OPC, FMA Merge Their Metal Fabricating Associations

March 29, 2011
The Outside Processors Council (OPC) Has Merged With the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA)

The Outside Processors Council (OPC) has merged with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) to strengthen the two industry organizations.

The OPC was formed as an independent industrial association for metal processing businesses, including metal producers, service centers, distribution companies and OEMs. FMA is a professional organization with members from metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers.

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

Brian Habermel, chairman of OPC's board, adds, "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."

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.