The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA) have announced the formation of a committee to explore ways to integrate their products and services to better serve the members of both associations. This committee, which will be made up of staff and board members from both organizations, will meet and discuss strategic partnerships and a joint approach to important manufacturing issues, as well as consolidated services. The committee will begin its work in the next several weeks and is expected to report back to both organizations by year's end.

"It has always been my goal to find better ways to serve the manufacturing industry," said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. "This exploration, which we expect will lead to a very close cooperation with AMTDA, is a natural partnership that will help both organizations as they seek to advance manufacturing in the United States."

"AMTDA has always been focused on strengthening the collaboration between the product manufacturer (OEM), the local distribution firms, and the final customer," said Peter Borden, president of AMTDA. "We believe that a greater integration of our two associations' constituencies and products can further enhance the performance of each of these groups at a critical time for our industry."