Motion + Power Potential

AGMA was now ready to move into the next chapter with its biennial trade show. Gear Expo transformed into the Motion + Power Technology Expo for the 2019 show in Detroit. The tagline “Gear, Electric, Fluid Power: Moving the Future,” brought the latest demands for efficiency and power density front and center and added mechanical, fluid power, electric and hybrid technologies to the mix. This was no longer a show just about gears, this was a show about how these markets were rapidly changing with electrification, automation, additive manufacturing and robotic technologies. “The event has evolved into the Motion + Power Technology Expo, becoming much more than just a trade show. MPT Expo has grown into a one-stop educational, networking and buying event, and it’s expanding its reach into other types of power transmission products as well,” said Gear Technology Publisher Michael Goldstein at the time. “The business track will include topics such as cybersecurity, supply chain and workforce development, while the emerging technology track will include seminars on 3D printing, electric drives, IIoT and robotics.” The 2023 show in Detroit kept both the gear and power transmission sectors informed on the latest information on gear design, heat treating, electric vehicles, automation for job shops, workforce development and future insights into where these industries were heading.

“MPT Expo was truly where the gears were and we were pleased with the attendance and all the events that were part of this great show,” said Matthew E. Croson, president, AGMA. “Detroit is a great town for MPT Expo and drew the quality of attendee for which we are known.”

In April 2025, AGMA/ABMA membership voted to approve a merger between the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) and the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA), creating the Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA). The new organizational structure began on May 1, 2025. The MPMA will deliver increased value through standards creation under the AGMA and ABMA brands, more robust education and workforce development programs, a strong connection of the supply chain via face-to-face events, two industry publications, and advocacy at the Federal government. “The creation of the MPMA comes at a crucial time in our industry, where we are seeing a growth in gearing and bearing sales, and a consolidation of the companies that create these mechanical power solutions,” said Sara Zimmerman, MPMA chair and vice president of customer experience and product, Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America. “I look forward to working closely with Vice Chair Matt Frady from Dodge Industrial, and the entire board of directors as we forge a new path for this dynamic industry.” The Motion + Power Technology Expo 2025 is doubling down on these efforts. MPT Expo will feature more than 150 of the world’s leading gear companies, machine tool suppliers, and electric drive solutions providers, including Timken Power Systems, Meritor, EMAG LLC, Gleason Corporation, Kapp Group, Nidec Machine Tool America and others. Attendees will see manufacturing processes and experience the latest product technologies and machine demonstrations firsthand. Think Big, Not Safe The evolution of the Motion + Power Technology Expo is noteworthy. The show and its diverse team of talent has come a long way from 22 tabletop exhibits at the FTM in Chicago back in 1986. The Expo has made a strong case for innovation and expansion by focusing on gear and PT systems. Technology and industry growth will always be the show’s focal point. Gear Technology’s former resident author summed it up best in an article about the changes facing companies involved in gears, bearings, motors, etc. “Many wonderful opportunities are coming in alternative energy, environmental remediation, electric vehicles and infrastructure revitalization. Think big, not safe. When challenged, get the team together and brainstorm ways to reach that price point, to make that deadline, to figure out new ways to accomplish a better result. Don’t settle for being the last vendor standing in a dying market segment,” stated Charles Schultz, from a blog on the Gear Technology website.