quality Magazine digital magazine format.

In a first for Quality Magazine, July will see the debut of a Quality Magazine China edition. Printed and distributed exclusively in China, this special edition is proof that quality is a worldwide concern, helping those who manufacture in China establish practical guidelines for quality practices.

Less than four years ago, I was told, and you were led to believe, that there was nothing new in quality. Naysayers had us believe that the mere concept of "quality" was outdated and that its days were numbered. July 2006, like so many months before it, proves the pessimists wrong and gives those involved with quality reasons to remain enthusiastic about the role of quality in the manufacturing environment.