COVID-19 is not the first time in which AGMA and its members have risen to meet a crisis with solutions and resilience. Throughout the last 104 years — since AGMA began — gear manufacturers and suppliers have stepped up to help the world through the development of standards, the manufacturing of critical parts, and technological advancements to keep infrastructure moving.
In 1915, the U.S. Government, faced with WWI, asked gear manufacturers to develop standards to facilitate the manufacture of interchangeable parts for military vehicles. In 1916, the industry founded AGMA, which quickly developed the needed standards. After the war, AGMA’s continued work contributed to technological advances across many industries including automotive, aviation, drilling, and mining. By 1921, AGMA had 94 members, and a tradition of spring- and fall-member meetings.
WWII was the next crisis, and again AGMA rose to the occasion. Members quickly shifted to manufacturing war material, including tank transmissions, armored vehicle tracks, gun turret gears, parts for the B-29 bomber, and much more. Wartime restrictions made travel difficult, but with the exception of fall 1945, AGMA continued its semi-annual meetings.
Today, AGMA boasts a worldwide membership of nearly 500 with 23 technical committees working to advance gear standards. COVID-19 travel restrictions canceled the 2020 Annual Meeting — only the second cancellation in 104 years — but AGMA members are still working. The gear industry is essential. A March 2020 survey shows AGMA members are busy, not only with their usual production, but they have ramped up to assist the food and beverage industry, the shipping industry, and, of course, the medical industry during this COVID-19 crisis. Gears move the trucks that deliver food and medical supplies. Behind much of the technology used throughout hospitals, are gears. Running the conveyor belts that are used in food and paper good packaging facilities are gear boxes. Essential businesses can’t run without gears, and we are proud of our members for stepping up once again to be a part of the solution.
AGMA itself has also stepped up to make sure its members have the resources they need to stay informed and educated during this time. With the new travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders, many AGMA face-to-face events and classes have been postponed. AGMA has adapted to provide online education, digital marketing tools, and webinars from world-renowned experts to keep the industry up to date on the latest happenings in economics, politics and supply chain disruptions. AGMA is keeping to its mission and promises to its members, as it always has.
Gears have always, and will remain, a hidden necessity that most people don’t see or understand. They assume their favorite foods, cars, and household supplies come from a store, and how it got there is irrelevant. Lucky for the world, the humble and silent heroes that are gear manufacturers, and all those in their supply chain, step up for each and every challenge and crisis. AGMA is 104 years old because of our members and their incredible resilience during the hard times. We are not sure when things will get back to “normal,” but AGMA continues to operate and provide the same support we always have for our members and our industry. If you need anything during this time, please contact us: website@agma.org.
Upcoming Webinars
NAFTA 2.0: The New U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and How it Impacts You
May 6, 2020 | 1–2 p.m. EDT | Free
This webinar will detail what you need to know to be prepared for the many changes coming later this year under USMCA, the replacement for the NAFTA trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. From understanding the new rules of origin and certification requirements to labor and environmental provisions of the new agreement, companies engaged in cross-border trade in North America, as well as companies considering new investments in the region, should plan to attend this webinar.
Coronavirus, The Economy and Key Machinery Markets — Current Perspective
May 20, 2020 | 1–2 p.m. EDT | $149/nonmembers $99/members
Presenter: Jim Meil, Principal, ACT Research
Sponsor: McInnes Rolled Rings
The crisis triggered by the expanding footprint of the coronavirus globally and within North America has few precedents. Cross checks to prior recessions in 2008-09, 1981-82, and even the depression triggered by the Spanish flu of 1918-1919 serves to give some guidance, but crude. The economy and the outlook for key machinery and capital goods markets are fluid and changing daily. Jim Meil will give call participants an update on the current situation and scenarios for what may lie ahead for 2020 and beyond.
The Evolving U.S.-China Trade Relationship: The Phase One Trade Deal, the Phase Two Negotiations, and How U.S. Trade Policy on China Impacts You
June 3, 2020 | 1-2 p.m. EDT | Free
Despite the signing of a “phase one” trade agreement with China, the United States continues to levy Section 301 tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of imports from China, while China continues its own retaliatory tariffs. This webinar will discuss the prospects for the resolution of the U.S.-China trade dispute in 2020, the likely scope and timing of a “phase two” deal, and what you need to do to prepare your own business to thrive despite the shifting landscape of U.S.-China trade relations.
2020 Political Outlook
June 17, 2020 | 11 a.m.-noon EDT | $149 / nonmembers; $99 / members
Presenter: A.B. Stoddard, RealClearPolitics
Nonpartisan A.B. Stoddard will cover the latest on the campaign trail. Frequently meeting with sources and politicians, Stoddard has her finger on the pulse of Washington, D.C., as she offers detailed and smart political and electoral analyses. Stoddard will cover the latest on the campaign trail, the most up-to-date happenings between Congress and the White House, ongoing budget battles, and the electoral prospects for the two parties.
Online Education
AGMA offers video training and an online workforce training series for members and non-members. These courses are a convenient way to keep your employees learning from the computer. Visit: www.agma.org/education/online/video-training/detailed-gear-design-beyond-simple-service-factors to see the course descriptions.
- Detailed Gear Design – Beyond Simple Factors
- Gear Failure Analysis
- Gearbox CSI: Gears Only
- Online Workforce Training: Parallel Gear Inspection
- Online Workforce Training: Hobbing
- Online Workforce Training: Fundamentals of Gearing
AGMA Welcomes New Board Members
The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors. These Directors will serve a three-year term (2020-2022). The new Board Members were elected by AGMA Corporate Members in the first quarter of 2020 and were to be announced at the recently canceled AGMA/ABMA Annual Meeting.
The newly elected Board members are:
- Michael Cinquemani, CEO & President, Master Power Transmission.
- Greg Estell, Founding Principal, The Estell Group LLC.
- Eric Van Rens, CEO, Schafer Industries.
- Robert Rye, President & Owner, Cincinnati Gear Co.
AGMA Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
The AGMA Foundation Board of Trustees elected the following people to serve:
Two-Year Terms
- Foundation Board and Chair: Dean Burrows, President and CEO of Gear Motions.
- Foundation Secretary/Treasurer: Ruth Johnston, President and CEO of Croix Gear and Machining.
Three-Year Terms
- Foundation Trustee: Justin McCarthy of Scot Forge.
- Foundation Board of Trustees: Michael McKernin, of United Stars in Beloit, Wisconsin; and Dean Burrows, President and CEO of Gear Motions.
Calendar of Events
May 19 — Gear Accuracy Committee Meeting — WebEx
May 21 — Wormgearing Committee Meeting — WebEx
May 28 — Plastics Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 2 — Nomenclature Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 3 — Aerospace Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 3 — U.S./China Trade Relationship Webinar — www.agma.org/education/online/ (free)
June 4 — Bevel Gearing Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 5 — Metallurgy and Materials Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 10 — Lubrication Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 16 — Fine Pitch Gearing Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 16 — Fine Pitch Gearing Committee Meeting — WebEx
June 17 — 2020 Political Outlook Webinar with A.B. Stoddard — www.agma.org/education/online/
June 23 — Gear Accuracy Committee Meeting — WebEx
July 1 — Section 232 Tariffs Webinar — www.agma.org/education/online/ (free)
July 9 — Bevel Gearing Committee Meeting — WebEx
July 30 — Metallurgy and Materials Committee Meeting — WebEx
