Metalforming Matters

We've just released a new membership video!   Check it out on YouTube to learn more about PMA and hear testimonials from current members about our value.

Manufacturers Urge Congress to Pass Important Tax Extenders Legislation R&D Tax Credit, Section 179 Expensing and Bonus Depreciation Keys to Keeping U.S. Manufacturing Strong Washington, DC, December 2, 2014 – The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) today urged Congress to pass a tax extenders bill this month that makes key tax provisions used by U.S. manufacturers permanent, including the R&D Tax Credit, Section 179 Expensing and extending Bonus Depreciation for all of 2014 and 2015.  These tax provisions, which Congress allowed to expire last year, help NTMA and PMA members and thousands of other manufacturers across the country make investments in technology and hire more workers. “It’s time for Congress to end the uncertainty and pass a tax extenders bill that makes permanent tax provisions that are boosting manufacturing and creating jobs,” said NTMA President Dave Tilstone.  “Manufacture...

Last winter’s extremely cold temperatures caused high energy costs for unprepared customers, some of whom are still feeling repercussions today. As the 2014-2015 winter season approaches, customers are asking if energy prices will continue to rise, and how they should prepare and budget. It appears that electricity and natural gas prices reached historic lows in April 2012. Prices are likely to steadily increase through 2017. During the first half of November 2014, a series of winter storms delivered heavy snowfall to the Midwest, New England, and regions as far as West Texas. Accumulation amounts were the highest that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Snow Analysis has archived for the early November timeframe since 2003. Weather forecasters are predicting another cold winter in the U.S. Below-normal temperatures are expected to encompass two-thirds of the U.S., particularly the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Above-average precipitation and heavy snowfal...

Wes Smith on the Hill Last week, PMA member Wes Smith visited Washington, DC and spoke at a Hill staff briefing about several important tax issues for manufacturers including bonus depreciation and investment provisions. Wes said, "Not only do we need to maintain investment tax provisions such as Bonus Depreciation and Section 179 Expensing, manufacturers need some stability. We need to plan ahead." He continued, "Unfortunately, Congress is not helping. Uncertainty from Washington causes employers like us to slow or stop investing. If we can’t make these provision permanent, at the very least, Congress must extend them for all of 2014 and 2015." Wes is president and CEO of E&E Manufacturing based in Plymouth, Michigan. Read Wes's full remarks below:

Last week, PMA was recognized for our work on helping our country's military veterans find employment in the manufacturing sector. We were a recipient of the first annual "Delivering on the Promise Awards" from the non-profit military hiring campaign, American Jobs for America's Heroes. Here are a few pictures of PMA President Bill Gaskin at award reception in Washington, DC. For more on the event, read the press release in the post below this one. PMA President Bill Gaskin and Keith Kelly, Assistant Secretary, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor  Bill speaking at the podium before accepting PMA's award Bill being given the award by Brig General Ivan E Denton, Director of Manpower and Personnel, National Guard Bureau 

Last week, we were honored to be among the recipients of a "Delivering on the Promise Honor Roll" award from American Jobs for America's Heroes, a non-profit military hiring campaign. PMA is an avid supporter of our brave men and women in uniform and works with the campaign to attract returning members of the military to open jobs in the manufacturing sector.  We're grateful to have been recognized.  Here's a press release about the event. One Voice Honored with Award from American Jobs for America’s Heroes First Annual Award Recognizes Manufacturing Associations’ Work to Hire Members of the Military  Washington, DC, October 29, 2014 – The National Tooling and Machining Association and the Precision Metalforming Association were recognized last week as part of the first annual “Delivering on the Promise Honor Roll Awards”.  The awards were given by American Jobs for America’s Heroes (AJAH), a non-profit military hiring campaign coordinated betwe...

In today’s highly competitive, global business environment it is essential for executives to stay exceptionally aware of the latest technology and trends impacting their industry. In order for them to continue to lead and sustain their organization, they must achieve outstanding levels of performance.  Executive development programs provide the resources necessary for leaders to heighten their productivity and better execute key organizational strategies. To support the unique community of leaders in the manufacturing industry, the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) is proud to be hosting the first annual Executive Development Academy (EDA) on January 7 - 9,  2015 in Tampa, FL.  Key EDA topics include: Generational Issues & How to Solve Them - Strategies and tips to help you avoid generational collisions, implementing strategies for recruiting and retaining millennials. Successful Negotiation of Business Contracts (Terms and Conditions ) - Thirty...