logo
AEM Manufacturing Express Coming to CICB in Deer Park, Texas on August 27, 2025

AEM Manufacturing Express Coming to CICB in Deer Park, Texas on August 27, 2025

DEER PARK, Texas, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will bring its AEM Manufacturing Express bus tour to CICB's Deer Park, Texas facility on August 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The event will celebrate the contributions of manufacturing employees to the Texas economy, as well as the critical importance of supporting pro-manufacturing policies at all levels of government.
The AEM Manufacturing Express is a national initiative aimed at showcasing the equipment manufacturing industry's commitment to strengthening communities through sustainable jobs, education, environmental responsibility, and economic growth. CICB's role in this movement will be highlighted, demonstrating its impact on Texas' thriving manufacturing sector.
'CICB plays a pivotal role in training the skilled workforce that helps power the equipment manufacturing industry,' said John O'Connor, CICB's Texas Operations Manager. 'We're proud to host the AEM Manufacturing Express and show how manufacturing jobs create long-term economic value for local communities.'
Attendees will hear speeches from local officials and industry lobbyists who will discuss the importance of supporting pro-manufacturing policies. To keep everyone energized, light refreshments will be available throughout the event. For added fun, there will be games and prizes, with the chance to win exciting giveaways, including a Ford F-150.
About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM):AEM advocates for more than 1,000 members representing over 200 product lines to ensure that policies promote a competitive business environment and a strong U.S. economy. The AEM Manufacturing Express is designed to raise awareness of the industry's contributions to building communities through family-sustaining jobs and environmental stewardship.
About CICB:Since 1969, CICB has been a trusted provider of training, inspection, and consultation services for the lifting and material handling industry. CICB is committed to promoting safety, efficiency, and compliance across a broad range of industries. CICB's subject matter experts are NCCCO Certified and have earned the prestigious Top Trainer Award multiple times.
MORE INFO:For additional details, visit www.manufacturingexpress.org.
Contact: Camille SingletaryPhone: 800-327-1386Email: Camille.Singletary@cicb.comWebsite: www.cicb.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Malaysia to push for substantial conclusion of DEFA negotiations at AEM meeting
Malaysia to push for substantial conclusion of DEFA negotiations at AEM meeting

New Straits Times

time2 days ago

  • New Straits Times

Malaysia to push for substantial conclusion of DEFA negotiations at AEM meeting

SINGAPORE: Malaysia will push for a "substantial conclusion" of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) at the Asean Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting from Sept 24 to 26 in Kuala Lumpur, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Before the meeting in Malaysia's capital, the ministers will also convene at a special meeting on DEFA on Aug 28 via video conference, also to be chaired by Tengku Zafrul. "We will push for DEFA because it's important for Asean, especially Malaysia, as it is one of our PEDs (Priority Economic Deliverables) to be delivered this year. "The good news is that we have completed the negotiations for two PEDs, which are the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), that are targeted to be signed in October," he told Bernama after participating in the Bursa Malaysia Invest Malaysia session as part of the Macquarie Asean Conference here. Tengku Zafrul stated that the DEFA, the first of its kind in any regional framework, will enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become part of a more inclusive Asean intra-trade ecosystem. He noted that of the 18 PEDs, half fall under the AEM purview, and he is confident they will be able to deliver all of them before the end of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship. The minister also noted that his team was in New Delhi last week for negotiations on the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Review, and he was informed that there had been some positive progress towards its substantial conclusion. In his keynote address, the minister said that Malaysia, as Asean Chair, is also pushing to unlock greater investability through deliverables such as the adoption of the Asean Sustainable Investment Guidelines (ASIG) and by catalysing access to financing for a just transition and climate resilience in the region. He added that Asean is also striving to make its capital markets more sustainable, connected, and inclusive, and has made significant strides, from expanding green finance instruments to attracting green investments. "As the region continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, during our year as Chair, Malaysia also hopes to pave the way for sector-specific initiatives, including an Asean EV Roadmap, a Minerals Development Action Plan, and an Asean Framework for an Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain," he said.

Malaysia To Push For Substantial Conclusion Of DEFA Negotiations At AEM Meeting
Malaysia To Push For Substantial Conclusion Of DEFA Negotiations At AEM Meeting

Barnama

time2 days ago

  • Barnama

Malaysia To Push For Substantial Conclusion Of DEFA Negotiations At AEM Meeting

BUSINESS By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will push for a 'substantial conclusion' of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting from Sept 24 to 26 in Kuala Lumpur, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Before the meeting in Malaysia's capital, the ministers will also convene at a special meeting on DEFA on Aug 28 via video conference, also to be chaired by Tengku Zafrul. 'We will push for DEFA because it's important for ASEAN, especially Malaysia, as it is one of our PEDs (Priority Economic Deliverables) to be delivered this year. The good news is that we have completed the negotiations for two PEDs, which are the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), that are targeted to be signed in October,' he told Bernama after participating in the Bursa Malaysia Invest Malaysia session as part of the Macquarie ASEAN Conference here. Tengku Zafrul stated that the DEFA, the first of its kind in any regional framework, will enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become part of a more inclusive ASEAN intra-trade ecosystem. He noted that of the 18 PEDs, half fall under the AEM purview, and he is confident they will be able to deliver all of them before the end of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship. The minister also noted that his team was in New Delhi last week for negotiations on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Review, and he was informed that there had been some positive progress towards its substantial conclusion. In his keynote address, the minister said that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, is also pushing to unlock greater investability through deliverables such as the adoption of the ASEAN Sustainable Investment Guidelines (ASIG) and by catalysing access to financing for a just transition and climate resilience in the region. He added that ASEAN is also striving to make its capital markets more sustainable, connected, and inclusive, and has made significant strides, from expanding green finance instruments to attracting green investments. 'As the region continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, during our year as Chair, Malaysia also hopes to pave the way for sector-specific initiatives, including an ASEAN EV Roadmap, a Minerals Development Action Plan, and an ASEAN Framework for an Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain,' he said.

Closing the gap between vision and implementation in NIMP 2030
Closing the gap between vision and implementation in NIMP 2030

Focus Malaysia

time3 days ago

  • Focus Malaysia

Closing the gap between vision and implementation in NIMP 2030

Letter to Editor MALAYSIA's National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, launched recently, is undoubtedly a policy born of necessity and ambition. It recognises a fundamental truth: the linear 'take-make-dispose' model is economically and environmentally bankrupt for a resource-hungry nation. The vision – transforming Malaysia into a regional leader in sustainable, high-value manufacturing through circularity – is not just commendable; it's essential. However, since the launch, the gap between this laudable vision and the gritty reality of implementation reveals significant hurdles that demand urgent attention. Malaysia is heavily import-dependent for critical raw materials. Circular strategies (remanufacturing, recycling, resource efficiency) directly mitigate supply chain risks and price volatility. Moving beyond low-margin commodity exports towards high-value circular services (product-as-a-service, advanced recycling, reverse logistics) promises new revenue streams and jobs. Addressing rampant waste (especially plastic and e-waste), pollution, and carbon emissions is crucial for public health, ecosystem preservation, and meeting climate commitments. As major markets (EU, US, Japan) impose stricter circularity standards and carbon border adjustments (CBAM), Malaysian exports must adapt to remain competitive. The NIMP positions industries proactively. The plan's focus on key sectors like E&E, chemicals, aerospace, and medical devices, where circularity can yield significant material savings and innovation, is strategically sound. The emphasis on integrating SMEs into the circular value chain is also vital for inclusive growth. Despite its strong foundation, translating the NIMP's circular ambitions into tangible results faces formidable challenges. While targeting waste as a resource is key, Malaysia lacks the scale and sophistication of collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure needed, particularly for complex waste streams like e-waste or composites. The plastic recycling rate stagnating around 24-28% highlights this gap. Building this infrastructure requires massive, coordinated public and private investment far beyond current commitments. Shifting entire industrial processes to circular models demands significant upfront capital. SMEs, the backbone of the economy, struggle to access affordable green financing. While NIMP mentions blended finance, concrete mechanisms to de-risk investments for banks and attract large-scale institutional capital are still nascent. The estimated RM100-150 bil funding gap for NIMP goals looms large. The success of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes – crucial for shifting waste management costs to producers – hinges on robust, consistent regulation and enforcement. Delays in finalising and implementing mandatory EPR frameworks for key sectors create uncertainty and allow laggards to persist with linear models. Policy alignment across federal, state, and local levels remains a persistent challenge. Circular products often face cost disadvantages against virgin materials due to distorted economics (e.g., fossil fuel subsidies). Government procurement policies favouring circular products need strengthening. More importantly, fostering genuine *consumer and B2B demand* for repaired, remanufactured, or recycled-content goods requires overcoming perceptions and building trust in quality and performance. Moving beyond basic recycling to high-value circularity (e.g., chemical recycling, advanced remanufacturing, biomaterials) requires significant R&D and technology adoption. Bridging the 'valley of death' between lab innovation and commercial scale demands targeted support, pilot facilities, and stronger industry-academia collaboration – areas needing acceleration under NIMP. The NIMP's initial stage has likely involved crucial groundwork – setting targets, establishing governance structures (like the NIMP Council), and initiating studies. The real test begins now. To avoid the circular economy becoming merely a buzzword within the master plan, Malaysia must finalise and implement mandatory, sector-specific EPR schemes with clear timelines and enforcement teeth. Streamline permitting for circular economy projects. And move beyond promises to operationalise innovative financing mechanisms (green bonds, guarantees, results-based finance) specifically tailored for circular SMEs and infrastructure projects. Leverage development banks and international green funds aggressively. We need to build infrastructure at scale. Prioritise public investment in integrated waste management and recycling parks, leveraging PPP models where feasible. Focus on closing loops for priority waste streams identified in NIMP. Implement stringent green public procurement rules. Launch awareness campaigns targeting businesses and consumers. Explore fiscal incentives for circular products and disincentives for linear ones. Fostering innovation ecosystems is the way forward. Establish dedicated circular economy innovation hubs with pilot lines. Provide grants and technical assistance for SMEs adopting circular tech. Strengthen linkages between universities, research institutes, and industry. It is important to ensure workforce reskilling programmes are integral to the circular shift, protecting jobs while creating new, higher-quality opportunities. Support SMEs in navigating the transition. Malaysia's NIMP 2030, with its core focus on the circular economy, is a visionary response to global and domestic challenges. It deserves recognition for setting a bold direction. However, vision alone is insufficient. The first year has exposed the sheer scale of the transformation required. The coming year is critical. It must move from planning to unambiguous action, tackling the financing gaps, infrastructure deficits, regulatory hurdles, and market barriers head-on. The circular transition is not merely an environmental add-on; it's the bedrock of future industrial resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Malaysia has the blueprint. Now, it needs the relentless execution, the political will, and the collaborative spirit to turn its circular vision into reality. The world is moving in this direction; Malaysia's window to lead, not just follow, in the region is open, but it won't stay open forever. The NIMP's success hinges on treating the next year not as a continuation of planning, but as the urgent launchpad for tangible, transformative change. The circular future is not just green; it must be golden for Malaysia. —Aug 17, 2025 The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. Main image: Unsplash

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store