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Special Interest and Users' Groups

It's Not About Who You Know, It's About Who Knows You. FMA and TPA bring together all segments of the metal processing, forming and fabricating industry because we know that relevant networking opportunities can be the lifeblood of your business. To encourage peer-to-peer sharing FMA facilitates groups within specific technical areas.

Special Interest Group

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The Outside Processors Group is a network of FMA company members focused on providing educational and networking opportunities to the metal processing community. In addition to outside (or toll) metal processors, members include metal producers, service centers, distribution companies, and original equipment manufacturers.

FMA Advantage-level members with an interest in the metal processing industry can join the group to receive extra benefits at no additional cost.

Events

The group coordinates two educational/networking events each year — one is held in the Detroit area in mid-July; the second is usually held in mid-October at various locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Members are also involved in FMA's annual Toll Processing Conference, held in early spring each year.

Scholarships

The Outside Processors Council has established an endowment fund with Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs®, the Foundation of the FMA, to support annual scholarship awards for the next generation of students preparing for careers in manufacturing, specifically the metals industry.

For more information, visit opcouncil.org or contact Cindy Day at 815-227-8208 to learn how to get involved.

Users' Groups

FMA/TPA users' groups are each comprised of five-six geographically dispersed member companies who gather quarterly to share operational/financial metrics and know-how.

These groups provide Advantage-level members with "real life" opportunities for learning from the experience of peers at face-to-face meetings and facility tours, as well as involvement in FMA's annual Leadership Summit. Members also have access to a private online forum for communication outside of in-person gatherings.

Currently groups are forming focused on the following technologies:

  • Precision Sheet Metal
  • Plate Processing & Fabricating

PSMUG at Atlas 1

Representatives of A & E Custom Manufacturing
Technologies Inc., Atlas Manufacturing, DeWys
Manufacturing Inc., Clark Metal Products Co.,
Metcam Inc., and United Alloy Inc.
at a users' group meeting in Minneapolis.


If you'd like to participate in a users' group within your area of expertise, contact Megan Paja at 815-227-8203 to learn more.