The Officers of SME Chapter 079 Announce Our May 2008 Chapter Meeting

A Presentation & Plant Tour of Bekum America Corporation,
the world's leader in blow molding technology

Date:
May 15, 2008
Time:
 6:00 PM – Gathering and Networking

6:30 PM – Presentation & Tour

8:30 PM – Adjournment


Bm705D machine, designed for the fully automatic production of plastic containers.
Location:
 1140 W. Grand River, Williamston, MI 48895
Directions:
 From Ann Arbor/Detroit, take I96 West to Exit 117. Go north 1 mile into Williamston, then left (west) on route 43 for 1 1/2 miles.

From Lansing, take I96 East to Exit 110. Go north into Okemos, then take route 43 east  for  approximately 6 miles.


About Bekum: Bekum America Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Bekum Maschinfabriken GmbH, the world’s leader in blow molding technology.  From its Berlin, Germany base, Bekum operates 5 manufacturing facilities in 4 countries on 3 continents.  Bekum enjoys a reputation for quality, dedication, innovation and commitment which is unsurpassed in the North American plastics industry.  Bekum machines produce blow molded articles from the smallest, highly intricate medical parts and containers to large automotive fuel tanks.

Bekum established a significant presence in the U.S. when in 1979 it acquired a 115,000 square foot facility in Williamston, Michigan.  The facility houses a multi-million dollar spare parts inventory, process development laboratory, and training facilities.  From this location, Bekum serves the needs of its extensive customer base in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.  It has shipped blow molding machines of all sizes to Canada, Mexico, Central America, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and even Russia from its Williamston, Michigan plant.

In 1996, Bekum launched its Apprenticeship program based on the world renowned German apprenticeship system to train and develop high school students in the skill of machine building, machining, industrial electricians and welder/fabricators.  The program is approved and registered with the Department of Labor.  Bekum is certified to participate in the states School to Registered Apprenticeship (STRA) Program, a state wide program which supports apprentices in 837 principal occupations.




(Left) H-155 blow molding machine, the “workhorse” of the blow molding industry.





Aerial view of the Williamston facility.


Admission:
No Charge
Recertification: Attendees will earn credits toward renewal of CMfgT, CMfgE, CEM, or CEI certification.

Space for this unique SME event is limited. Make your reservation today!    RSVP to: smechapter79@gmail.com

SME is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities who require them in order to fully participate in SME sponsored events. Please contact Matt Maj at smechapter79@gmail.com if you require such accommodations.