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[June 2003]
EPMA Concludes Verona Seminar
EPMA, the European Powder Metallurgy Association (Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England), held its 14th General Assembly and Management Seminar at the Villa Quaranta Park Hotel, Verona, Italy on 15-16 May 2003, when over 50 members from industry and academia met.
EPMA President Dr Cesar Molins said that although industry in Europe had been affected by the difficult economic situation over the past year, he personally believed that the current recession was nearing an end and he looked to the future with optimism. The powder metallurgy industry in particular was in a strong position, he said, as higher performance materials and new processes were evolved to meet customers' requirements. There was no doubt, however, that globalisation was putting pressure on many companies operating in Europe.
EPMA's Executive Director Jonathan Wroe said that the Association had increased its membership during 2002 to over 260, which was a record level and was especially pleasing given the uncertain economic situation. He also outlined the range of activities which had been undertaken during the year, including the successful fourth PM Summer School in Baden, Austria and the PM2002 Conference & Exhibition held in Lausanne, Switzerland.
EPMA's Management Seminar opened with a keynote presentation on the impact of the automotive supply chain on the PM industry by Enrico Morgano of Fiat; a far-reaching overview of the PM industry in Italy by Oreste Morandi, Secretary of Assinter; and an insight into the future from Dr Gian Filippo Bocchini who gave a paper on 'PM - the Way Ahead in Europe'. Members were also able to hear updates on the activities of the various working groups and committees of the association over the past 12 months.
The forthcoming new European EHS legislation 'The New Chemicals Policy' was given a high profile for the second year. The opportunity was taken to review first draft legislation, published in April, and to discuss industry response.
The Management Seminar finished with a tour of the Lamborghini plant in S Agata, Bologna, where delegates were able to see the two models recently launched by the company.
ENDS