PMPA Members Approve New Code Of Regulations
Membership requirements are revised to allow greater participation.
The Precision Machined Products Association's (PMPA's) voting members (contract manufacturers) have approved a new set of bylaws by an overwhelming margin. Now referred to as the "Code of Regulations," the new bylaws bring the PMPA into compliance with Ohio law under which the organization is chartered.
What does this mean for the organization and its membership? Beyond various procedural matters, the most significant change is the broadening of PMPA's membership requirements to be more inclusive. Membership will now be open to all companies involved in the manufacture of precision machined products, as well as the supply chain that serves these manufacturers.
"PMPA's greatest asset is our members," says PMPA president Dennis Basler, E.J. Basler Company, Schiller Park, Illinois. "By broadening our membership categories, we hope to attract more companies who want to contribute to the vitality of manufacturing here in North America."
With the adoption of the new code of regulations, the four PMPA membership categories are:
- Active Member— contract manufacturers
- Associate Member— captive machining operations
- Technical Member— providers of goods and services to the precision machining industry
- Affiliate Member— non-profit educational institutions
"PMPA has made it easy for members to access information and get answers to their production and management questions," Mr. Basler says. "For instance, if you're struggling with a machining problem, you can reach the association's other members from the comfort of your desktop PC.
"Just type your inquiry as an e-mail message, and send it to PMPA's Manufacturing & Technical Listserve," he explains. "There are more than 700 member participants and association staff ready to respond. Chances are, another member has run across the same problem. That means a solution is usually just minutes away, rather than hours, weeks or days away."
Companies interested in learning more about PMPA's programs and services are encouraged to call Rob Kiener, director of marketing and membership communications, at (440) 526-0300, ext. 16. They can also visit the PMPA Web site, which contains information on member benefits and an online application form.
PMPA no longer requires sponsors or other additional steps to become a member, so the application process can be completed in a matter of minutes.
