Thompson to focus on training in role as new PMA chairman

P.J. Thompson has been elected 2012 chairman of the Precision Metalforming Association board of directors.

By Source: PMA November 28, 2011

P.J. Thompson, president of Trans-Matic Manufacturing Co., Holland, Mich., has been elected 2012 chairman of the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) board of directors. During his year at the helm of PMA, Thompson has pledged to focus on mid-level managers working in the industry to provide them with the training and experiences that will empower them to lead metalforming companies to new competitive heights on the global stage.  

“Trans-Matic’s mid-level managers touch our products and they touch our customers,” Thompson said in an interview with MetalForming magazine. “They run our processes, yet also are taxed with making key, oftentimes management-level decisions involving critical success factors such as capital expenditures. Simply put, we depend on these people to make wise business decisions within their areas, including investments that generate timely and definitive returns. It is essential for the future of our industry that we focus on getting them the knowledge they need to contribute at ever higher levels in years to come.”

During his term as PMA chairman, Thompson said he will work with PMA to expand the association’s educational offerings to include training in business-management fundamentals. “Our industry’s mid-level managers have the horsepower, but in many cases they lack the fully developed skill sets required to plan and set objectives, delegate responsibilities, manage their time, negotiate and make non-routine business decisions,” said Thompson. “PMA will focus on developing training resources to address these critical but often overlooked industry needs.”

Thompson also stresses the importance of PMA members taking advantage of the many networking opportunities that the association offers. First and foremost is exposure to the global metalforming market through participation in the International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations (ICOSPA) and the congress held every three years in one of the ICOSPA-member countries.

In addition, Thompson is encouraging members to attend the valuable events that take place at the local district level and at PMA roundtables and conferences across the country. “I learned the industry ins and outs from PMA and its members,” said Thompson. “My peers have taught me how to compete, day in and day out, to declare every day as a win-or-lose opportunity and to focus on what allows us to win. I belong to PMA because I want my company to be competitive. Period.”

PMA also announced that Bill Adler of Cleveland-based Stripmatic Products, Inc., and Jody Fledderman, Batesville Tool and Die, Batesville, Ind. will join Thompson in leadership roles on the board of directors. Adler will serve as first vice chair and Fledderman as second vice chair and treasurer.

Information provided by PMA.