Page 8 - Automated issue 14 - Maintenance matters

ISSUE 14
Share,
learn
and grow
Changes and improvements in the maintenance industry.
In an exclusive interview for AUTOMATED, Jonathan Wilkins talks to Greg Bruns, director at large on the national board of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). The
association of volunteers helps manufacturers across North America improve manufacturing and maintenance processes.
AUTOMATED: Can you give me some background on AME and its aims?
Bruns: AME is a not-for-profit, volunteer supported organisation for manufacturing companies across North America. The association started in 1985, when a small group of manufacturers saw a clear opportunity to improve manufacturing processes and equipment by learning from one another.
Now, the association has over 4,000 members, ranging from executives, to managers and hands-on practitioners. The AME’s main aim is to inspire enterprise excellence and help all manufacturers share, learn and grow. We achieve this by following five values; volunteerism, practitioner focus, integrity and trust, an engaging and welcoming atmosphere and a passion for excellence.
AUTOMATED: How do you engage with companies to achieve these aims?
Bruns: We engage with companies in many ways. We hold a yearly international conference that hosts between 1,500 and 2,000 managing directors who share their expertise and discuss the future of manufacturing.
Separate boards and presidents are then responsible for nine AME regions and hold regular tours, events, and meetings for manufacturers in their area. We also have a new consortia programme that connects manufacturers in smaller areas so that they can easily share ideas and support one another.
“Technology is developing at a rapid pace and automated equipment is becoming more effective and more affordable”
As well as events, manufacturers can find content on our website that helps them improve processes. Volunteers host monthly webinars on topics that will help to improve practices and answer queries. We also publish Target, a quarterly magazine full of case studies and how-to guides for manufacturers wanting
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