A wealth of information

This year's summit showed attendees how to improve and grow globally

By Bob Vavra May 9, 2011

With an emphasis on maintenance, automation, safety, and economic growth, the 2011 Manufacturing/Automation Summit delivered a wealth of information to attendees.

The wide range of topics included:

  • How to turn maintenance from a cost center into a profit center
  • How Ford and GM turned their operations around
  • How automation and maintenance cooperate
  • How to take advantage of the world of manufacturing
  • How to keep your electrical workers safe

The content was so good that we’ve created a synopsis of the two days of sessions. More of that content will be available this month at PlantEngineering.com with a series of session videos that will show the speakers and the presentations. More knowledge can be gained in September at the 2011 Manufacturing/Automation Virtual Summit, a live online event that will bring these presentations to life in a global interactive format.

Jack Smith, a former Plant Engineering managing editor and the president of BIT Writing and Editing Services, sat in on the two days of knowledge and produced the articles that follow. We thank Jack for his persistence and effort in capturing the essence of the Manufacturing/Automation Summit.

We’ve also provided Talking Points for your organization: key takeaways from the sessions designed to get the discussion started in your own organizations.

Perhaps the biggest lesson from the Manufacturing/Automation Summit is that manufacturing is leading the rebound in the U.S. economy. Those manufacturers poised to reduce operational costs, better manage their operations, and look for opportunities in the global market will be the ones best equipped to grow along with the market.

2011 Manufacturing/Automation Summit: Voices of experience

Maintenance as a profit center

Ford, GM work together toward recovery

Integrate maintenance, automation for success

Navigating the global manufacturing landscape

Managing the risk of arc flash


Author Bio: Bob is the Content Manager for Plant Engineering.