TPi May 2015

business & market news

Combined expertise around steel tube production

world’s largest steel tube producer, has a market share of more than 50 per cent with a high export share. In particular, the export to Western countries with the related standards calls for a high quality of tubes. To meet these demands, efficient and competent partners are needed. Therefore, it was logical for all parties involved that the first Tube Innovation Days took place in China. Nine high-tech German companies combined their expertise at the event and this specialist network guarantees the customer an optimum design of its production and processing. From the first to the last stage the customer benefits not only from the core competence of the individual companies but also from their close collaboration: individual processes and interfaces are coordinated for the entire production chain. This means that the customer gets a solution that is tailored to its requirements throughout the entire process.

near Shanghai, China, customers and interested parties were able to ask for comprehensive advice on the whole process chain of the manufacture and processing of tubes.

From rollforming to testing and sawing to a smooth transport system and everything from one source. That was the aim for companies Dreistern, Trumpf, Sema Systemtechnik, Foerster, RSA, Wafios, Fehr, Scheffer and Kluthe at the Tube Innovation Days. Taking place at the RSA showroom in Kunshan,

The steel tube industry is growing worldwide at a rapid rate and China, the

RSA – Germany www.rsa.de

Nine leading German companies took part in the Tube Innovation Days

European Plastics Distributors Association highlights membership benefits

business-to-business agency. EPDA is keen to also highlight the technical know- how and publications available from the publishing and resource library that was established to support members. The association has also formed an alliance agreement with the IAPD (International Association of Plastics Distribution), which provides members with access to IAPD resources – including educational and training support as well as helpful documents – at a preferential pay-as- you-go rate.

management company and a European PR agency. As part of the changes, a programme of membership activities is being developed, the highlight of which will be a three-day conference in Barcelona in June. The event will include international keynote speakers, networking and socialising activities. A major manufacturing plant visit for members is also planned in the autumn to showcase some of the latest advances in plastic manufacturing. One of the key targets for membership is the next generation of young leaders, and these are being targeted through an integrated PR and marketing campaign, following the appointment of a specialist

The European Plastics Distributors Association (EPDA), which represents members from more than 20 countries throughout Europe, has launched an international promotional campaign to highlight the benefits of joining. The association, which was formed in 1973, represents companies involved in a cross section of distribution activities encompassing plastic sheet, blocks, rods, profiles, tubes, pipe, valves, fittings and numerous related activities. To drive forward the campaign, EPDA has made a number of external appointments to manage the work, comprising an international events

European Plastics Distribution Association – UK

info@epda.com www.epda.com

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Tube Products International May 2015

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