MEDC’s Automotive Industry Office is the latest organization to support the premier event focusing on the future of manufacturing.

Dearborn, Mich. (February 5, 2014) — The ability to engage manufacturing stakeholders at all levels is why the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is partnering with THE BIG M Event.

This partnership strengthens THE BIG M Event and, with MEDC's support, will provide the opportunity for attendees to experience the future of manufacturing, including Additive Manufacturing, Sustainability, 3D technology and Cybersecurity.   

THE BIG M is the premier event devoted to answering the industry's biggest questions about the future of manufacturing. It is also focused on the entire manufacturing process — from design and production to quality and sustainability. THE BIG M Event is about helping find solutions to the problems that face manufacturers.  SME is hosting THE BIG M Event, June 9-12, at Cobo Center in Detroit.

As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years.

“With the MEDC’s Automotive Industry Office partnership, THE BIG M Event is set to explore and share the ongoing and long-term success of Michigan’s automotive industry,” said Debbie Holton, director of events and industry strategy for SME. “Manufacturing has long looked to the automotive industry for leadership in advancing technology, quality and process improvement, and production efficiency. “

“Wherever you travel in the automotive world today, you will find people from Michigan proudly working hard to deliver best-in-class products into the industry,” said Nigel Francis, senior vice president of MEDC’s Automotive Industry Office. “THE BIG M offers an opportunity for us all to come together and focus our thoughts and attention on the manufacturing profession that is the physical realization of the automotive product of today and into the future.”

Both MEDC and SME view the long-term success of Michigan’s automotive industry as critical to the state and national economy. 

"Our legacy and leadership in the auto industry is built on the foundation of Michigan being best in the world in manufacturing and logistics," noted Francis.

At THE BIG M Event, representatives of virtually every industry will gather to discuss innovation, technology and the expansion of manufacturing in the State of Michigan. The MEDC recognizes the importance of THE BIG M, which is why it has joined in its efforts to help industry growth in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

Today, Michigan is a world-class leader in the many complex aspects of manufacturing. In its efforts to attain that position, the state has devoted time and resources into education and training in manufacturing technologies, research and development and infrastructure. This partnership expands on that effort to expand on education and training.

“Manufacturing cannot be replaced — it will always need to exist, as it is the way to craft and create physical products from the conceptual thought and virtual design process,” said Francis. "More than ever, technology is the driving force in all areas of manufacturing."

As the manufacturing industry eyes its future, THE BIG M Event is an opportunity to identify how Michigan and the Great Lakes Region will remain the global center of automotive design, engineering and manufacturing. Specifically, leaders will discuss investments related to developing technology and the people necessary to achieve this goal.

“MEDC is very pleased to be able to support and assist SME in the development of THE BIG M as an important focal point for our manufacturing stakeholders to gather and proudly show their incredible know-how and products,” said Francis. “We also look forward to having members of the international community gather alongside our hometown teams and, through this convening, find new and better ways to work together to continue creating world-class products.”
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. At SME, we are making the future. together.

About THE BIG M
THE BIG M is an opportunity to learn about the latest technology and innovations in today's manufacturing world and will take networking and converging to a new level. Event highlights include: Innovation Factories featuring live presentations of the latest technologies; exhibit floor “tech talks;” and Q & As with industry experts in the M|Exchange to provide the knowledge manufacturers need most. THE BIG M Event will showcase smart manufacturing, modeling and simulation, digital manufacturing, advanced materials, cybersecurity and more. THE BIG M is co-located with the RAPID Conference & Exposition, the International Manufacturing Research Conference, the ISA Cybersecurity Conference and the MMTC Proud to Manufacture in Michigan Conference.

About MEDC
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, talent and jobs, tourism, film, and digital media incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. The MEDC offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement, and urban and community development.



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