OCTOBER 11--Executives from several motion control companies have launched a new trade association to serve the interests of motors, drives, and controls companies. Known as the Motion Control Association (MCA; Ann Arbor, MI, USA), the new trade group will promote the use of mechanical and electronic (mechatronics) motion control technology, which currently accounts for more than $44 billion in annual sales globally.
"The numerous companies assisting with the formation of this motion control organization envision MCA promoting the use and understanding of motion control technology by becoming a leading resource and by providing a strong coordinated voice in the motion technology field. Additionally each individual member company will benefit from substantial programs," said John Mazurkiewicz, MCA president and product marketing manager for Baldor Electric.
MCA will be a source for industry statistics; it will also develop and coordinate industry standards, provide educational programs, host an executive-level business conference, and become a leading resource for motion control technology. Motion Control Online (www.motioncontrolonline.org), a Web resource for the industry, was launched in October 2006. The site provides users of motion control an easy-to-navigate online buyer's guide, articles and technical papers, new product information, user tips, an 'ask-the-experts' forum, career center, and bookstore.
MCA is part of the Automation Technologies Council, a trade organization that has already achieved success over 30 years with its Robotic Industries Association (www.roboticsonline.com) and Automated Imaging Association (www.machinevisiononline.org). Together these two associations represent more than 500 member companies from all over the world.
MCA's board of directors includes Chris Davis, Baumuller; Sandy Holden, Rockwell Automation; Arun Jain, Siemens Energy & Automation; Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates; John Mazurkiewicz, Baldor; Kevin McNicholas, Applied Motion Products; Jason Struthers, Parker Hannifin Corporation; Andy Urda, Yaskawa Electric America; and Andrew Vogl, Danaher Motion. Charter members include Applied Motion Products, Baldor Electric, Baumuller, Danaher Industrial Controls, Danaher Motion, Elmo Motion Control, Exlar Corporation, Incremotion Associates, Maxon Precision Motors, Nook Industries, Omron Electronics, Panasonic Electric Works Corporation of America, Parker Hannifin Corporation, PILZ Automation Safety, Renco Encoders, Rockwell Automation, Siemens Energy & Automation, Tol-O-Matic, and Yaskawa Electric America.
