Manufacturing Convergence, Sustainable Production Discussed at 2008 Automation Fair

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--More than 11,000 manufacturing experts from around the world attended Rockwell Automations’ 17th annual Automation Fair. They discussed industry demands, global economic challenges and the latest manufacturing automation technology and solutions. Rockwell Automation business partners, educators and industry analysts explored trends, including:

Manufacturing convergence--by which companies meet major market drivers by merging manufacturing and production systems with the rest of the corporate enterprise.

Sustainable production and its role in making manufacturing operations cleaner, safer and more energy efficient.

Meeting the global demand for increased technical skills and engineering talent.
"Companies need to increase the performance, innovation and sustainability of their enterprises to remain competitive," says Keith Nosbusch, Rockwell Automation chairman and CEO.

Nosbusch and executives from world-leading brands and industry organizations spoke to more than 80 reporters during the company's annual Manufacturing Perspectives global media forum.

Nosbusch and experts from leading companies described the business drivers for manufacturing convergence, how it impacts manufacturing operations and customers, and how cross-organization cultural challenges are being addressed and resolved. "We're in a new era of manufacturing and production," Nosbusch says. "Rockwell Automation investments in new technologies and applications, and our alliances with other technology leaders, help bring together information technology and manufacturing practices for customers to create business efficiencies, agility and competitive advantage."

Rockwell Automation customers shared how sustainable production supports their key corporate objectives including improving energy conservation and efficiency; assuring environmental responsibility and resource management; and providing increased safety for workers, machinery, processes and products.

North American and Asian manufacturing and engineering experts offered solutions to the global talent shortage of engineers and technical workers, including manufacturing and engineering talent.

The founder of India's telecommunications industry explained how India differentiates itself in the global economy by using technology, engineering and technical talent to grow its emerging high-tech manufacturing sector.