TMA Hosts 24th Annual Precisioning Machining Competition

TMA Hosts 24th Annual Precision Machining Competition

(Park Ridge, IL)- On May 8th, the Technology & Manufacturing Association of Illinois (TMA) hosted the 2014 Precision Machining Competition at their headquarters in Park Ridge, IL. Now it in its 24th year, this event honors excellence in precision machining skills among Illinois high school students. 125 projects were submitted by 101 students from the following High Schools: Austin Polytechnical Academy-Chicago, East Leyden High-Franklin Park, Glenbard East High-Lombard, Jefferson High-Rockford, McHenry East High-McHenry, Murphysboro High-Murphysboro, Prosser Career Academy-Chicago,

South Elgin High-South Elgin, Streamwood High-Streamwood, Wheeling High-Wheeling,

and Woodstock-Woodstock.

TMA Vice-Chairman Fernando Ortiz welcomed the students and their families along with their instructors. “I appreciate all the students participating in the competition today. You are taking the first step towards a potential career in manufacturing. I started on the shop floor 22 years ago and now I am a vice-president at Roberts Swiss and vice chairman of TMA. And, let me tell you, manufacturing is a lot different today. It is high-tech and offers a great career if you work hard and learn the skills.”

“Participation in the TMA Precision Machining Competition is one of the main reasons students are so engaged and excited about manufacturing,” stated Streamwood High School Manufacturing Technology Instructor Matt Erbach. “Shops affiliated with the TMA have also been a great resource in terms of donating old material and tooling, helping with advice on challenging parts, providing internship opportunities and serving as the employers of many of our graduates,” he added.

About TMA: 8 small manufacturing companies who thought they could better themselves by associating with one another founded TMA in 1925. Through the years, members established programs and services that would help their businesses grow and prosper, train their employees, and provide medical and retirement benefits. As a result of these efforts, TMA has grown into an almost 1,000 member not-for-profit organization representing more than 30,000 employees of precision manufacturing and supplier companies throughout Illinois.

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TMA Contact: Kristi McCotter (847-825-1120 or kmccotter@tmaillinois.com)