Haas Scores Big at IMTS 2014
IMTS is the largest and longest-running machine tool show in the United States, and this year’s show was a huge success. The 6-day event at Chicago’s McCormick Place drew 114,147 attendees from 112 countries to see the latest manufacturing technology – an increase of 14% over IMTS 2012. According to AMT (The Association For Manufacturing Technology), which owns and manages the show, it was “the fourth largest IMTS in history, and the largest 6-day show ever.”
“There was a universal vibe during the show among exhibitors, visitors, and even students, that manufacturing is now THE place to be,” said Peter Eelman, AMT Vice President – Exhibitions and Communications. “Even more exciting to exhibitors was the fact that customers came with buying intentions, and a confidence that has not been seen in the manufacturing industry in many years.”
The excitement was clearly evident in the Haas Automation booth, which had 18 machines on display in 10,000-square-feet of space, including the UMC-750SS high-speed universal machining center, the ST-55 large-through-bore lathe, and the DM-1 Drill/Mill Center.
“Booth activity was very strong throughout the six show days,” said Trade Show Manager Joel Weiss, “and IMTS 2014 had the strongest lead count ever for a Haas booth. Haas staff and HFO personnel logged 4110 sales leads during the show – a 34% increase over IMTS 2012.” Among those leads were visitors from all 50 states, and more than 40 countries, including Canada, Mexico, China, India, Russia, Germany, and nearly every Latin American country.
And visitors to the Haas booth were doing more than just looking. “We took orders for more than 100 machines,” said Scott Gasich, Haas Sales Manager. “Sales continue to roll in after the show, and many more are expected over the next few months.
“IMTS was a great success for us,” Gasich added. “We had the most leads ever for this show, and customers were indicating strong activity for the remainder of 2014. Our new products were very well received, especially the DM-1 and TRT100. We are thrilled to continue supplying innovative, high-value machines that meet the needs of our customers.”
Also successful at the show was the Smartforce Student Summit, which drew 17,767 elementary, middle school, and high school students this year – nearly double the number of students at IMTS 2012. “A major concern among manufacturers,” said AMT’s Eelman, “is building a community of workers to fill their needs now and in the future. At IMTS, this was addressed beyond all expectations by the Smartforce Student Summit, which captured the imagination of young people with the truly innovative technologies on display.”
Both the Haas Technical Education Center Network and Gene Haas Foundation were actively involved in the Student Summit, with displays and information designed to entice students to pursue careers in manufacturing.
In addition, during a special program for Chicago-area school superintendents, the Gene Haas Foundation announced $50,000 in scholarships to be awarded to high school seniors pursuing a degree in a post-secondary machining, manufacturing technology, or engineering program whose curriculum includes CNC machine technology training. A $1,000 grant per school will be awarded, and seniors graduating from high school this school year are eligible.
Just to make sure everyone at IMTS – attendees and exhibitors alike – knew that Haas was “in the house,” the company inundated the convention center, as well as the adjoining Hyatt hotel, with innovative Haas marketing materials – hotel key cards, show bags, laminated table tops, soda and coffee cups, and napkins – sporting the Haas logo, and emblazoned with the Haas booth number. Nothing like a little guerilla marketing to build brand awareness!
Image and content courtesy: Haas Automation, Inc.
