WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA - New data released by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) suggests that manufacturers are returning to EASTEC with one thing on their minds: new products. An SME survey of pre-registrants indicated that the majority of 12,000 expected attendees were coming to the May 25-27 event to see new product applications. The survey also found that manufacturers have started to shake off the recession cobwebs with close to half indicating that their manufacturing equipment budgets are higher than they were in 2009.

Exhibitors, like Jeff Boulden, marketing manager for the Robert E. Morris Company in Windsor, CT, are focused on satiating the appetite for new products. His company, which has exhibited at EASTEC for more than 20 years, will be showcasing new machines from Hardinge, Tsugami and Okuma. “We find EASTEC to be a very important part of our marketing strategy. It allows us to connect with people who we don’t normally see and really talk to the whole market,” explains Boulden.

Other exhibitors are taking a similar track, with over 190 new products to be featured at EASTEC 2010. Some will be highlighted at the new Innovations Theater, a venue for manufacturers to present new products and services rolled out since last year’s event. Citizen Machinery of America, another 20-year EASTEC exhibitor, expects to introduce four new machine tools at the event.

“EASTEC 2010 is not just about the latest manufacturing technology,” suggests Kimberly Farrugia, EASTEC 2010 show manager. “We provide the experts and the forum for manufacturers to really rethink their business. This year, we will feature daily keynote presentations on innovation, opportunities for growth, strategic positioning and new collaborations.” One keynote, “Prospects for Advanced Manufacturing in New England,” by Mike Reopel, principal at Deloitte Consulting, will take place on Thursday, May 27.

EASTEC 2010, the largest annual precision manufacturing event on the East Coast, will also offer 27 Lean and Green Resource Center presentations to attendees where they can learn about new ideas and processes to grow their business and gain a competitive advantage. Experts from the Willington Companies will make two presentations at the event - “Cleaning Up Our Act! Reducing Toxic Waste” and “Standard Work Is as Easy as PB&J” – both based on successful Kaizen events at the company.

Sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, EASTEC will be held at the Eastern States Exposition and is centered on five exhibit categories: Design, Engineering, and Rapid Technologies; Tooling, Workholding, and Machining Accessories; Automation and Process Improvement; Plant, Energy, and Environmental Efficiency; and Precision Manufacturing Equipment and Systems.