Rather than featuring a company as a Case Study this month, the TPR is going for something a little different by featuring an organization focused on the growth and stability of U.S. mold manufacturing: The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA).  We interviewed its new Executive Director, Melissa Millhuff, and we hope you enjoy learning more about both the AMBA and Melissa and her goals for the organization. 

 What distinguishes the AMBA from other organizations serving the manufacturing sector? 

The American Mold Builders Association is the ONLY trade group that dedicates itself to just one industry - mold manufacturing. AMBA members are companies that build tools, dies and molds for injection, blow, compression, thermoform and other applications, and AMBA Partners are companies that serve and support the mold manufacturing industry.  

Provide some history about the AMBA, including when and why it was founded. 

The AMBA was founded in 1973 by a group of Chicago mold shop owners who had concerns about some of the practices in the industry.  The original concept for the AMBA was to form an association that would be committed to solving problems and offering opportunities exclusive to U.S. mold shop owners.  AMBA has done a great job remaining true to the original concept.  The AMBA began with 11 members and now has close to 300. These members represent 11 chapters spanning 30 states across the U.S.  Two more chapters are underway, Florida and Pennsylvania, and will be added in the very near future.  

Knowing membership is by company only (individuals cannot join), what are the criteria for becoming an AMBA member company? 

To become an AMBA member there are three simple criteria your company must meet:

• Your principal business must be the manufacture or alteration of molds or die cast dies. 

• Your primary mold manufacturing facility must be located within the United States. 

• You must have more than one customer and derive at least 50% of your revenue from mold manufacturing/mold alterations in a U.S. facility. 

 What benefits does the AMBA offer its members? 

Our members enjoy benefits exclusive to the AMBA. For example, our supplier discount program offers members special pricing, services and discounts through Partner companies like EROWA, Progressive Components, JobBOSS Software and more. These special programs can save mold manufacturers big dollars and are available to AMBA members only! No other association can provide these programs.

The AMBA also represents and promotes our members at industry trade shows in the U.S. and Europe. We qualify show attendees looking for moldmakers, then offer the lead lists to our members to provide them with new sales opportunities! In addition, we distribute the AMBA membership directory to trade show attendees and demonstrate how to use it as the “go to” resource when they are looking for a moldmaker. 

Additionally, as an AMBA member, companies get to meet and interact with other moldmakers.  There are many opportunities to make new contacts, exchange ideas, and share “war stories” with people who have the same struggles and triumphs.  Our focus is U.S. moldmakers, and that’s who members connect with …people just like themselves.  AMBA offers more benefits than can be listed here but further information can be found on the website at www.amba.org. 

Why is networking with other moldmakers so important – and so successful – for AMBA member companies?

As previously mentioned, AMBA networking is successful because when members attend an AMBA event, they are surrounded by people just like themselves.  Our members have common business interests and are open to sharing ideas, successes and tips with other members.  We encourage the philosophy that we can succeed together, and by sharing their experiences, we make the industry stronger.  It’s not about keeping secrets or hoarding knowledge, it’s about being open and respectful of each other.  Members know when they attend an AMBA meeting, they aren’t going to get a sales pitch from 75% of the meeting attendees.  They are going to leave the meeting having learned something, not wasted their time.  They’ll leave learning more about their craft and other industries served by moldmakers.  

Another chance to connect and learn is the AMBA Answers section of our website. It offers members the opportunity to get their moldmaking questions answered instantly by other moldmakers who are eager to share their knowledge. Our conventions and conferences provide plenty of opportunity for members to connect with moldmakers from all across the country.   

What kinds of educational or training programs does the AMBA offer? 

The AMBA offers distinctive and unique educational opportunities expressly geared towards the U.S. moldmaking community. AMBA presents online seminars with topics that allow moldmakers to enter new avenues of business, teach them what to do when a customer goes bankrupt, teach them about new trends in insurance, and offer them insight into how to best market their shops.  Plus we can’t forget to mention the educational programs offered during our Fall Conference or Annual Convention featuring topics specific to mold and die cast building. 

The AMBA issues a quarterly business forecast survey.  What kinds of data are collected and how does this benefit member companies?

Our surveys offer benchmarking information to ensure our members are well informed of industry trends and best practices.  Our quarterly business forecast survey is a quick survey sent to members so we can track where the industry stands and view current and forecasted business circumstances.  The data allows our members to benchmark their business conditions against that of the industry.  Each quarter we ask different questions pertaining to technology, marketing, business practices, etc.  We use this information to keep our pulse on the industry and assess how we can best serve our members.  We are currently working on creating a State of the Industry survey to assess exactly that – the state of the moldmaking industry.  We also conduct an annual Wage & Benefits survey, which is consistently voted one of the top member benefits.  Other surveys (including our Software Survey) are sent out periodically and the data helps our members to make informed business decisions. 

Editor’s Note:  Please take time to view the AMBA’s Summer Business Forecast Survey results by clicking HERE to access our Market Monitor. 

Tell TPR readers about your annual Mold Builder of the Year Award. 

AMBA’s Mold Builder of the Year award is a prestigious honor awarded annually to recognize outstanding contributions made by an AMBA member.  The recipient is an outstanding business leader and dedicated to the industry as well as the AMBA.  The recipient is always announced during our Annual Convention.  Past winners include Olav Bradley of PM Mold Company, Donna Pursell of Prestige Mold, Bill Kushmaul of Tech Mold, Inc, Roger Klouda of MSI Mold Builders, Jim Florian of Quality Mold & Engineering, and Pete Manship of Mold Craft, Inc.   

 Melissa, you just recently became the new Executive Director of the AMBA.  When did you accept the post and what are your goals for the organization moving forward? 

I have been a part of the AMBA since October of 2007.  This has been the fastest year of my life!  We have several goals here at the AMBA, and with the help of the AMBA staff and the current AMBA President, Steve Rotman (Ameritech Die & Mold), we are moving toward achieving many of them!  For the first time since 2001, our membership has grown, and we are reaching out to moldmakers more than ever before.   

There are so many different facets to the AMBA.  There is education, and to that part we have offered more opportunities for our members to learn about their trade and ways to improve their business (as discussed above).  There is government relations, and we have joined forces with other trade groups to make a difference in trade legislation.   This is a long, slow process, but I feel through strength in numbers and passion, we will make a difference.  We have also worked to offer our members more benefits than ever before – especially ones that put dollars back in their pockets.  You cannot deny the benefit of that!   We are also assisting our members to enter new business opportunities.  We are offering a webinar on exporting molds and also sponsoring a booth at Euromold in December, so our members can begin to work internationally! 

The reality is that this is the best group of people I have worked with.  From the AMBA staff, to the National Board of Directors, to the members, to the suppliers, it’s been incredible.  Everyone is so open and friendly and willing to share and do whatever it takes for the good of the industry.  It has been an amazing year. 

If you were speaking with a non-member mold manufacturing company right now, what else would you like to tell them about the AMBA that would help convince them to join? 

In these challenging and competitive times, being part of an association is key to the success of each company individually and within the industry as a whole! Take advantage of this opportunity to be a member of the AMBA, the one and only trade organization that works to make your industry stronger and your company more competitive.  Joining the AMBA just makes good business sense. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

How many chapters and/or members does your organization currently have? Nearly 300 member companies nationwide. 

Who are the current National AMBA Board Members? 

2008/2009 AMBA National Officers & Board of Directors:

• President: Steve Rotman, Ameritech Die & Mold, Inc.

• Vice President: Michael Armbrust, Mako Mold Corporation

• Secretary: Shawn McGrew, Prodigy Mold & Tool, Inc.

• Treasurer: Kent Hanson, H.S. Die & Engineering, Inc.

• Immediate Past President: Chris Jones, Rapid Die & Engineering

• Robert Earnhardt, Superior Tooling, Inc.

• Dan Glass, Strohwig Industries

• Scott Harris, Harris Precision Mold

• Roger Klouda, MSI Mold Builders

• Peter Manship, Mold Craft, Inc.

• Donna Pursell, Prestige Mold, Inc.

• Scott Phipps, United Tool & Mold

• Robert Vaughan, Dauntless Molds

• Mike Walter, MET Plastics, Inc.

Upcoming notable events sponsored by your organization (list up to 3): 

• AMBA Online Seminar – Protecting Your Company from Bankrupt Customers – September 24, 2008 – 12:00 p.m. CST

• AMBA Fall Conference in Washington, D.C. – October 2-4, 2008

• AMBA Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico – February 28 – March 5, 2009

  Website:  www.amba.org

Contact information: 

American Mold Builders Association
701 E. Irving Park Rd, Suite 207
Roselle, IL 60172
Phone: 630.980.7667