Come Grow With Us

Our November/December issue completes 4 years of publishing Production Machining (PM) magazine. Starting in January 2005 we will increase its frequency from six times a year to ten. Those of us involved with PM from the beginning knew this day would come, and we are excited that it is finally here.

We were sure 4 years ago that the precision machined parts industry was ready for a “forward-looking” magazine that could present new technologies and their applications in a practical and usable form. This belief has been confirmed by the consistent support from you, our readers.

Our circulation manager tells me that PM consistently has the highest renewal rate subscription of any of the five trade magazines that our company publishes. I see that as significant because the company has been publishing for more than 75 years. And, it tells me you read PM magazine and want to continue reading it. If more is better, then you’re going to like 2005.

We’ve also had solid positive feedback from our advertisers. Their support has also been consistent because they realize the circulation list of qualified subscribers we have assembled is interested in learning about their products, processes and services. Advertiser support is the lifeblood of a controlled circulation trade magazine, but no company is going to support any magazine that can’t deliver a qualified, on-target audience.

Our relationship with the PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association) continues to be strong. Their involvement and contribution to PM helps make the magazine unique. The association supports the change and will contribute material to all ten issues. Many of its members look to PM as a source of “how it’s done” as this industry continues to evolve. Ours is a global and increasingly interconnected industry. PM is able to bring local, national and global perspective to precision parts making because we go where the action is—personally observing technology and application in situ—and then reporting back to our 20,000 readers.

Our publisher, Travis Egan, has relocated to our headquarters here in Cincinnati from Chicago. Fresh from the field, he brings energy and deep marketing knowledge to the business side of the magazine.

Moreover, the more than 50 years of metalworking experience that senior editor Leo Rakowski and I bring to the party allows us to tailor a presentation that is relevant to your needs. Lori Bok (soon to be Lori Beckman), our production manager, represents continuity for the future. She’s interested in this industry and is a quick study. We look forward to her expanding role with the magazine as she soaks up the details of the industry.

The staff of PM is excited about the coming year and is anxious to bring you a continuously improved and useful publication. I am very proud of the magazine’s success and very grateful for the support we have received from readers, advertisers and the PMPA. But we can’t rest.

The feedback from our circulation renewal request data, field reports from our sales force and the recognition of PM within the industry (in both domestic and foreign markets) tells me the time is right to move the magazine forward.

It sounds like 2005 is going to be a better year for precision parts manufacturing. We’ve hung together through the lean times. At long last the economic indicators are pointing in a direction we haven’t seen for a long time. Now, when you need and want more information to make critical technological decisions for your business, you’re going to have it in Production Machining magazine.

I’d like to hear your opinion on PM and what you’d like to see in the future. You’ll note my e-mail address link at the top of this column. Drop me a line. I want to hear from you.