DEARBORN, Mich., January 31, 2006 - The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the world's leading professional society serving the manufacturing industry, will recognize the 2006 SME Honorary Member and the recipients of the 2006 SME International Honor Awards at its International Awards Gala on March 28, 2006. The awards gala is one of the major manufacturing industry events being held in conjunction with The Total Manufacturing Experience - SME's groundbreaking, flagship educational event taking place March 27-30, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA.

The award recipients are selected and recognized for their significant contributions to the field of manufacturing engineering in the areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management and service to the Society. "Representing both industry and academia, SME is proud to align itself with eight of manufacturing's most acclaimed leaders and institutions," said Willy Geary, 2006 SME president. "The Total Manufacturing Experience is an exciting and high profile event for our Society and the manufacturing community. Drawing some of the most influential figures in today's industry, the event will provide the optimal setting and audience to honor each of these accomplished individuals."

2006 SME Honorary Member

• Dr. Ronald D. Sugar is chairman, chief executive officer and president of the Northrop Grumman Corporation. He has been selected as the sole 2006 SME Honorary Member, the most prestigious honor presented by the Society, for his professional eminence among manufacturing engineers.

2006 SME International Honor Award Recipients

• Taylan Altan, PhD, FSME, is professor and director of the Engineering Research Center for Net Shape Manufacturing at The Ohio State University. He is recognized with the SME Frederick W. Taylor Research Medal for his significant published research which has led to a better understanding of materials, facilities, principles, operations and their application to improve manufacturing processes.
• Carolyn Corvi, vice president-general manager, Airplane Production, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company, is recognized with the Eli Whitney Productivity Award for her distinguished accomplishments in improving capability within the broad concept of orderly production.

• Richard E. Dauch, FSME, co-founder, chairman of the board & chief executive officer, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), is the recipient of the Donald C. Burnham Manufacturing Management Award. This award recognizes Dauch's exceptional success in the integration of the infrastructure and processes of manufacturing through his innovative use of human, technical and financial resources in founding and leading AAM.
• Jack L. Ferrell, FSME, LSME, retired vice president of Manufacturing & Systems - Space & Defense Sector, TRW, Inc. is recognized with the Joseph A. Siegel Service Award for his significant and unique contributions to the Society.
• Robert W. Hall, PhD, is professor emeritus of operations management at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is recognized with the SME Gold Medal for his outstanding service to the manufacturing engineering profession in technical communications through published literature, technical writings and lectures.
• Wallace J. Hopp, PhD, is Breed University professor, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern University. He is recognized with the SME Education Award for his development of manufacturing-related curricula, fostering sound training methods and inspiring students to enter the profession of manufacturing.
• Rajan Suri, PhD, FSME, professor and director, Center for Quick Response Manufacturing, University of Wisconsin - Madison, is being recognized with the SME Albert M. Sargent Progress Award for his significant accomplishments in the field of manufacturing processes, methods and systems.

About the SME International Honor Awards:
The SME International Honor Awards recognize exceptional personal accomplishments and contributions to the field of manufacturing engineering in the areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management or service to the Society. SME members and non-members are encouraged to nominate individuals from industry, academia and government who have made a notable impact in these areas. The annual deadline for International Honor Award nominations is June 1. For more information on SME's International Awards & Recognition Program, click here.

About the International Awards Gala:
The SME International Awards Gala will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2006. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. with dinner and the awards program to follow at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $85/single, $800/table of 10. Attire is business dress; black tie optional. To purchase tickets or obtain more information on the awards gala, contact the SME Resource Center at service@sme.org or call (800) 733-4763. Sponsorships for the awards gala are also available. Information is available at www.sme.org/experience or via e-mail at exposales@sme.org

About the Total Manufacturing Experience:
Taking place in Los Angeles, CA, SME's flagship educational event provides a 360-degree learning experience for manufacturing professionals in key industries, including aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, high tech and more. The Experience includes WESTEC, The SME Summit Conference & Annual Meeting, Automation & Assembly Conference & exhibits, MicroManufacturing Conference, NanoManufacturing Conference, Lean Bronze Certification Review Course, and Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Program. Other features include the SME International Awards Gala, student and educator activities, programs for companions, optional tours, golf outing and more. For more information on The Total Manufacturing Experience visit www.sme.org/experience. Sponsorship information for the event is available via e-mail at exposales@sme.org.

About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually. The Society has members in 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of chapters worldwide.

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact the SME Education Foundation by phone (313) 425-3300, e-mail foundation@sme.org, or Fax: (313) 425-3411