Joe Kane, the CEO of Rollomatic, a Swiss-based builder of high-precision CNC multiaxis grinding machines, explains it well: “We are in a very niche area within manufacturing, but manufacturing, in general, is a niche field. Our challenges are not always the same as the dry cleaners and car dealers down the street.”
He says that being part a community of manufacturers dealing with similar issues is why his company is a proud member of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology: “AMT provides a space where you can find other people who understand your day-to-day. When you engage with AMT leadership groups, attend events, and use the services, you will see a huge benefit.”
Community Is Big for Small Businesses
Kane’s career in manufacturing started in shipping and receiving and led to the C-suite.
“I think the big secret to my success has always been putting my hand in the air and volunteering,” he says. “At small businesses like Rollomatic, you’re asked to wear many hats. The only way you get the experience you need is by being flexible and open to wearing those hats, figuring it out, and continuing to grow.”
That small-business mentality has kept Kane in manufacturing all these years. “So many of our customers are small or medium-sized family-owned businesses. There’s pride in their products because they have put everything on the line – even taking out second mortgages to keep going.”
As a CEO of a small business, Kane leverages AMT leadership groups to network and connect with other industry leaders who are navigating the same uncertainties. “People say it’s lonely at the top, but I don’t think it is. It’s more insulated at the top, but you can break through that,” Kane explains.
For Kane, the AMT leadership group provides a way to step outside his own echo chamber and gain candid feedback and advice from other leaders facing similar challenges. “The value of AMT membership lies in the connections and the networking,” he concludes.
Events Add Value
MTForecast, AMT’s signature event focused on economics, market forecasting, and strategy-building, is particularly valuable for Rollomatic. The annual conference highlights economic trends and provides data analysis relevant to manufacturers. Kane and his team use the information they gather there to set achievable goals and milestones every year.
IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show is also a can’t-miss event for Rollomatic. Each IMTS, the company takes advantage of the exhibition discounts offered by its AMT membership, and for 2026, it is investing in a prime spot near the entrance to the North Hall in the Abrasive Machining Sector.
“Our applications team has really focused on increasing our rate of response on test drives and cycle-time studies. We’ve seen that rate at least triple every IMTS year,” says Kane. “We have also been able to attract new customers at IMTS, like defense manufacturers or larger OEMs who are looking for grinding or performance tools.”
The Impact of AMT
Manufacturers make. They transform raw materials into functional items. This drive to create unites the industry – from the C-suite to the shop floor. Through AMT membership, Kane has found his fellow creators and is leveraging their insight and support to help Rollomatic grow. As it turns out, it is not lonely in manufacturing or at the top – if you know where to turn.
Learn more about AMT member benefits and find members.
