From the President's Desk: European Plant Tour 2023

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The 2023 WCMA European Plant Tour event to Northern Italy in June was another amazing event for the association. From machinery manufacturers, to old and new world furniture of modern to classical designs, and kitchen cabinet factories producing 12,000 5-piece cabinet doors per day! Beginning with SCM’s touring of CMS in Bergamo to Fruilmac in Udine. We couldn’t have asked more of this 5-Star experience for WCMA members to see Italy at its best.

The tour began in Milan with our usual bus rides to see custom machinery built by SCM. The Italians' detail for making specialty machinery is truly amazing. It was mostly double end and single end tenoner machines they were building. The quality of cut using jump cutters to incorporate climb and convention cutting was absolutely incredible. These companies have developed the ability to create the most intricate cuts in wood I’ve ever seen!

We had a wonderful mix of Northern Italian cuisine and wine but the Grappa was to die for! As a matter of fact, it may have cured me of ever drinking. LOL All kidding aside, our tour of the world's first Grappa distillery was amazing. We met the grand dame of Grappa when she visited with us after our tasting session. The tour was very enlightening and the history was most interesting.

Como and Verona are beautiful cities in a setting of centuries old buildings and people enjoying their espressos at quaint little shops along cobble stone streets. And who could forget the Gelato? It was on every corner. Once again, our hosts gave us the most memorable times at every venue in some of the most picturesque settings in Northern Italy. We can’t thank them enough for taking time away from family and work to make us feel welcome and appreciated!
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I wish we had more members in attendance to enjoy this experience. I will remember this one as one of WCMA's best events and encourage everyone to consider this opportunity when it comes around again!

Frank Fitts
President, WCMA Executive Board