The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Fabricators Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA) and American Welding Society (AWS) announced plans today to launch the first-ever FABTECH Canada, to be held in 2012 at the Toronto Congress Centre on March 20-22. The event will feature the most comprehensive showcase of the latest technologies, tools and trends – with a special focus on fabricating technology – geared towards the needs of Canada’s estimated 1.5 million manufacturing employees in industries ranging from automotive and energy to transportation and construction.

“FABTECH has an unsurpassed reputation across North America and we’re thrilled to bring a uniquely Canadian version to the marketplace here,” said Janine Saperson, Show Manager with SME, which is hosting the premiere event with FMA and AWS. “FABTECH Canada 2012 will be a one-stop venue for solutions for welding, lasers, fabricating, bending, forming and more, tailored to the unique needs of our country’s growing manufacturing sector, as well as any business that either produces or relies on equipment and machinery in its day-to-day operations,” she said.

Launched in response to growing demand for metal fabrication and to better represent an important industry that many Canadian businesses rely on every day, FABTECH Canada will unveil new products and innovations to the Canadian market through an extensive exhibitor pavilion. It will also provide opportunities for learning and networking with technology experts via a three-day conference and Town Hall panel session.

In the U.S., FABTECH will continue to be held annually in three rotating cities including Chicago, Las Vegas and Atlanta. The FABTECH brand was also successfully introduced to the Mexican market in 2009 as FABTECH Mexico.

“FMA is excited to partner with SME and AWS to extend the FABTECH brand into Canada and we hope this venture will match our success in Mexico,” said Jerry Shankel, FMA President. “This initiative supports FMA’s other business interests in Canada and is a good opportunity for us to better serve the country’s fabricating and welding industries.”

According to Ray Shook, AWS Executive Director, “AWS is pleased to be a part of FABTECH Canada. This is a natural step based on the strong U.S. brand that has been built and it supports our international development strategies.”

FABTECH Canada 2012
March 20 – 22, 2012
Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ontario

For more information on FABTECH Canada 2012, visit www.fabtechcanada.com.