The Association:  Founded in 1933, ATMA® is the only U.S. trade association devoted to the advancement of U.S.-based manufacturers of textile machinery, ancillary equipment and parts.  Its members annually produce the majority of textile machinery made in the U.S.  The organization is housed in suburban Washington, D.C. under the management of professional employees.

Since its formation, the association has produced and sponsored industry exhibitions.  ATMA® coordinates with the management of other international shows and offers numerous services to both exhibitors and visitors in connection with these events.  ATMA® organizes member pavilions at trade shows in emerging and developed market countries.

Purpose:  ATMA®’s purpose is to improve business conditions within the textile machinery industry of the U.S. within a global context; to encourage the use of industry products; and to protect, promote, foster and advance the common interests of its members as manufacturers and distributors of textile machinery and parts and machinery accessory to textile machinery on a worldwide basis.

The Industry:  There is concentration in the Southeast and New England.  Leading machinery states by employment are: South Carolina and North Carolina with concentration in Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Textile machinery includes many equipment types beginning with cleaning and opening, through spinning, weaving and knitting, to finishing, parts and accessories.  Parts and accessories revenue may account for 40 percent of yearly industry sales.  Textile machinery is an industry of small businesses.  The annual U.S. market often exceeds one billion dollars; and in the exploding world market U.S. exports are close to 50 percent of sales, indicative of a true global supplier.

The Organization of ATMA®:  A non-profit corporation – IRS tax status 501 c(6) –   ATMA®’s policy control is by elected industry executives consisting of several officers and a board of directors.  Staff executives hold officer status, participate in the policy-making process and are responsible for day-to-day operations.

Standing and ad hoc committees are the backbone of output, service and participation.  Leadership rotation and member participation are practiced.  The professional staff assures policy and program continuity and consistency.

ATMA® is a conduit for information to members on marketing leads, government activities, international standards and other vital data.  The association conducts special industry-wide studies on marketing, technical issues and product liability.  Members share their experience with internal management issues and business trends.  ATMA® also acts as liaison with related industry groups.

Major Activities and Issues of ATMA®:  ATMA®, with Mack Brooks Exhibitions and Association and Society Management International, owns the American Textile Machinery Exhibition – International (ATME-I®).  ATME-I®/MEGATEX next occurs May 18-20, 2010 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, with the tri-location of SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers Association) Expo and Techtextil North America.

ATMA® organizes and produces member pavilions at numerous international exhibitions that are conducted in key export markets.

Executive networking and educational programs are facilitated via ATMA®’s regional meetings.

Association Excellence:  Over the decades, the professionalism and service of ATMA® have been recognized in various forms.  Many trade publication editorials have been devoted to the achievements and pursuits of the Association.

Several ATMA® professional staff members hold highest credentials in the association management field, including specialized master’s level degrees and Certified Association Executive status by competitive examination and management experience, conferred to a minute portion of U.S. association and society employees.

Contacts:

  
   201 Park Washington Court, Falls Church, VA 22046
Telephone: 703-538-1789
Fax: 703-241-5603
E-mail: info@atmanet.org
www.atmanet.org