03/09/2024
Manufacturers and Suppliers to Converge on April 25
for Annual PMA Cleveland District Suppliers Night
More than 100 metalforming industry suppliers will showcase their capabilities and present the latest technologies to manufacturers of metal formed and fabricated parts at the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) annual Cleveland District Suppliers Night. The event will be held on April 25, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m., at The Embassy Suites, 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd. N, Independence, OH. Registration is free for attendees and is open now.
The annual suppliers night has become a must-attend event in the metalforming industry, offering the perfect environment to find local and regional sources and enjoy networking close-to-home, conveniently and affordably. Designed for a range of manufacturing industry personnel including business owners and managers, plant managers, shop foremen, engineers and sales executives, PMA’s Supplier Night attracts manufacturers from northeast Ohio and along the Erie shores, from Toledo to Buffalo.
PMA’s Cleveland District is one of PMA’s first districts, established more than 70 years ago with district member participation spanning several generations. The Cleveland District has worked diligently to develop the next generation of leaders in the area. As a feature of this year’s suppliers night, the district will hold a special ceremony to recognize women in metalforming and their contributions to the district’s success through the years.
“I’ve been exhibiting at suppliers nights since 1982 because it’s a great opportunity to network with existing and potential customers, while featuring our company’s products and answering questions in a casual environment,” said long-time PMA member Michael Cesa, Market Development Manager with A-S Manufacturing and PMA Cleveland District Member-at-Large and Suppliers Night Chairman.
The Cleveland District board has been working to recruit a diversified mix of young and experienced volunteer leaders to offer a variety of perspectives to its members. The board recently re-elected as its Chairman Ryan Scherler, a fourth generation manufacturing leader and Purchasing Manager at Freeway Corporation.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Michael Cesa and other district officers to further strengthen the metalforming community in Cleveland,” said Scherler. “In addition to connecting suppliers and manufacturers at the suppliers night, our district is committed to developing next-generation talent through involvement with local schools, robotics programs and the PMA Educational Foundation scholarship program.”
Scherler continued, “As part of this effort, the PMA Cleveland District was proud to sponsor last month’s LAUNCH Vex Robotics Competition at the Great Lakes Science Center, featuring 78 high school teams from across the United States and Canada. Several were from Northeast Ohio, including teams from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School and Firestone High School, which both qualified for the World Championships this spring in Dallas. Our district also is excited to offer educational scholarships, in partnership with the PMA Educational Foundation, to high school seniors and others seeking careers in the metalforming industry. Those interested in a spring scholarship should apply by the March 25 deadline.”
Scherler and the Cleveland District officers also encourage everyone to attend the April 25 suppliers night, no matter the stage of their career, to connect with the local manufacturing community and learn about the industry’s latest technologies, products and services.
