The BWA 14th quarterly networking September 18, 2014 provides value to members with details of BWA activities and the RED project, trends from IWF show in Atlanta and a hardware forum addressing ergonomics in latest hardware technologies!
September 18, 2014 marked the 14th BWA quarterly networking event. BWA Manufacturing members and supplier members gather to get up to speed on BWA activities, network and share knowledge and expertise, as well as solidify new and ongoing relationships.
One significant BWA project right now is the Rural Economic Development (RED) project in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The BWA secured funding to support members with a portion of their productivity improvement projects for the next two years. This current year, twenty five BWA manufacturers are collectively completing a total of 1.1 million dollars in combined project expenditures for which as a group total will be receiving $250,000 to assist with the costs. This tip of activity extremely helpful to our regional industry, and we would like to thank OMAFRA for their ongoing support. The BWA will be providing close to the same amount to current members next year.
Sepp Gmeiner, of Lignam Consulting, attended the IWF show in Atlanta last month, and provided a detailed report on significant trends in innovation at the show. This was supported by several of the associate members in the room who were able to add more information and answer questions members have on their latest technologies. The slide show will be posted so members can access the summary, and pursue more information on trends that interest them. You can also contact Sepp directly at: s.gmeiner@lignum-consulting.com
Ergonomic trends for an aging population, in the development of hardware for cabinetry and hardware, were addressed by BWA associate members Blum, Hettich, and Richeleau. Each provided a detailed and informative presentation on their expertise. Members were able to ask questions and see product samples and demonstrations. A highlight was the “motion suit” provided by Blum, and worn proudly by Bob Law of CNC Automation (thanks for being a sport Bob!). This suit purposely restricts one’s movement to mimic the motion restrictions of the elderly. Manufacturing members were able to gain insights into the science behind hardware construction, their functionality, and how they fit with their current product and customer needs. A big thank-you to these three companies for sharing their expertise!
Please mark your calendar for the next BWA quarterly networking event scheduled for November 20, 2014! If you are not a member and would like more information about the BWA, please contact BWA manager Mike Baker: manager@bluewaterwoodalliance.com
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