The moldmaking and plastics market is surging at a level that we haven't seen in years. MMT's Christina Fuges and Gardner Intelligence's Steve Kline Jr. break down the numbers that should give plastics professionals a reason to smile heading into Amerimold 2021.

MMT Publisher Ryan Delahanty will lead a conversation with several of the company’s editors representing brands focused on moldmaking, plastics, additive manufacturing, metalworking and automotive, as they share insights on the impact of the coronavirus on mold manufacturing efficiencies and lead times, workforce development, supply chain management, industry 4.0, the automotive landscape and 3D printing industrial applications.

The presentation will cover the current state of U.S. manufacturing, how manufacturers have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how changes to the supply chain might affect U.S. moldmakers.

Each year, the moldmaking industry recognizes outstanding performance and innovation with MoldMaking Technology’s Leadtime Leader Award (LLA). This Award is the culmination of the entire mold manufacturing process. A quality mold delivered on-time is the result of a team of professionals working together from sales, design and manufacturing to validation, delivery and support. It’s not just about being the shop with the shortest delivery times. It’s about what shops are doing with what they have in customer satisfaction, workforce development, industry involvement, continual improvement, business growth, and technology deployment. With that in mind, MoldMaking Technology will moderate this special panel session that delivers 30 great tips and ideas from five Leadtime Leader Award winners on ways to improve efficiencies with regards to technology, workforce development and business management, in a fast-paced 30-minute presentation.

The U.S. plastics industry outlook for 2020 has changed significantly due to ongoing market disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic. Against the backdrop of weak economic conditions Perc Pineda, PLASTICS' Chief Economist, will share his insights on the plastics marketplace and the supply chain affecting mold makers as the plastics industry navigates the current and post-COVID-19 business environment.

Each year, the moldmaking industry recognizes excellence in mold manufacturing with MoldMaking Technology's, Leadtime Leader Award.It's not just about being the shop with the shortest delivery times. It's about what you do with what you have.

Leaders in the mold manufacturing industry continue to face new challenges in today’s business climate, related both directly to the COVID-19 pandemic and to the arduous endeavor of starting businesses up again as states begin to "re-open." Fashioned after AMBA’s popular roundtable exchanges, panelists in this session will share how their organizations have navigated the tumultuous waters of today’s business conditions over the past few months, including best practices, lessons learned and areas of opportunity.

Whether you are an advanced manufacturer, job shop owner, or OEM, you are in the midst of your own supply chain challenges, uncertainties, and questions. In an extraordinary effort to support you, AMT and IMTS are dedicating significant staff and financial resources to help you rethink, reengage, and reestablish supply chains. AMT Vice President & CXO, Peter Eelman, will give you an overview of the new Supply Chain program that AMT & IMTS have introduced to the community. Mr. Eelman will also give you an update on IMTS 2020.