Woods named new AMT president

Former association chairman takes reigns of organization

By Bob Vavra May 4, 2009

The Association For Manufacturing Technology’s Board of Directors has announced that it has elected Douglas K. Woods as AMT President.
Woods comes to AMT from Parlec, Inc., a company that specializes in tooling, workholding and presetting solutions, where he was president. Prior to that post, he was president of Parlec International. Woods was a member of AMT’s Board of Directors from 2000-08 and was its chairman in 2005-06. He was also chairman of the committee for AMT’s Custom Automated Systems Group.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work at an association that promotes an industry I grew up in," Woods said. "I have a great deal of respect for the staff at AMT and look forward to working with the members."
Woods brings a wealth of manufacturing experience to AMT, having worked at everything from small tool and die shops up to multibillion-dollar machine tool corporations. His international experience and connection to a broad manufacturing base allows him a unique perspective on member needs.
"We are very pleased that Doug has agreed to take on this challenge," said Ron Schildge, chairman of the AMT Board of Directors. "His experience and commitment to this industry will serve AMT and its members well in these challenging times."
Woods also was president at Liberty Precision Industries, a company he joined in 1990. He held executive posts with the Automation Systems Divisions of Cross & Trecker and Gleason. He began his career at Alliance Automation Systems, where he served his apprenticeship and went on to hold several management positions.
Woods has been involved with other associations that represent manufacturing, including the National Tooling & Machining Association and the Rochester (N.Y.) Tooling & Machining Association, where he was past president.
AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology (founded in 1902 as the National Machine Tool Builders’ Association) supports and promotes the U.S. machine tool industry.


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