Outside Processors Council merges with Fabricators and Manufacturers Association

The Outside Processors Council (OPC) has merged with the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) in an effort to further strengthen two industry organizations and add value to members.

“Adding OPC’s experience in the metal processing sector to our organization makes perfect sense. This collaboration creates many synergies while also providing greater value to our collective members,” said Gerald Shankel, president and CEO of the FMA.

“This partnership is in the best interest of both groups and will help further OPC’s mission of providing educational and networking opportunities to the metal processing community,” said OPC Board Chair Brian Habermel.

The OPC was formed as an independent industrial association to serve parties interested in the metal processing business, including metal producers, service centres, distribution companies and original equipment manufacturers. Active OPC members will be grandfathered in as FMA company members and will comprise the newly formed Outside Processors special interest group within the FMA membership.

“This merger provides more educational opportunities for OPC members, and opens the door for other processors to become a part of our growing network,” said David Pettigrew, OPC vice-chairman. “The backing of the FMA gives us a much broader reach to companies in areas of the country that are unaware of our organization.”

For more information, visit www.fmanet.org or www.opcouncil.org.