CEMA Votes to Merge with AIMCAL

Published: September 23, 2002, By PRESS RELEASE

FORT MILL, SC, USA—Members of CEMA (Converting Equipment Manufacturers Association) have voted to join The Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL); the merger of the two converting industry trade groups was voted on recently (at CEMA's fall meeting).

AIMCAL is slated to present the merger at its upcoming annual winter meeting. According to AIMCAL, if approved by its members in March 2003, CEMA will become part of AIMCAL, which will create an organization with more than 200 member companies; officials add the CEMA division will be focused on the interests of converting equipment producers.

Says Craig Sheppard, AIMCAL executive director, "It's important to note this merger is being driven my strategic opportunity, not economic need." He adds, "Both organizations are strong financially and could continue to prosper as separate entities. [But] bringing equipment suppliers and converters together will help both sides develop and implement new technology, improve efficiencies, build business, and establish new relationships."

If the merger is approved by AIMCAL members, says the trade group, CEMA members will join AIMCAL's membership roster, but will remain a part of the group's CEMA division. In addition, AIMCAL members will be able to participate in both traditional AIMCAL activities and CEMA division programs.

For more information about AIMCAL visit aimcal.org. Visit CEMA at cema-converting.org.