Focus on Veterans at Fabtech 2014

Fabtech 2014, held November 11-13 in Atlanta, Georgia, placed a special emphasis on military veterans during events held on Veterans Day (the show’s opening day). A briefing was held with five leaders of organizations dedicated to helping close the manufacturing skills gap by connecting veterans and National Guard members with manufacturers. One of the panelists, Steve Nowlan, president of the Atlanta-based Center for America and campaign director for American Jobs for American Heroes, published an op-ed titled “Employ our Veterans” during the show.

Attendees and exhibitors also raised money through the Fabtech Expo Cares program to benefit Workshops for Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training, certifying and placing veterans in manufacturing careers. More than $10,000 has been donated, and contributions are still being accepted at fabtechexpo.com/fabtechexpocares.

Fabtech 2014 also set records for numbers of attendees, exhibitors and floor space. More than 30,250 attendees from more than 70 countries attended the three-day expo, which included 1,477 exhibitors across 550,000 square feet. Organizers say the crowded show floor and brisk sales during the event point to the continued resurgence of manufacturing.

Fabtech, visit fabtechexpo.com.