Los Angeles Convention Center
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ WESTEC 2008 Exposition and Conference is the largest annual machine tools and advanced manufacturing event in North America. With more than 16,000 manufacturers in LA County, WESTEC attracts leaders from a variety of industries important to Southern California, including aerospace and defense, energy, automotive, electronics, medical and consumer products. Nearly 600 exhibitors, showcasing more than 8 million pounds of state-of-the-art equipment, are expected to participate, representing more than 30 different technologies, such as advances in high speed machining, cutting and tooling, laser systems, welding robotics and automation, as well as manufacturing technology application and solutions. WESTEC offers free educational programs, including sessions on comparative technologies, lean principles and fundamentals in machining process. This year, WESTEC launches an all-new Back-to-Basics theme, highlighting a workforce development program, offering pathways to manufacturing careers, including free educational sessions. Alongside the learning demonstrations will be participation of various schools, community colleges, training centers and institutions in California offering courses and careers in manufacturing and engineering from which attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways to manufacturing. The program will also include a career center for manufacturing companies and employers to conduct on-site interviews and job placements.