Mould Makers Will Have Pavilion at NPE 2006

Custom moulders, product designers, and OEMs from around the world seeking design and tooling solutions at NPE 2006, the International Plastics Showcase, can expect to see a wide range of alternatives within a single, new multiexhibitor pavilion of US and Canadian mould makers, according to an announcement by The Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. (SPI), sponsor of the triennial NPE show. NPE 2006 will take place June 19–23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The North American Moldmakers Pavilion, an NPE innovation, is jointly sponsored by the SPI Moldmakers Division, American Mold Builders Association, and Canadian Association of Moldmakers.

“The pavilion will expand the range of mould making options available to visitors beyond the already extensive array of tooling-related companies that normally exhibit at NPE,” said Walt Bishop, executive director of the SPI Moldmakers Division. While regular NPE exhibitors in the sector will be participating in the pavilion, it provides an attractive opportunity for newcomers as well, particular smaller companies, added Bishop.

Among the incentives available to prospective pavilion exhibitors are a 25% lower space fee than is normally charged to companies not members of SPI; a high-traffic location in the East Hall; and prominent signs and displays for the pavilion placed in key areas of McCormick Place. A conference on timely business and strategy topics, such as mould market analysis and forecasting, rapid product development, shop management, global issues, and education and training, also will draw interest.

One purpose of the pavilion is to showcase the capabilities of North American mould makers to visitors from overseas. Remarked Cyndi Butcher, president of the Canadian Association of Moldmakers, “A number of our members, particularly the smaller mould shops, do not normally have the opportunity to meet face to face with prospective customers from abroad. The North American Moldmakers Pavilion is a way for these companies to take part in a world-scale trade show.”

NPE 2006 will be the largest international plastics show of the year. At least 2,000 companies are expected to exhibit in more than 93,000 m² of space, one-third of them coming from outside the USA. More than 75,000 industry professionals will attend the exposition.