The 13th Annual ASSEMBLY Show wrapped up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The winners of the New Products Award were announced. The program featured 20 new products selected by the editors of ASSEMBLY Magazine. Attendees voted during the event and during the Morning Mingle Breakfast on the show floor, and the following companies were announced as the winners in each of five categories.

•    Assembly Machines & Systems: Edgewater Automation designed and built a fully automated, multi-robot assembly system for a manufacturer of industrial valves. 

•    Adhesives, Dispensing and Curing: Panacol-USA Inc.'s Cyanolit 290 WR, a moisture- and water-resistant cyanoacrylate adhesive. 

•    Fastening Tools: Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. MTC tool controller provides process control and data collection for the company’s full line of FreeSet cordless tools, including the RK-777C for blind rivets, RK-787C for rivet-nuts, and RK-797C for lock bolts.  

•    Robotics: Epson America GX-C Series SCARA robots are designed for the most demanding assembly applications. The robots are available in multiple arm configurations for increased productivity and worker protection while minimizing footprint. 

•    Manufacturing Software: Arda launched a free online tool for creating kanban cards. Originating from the Toyota Production System, kanban is a visual method for managing manufacturing workflows.  

Prior to the announcement of the new product award winners, John Sprovieri welcomed Katherine Koyak from Susan G. Komen to be recognized. Over the last three years, the ASSEMBLY Show has donated over $11,000 to Susan G. Komen during “Pink Out Day” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

During the three-day event, thousands of manufacturing professionals had access to over 250 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies in an expansive exhibit hall featuring both The ASSEMBLY Show and SMTA International. Leading companies in robotics, automation, adhesives, and other assembly-related technologies displayed the latest tools and services designed to streamline production processes and improve efficiency. The trade show featured Gold Sponsor PROMESS; Silver Sponsors Intellect and UJIGAMI; and Bronze Sponsors TorqTec, IPS, and WEISS.

Joanna Cooper, General Manager, Daimler Truck North America, delivered the keynote address to a packed audience. Cooper shared firsthand insights into cultivating a sustainable and agile culture of innovation. Drawing from real-world experience, she unpacked the challenges faced and lessons learned while leading transformation into a complex, technology driven manufacturing environment.

Prior to the keynote, the editors of ASSEMBLY Magazine presented the Plant of the Year Award to John Deere Davenport Works Assembly Plant for leading the charge with productivity-enhancing tools such as 5G Connectivity, artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital twins. Shown here is the team from Deere's Davenport Works.

Over 600 attendees from The ASSEMBLY Show and SMTA International enjoyed tasty snacks, seasonal brews, and plenty of conversation during the Oktoberfest Networking Reception, sponsored by intellect. It was the perfect way to celebrate a great day and continue building new industry connections. 

Upcoming events in 2026 include: 

•    The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) – March 25-26, 2026, with pre-conference sessions on March 24 at Music City Center, Nashville, TN. MAX merges the strengths of five manufacturing brands – ASSEMBLY, Quality Magazine, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, ISHN, and Packaging Strategies 

•    The ASSEMBLY Show – October 27-29, 2026, The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Co-located with SMTA International 

For more information, visit www.assemblymag.com or www.bnpmedia.com.