INTERNATIONAL PLASTICS FABRICATORS ASSOCIATION

A new association has been formed to directly address the unique needs of the plastics fabrication industry. The International Plastics Fabricators Association launches April 1, 2000 and is targeted at the growing plastics stock shape industry (rod, sheet, tube, film). Membership is open to a wide range of plastics fabricators and those allied to the field.

The association will work to: promote the industry of plastics fabrication and facilitate connecting members to customers; encourage the development and application of effective management practices, and marketing and planning techniques as they relate to plastics fabrication; enhance the understanding of techniques utilized in the industry, from fixturing and setup to finished product; promote the business expertise of its members through seminars and trade shows; increase vendor access to fabricators who will use their products and services; provide exhibiting opportunities at IPFA seminars and workshops; and improve the ability of fabricators to find vendors through listing on the IPFA On-Line Associate Member Database.

Based on industry research, the association will rely heavily upon electronic communication to provide important forums through which customers can reach plastics fabricators and fabricators can reach manufacturers, suppliers, and other important vendors. The association will also provide educational programming on such issues as bonding and adhesives, fixturing and set-up, and routing.

For more information, contact John E. Kasper, PhD, CAE, Executive Director, IPFA, 130 East Elm Court, Suite 201, Roselle, IL 60172-2000, 630-980-4740, FAX 630-351-8490, E-mail: info@fabricators.org, Web: www.fabricators.org.