MRC Membership Benefits
There are several significant benefits that companies may realize from membership in the UT Maintenance and Reliability Center. Listed below are several of those benefits that have led our current members to join and to be active participants in the MRC.
Preferred Access to Uniquely Qualified Students and Graduates
A primary reason that several companies are part of the MRC is to tap into the stream of outstanding graduates from the only U.S. program of this type that meets their requirements. The young men and women graduating with our Certification have earned an engineering degree in their particular discipline, completed certain specific Maintenance and Reliability course work, participated in two weeks of intensive Maintenance and Reliability training, and spent at least two 12 week internships with an MRC member company. Others have earned a Minor in Reliability and Maintainability Engineering along with their Major discipline. Still others have participated in internships to gain valuable experience, but not taken the elective coursework.
Access to Information
Member Company representatives receive important information through several channels - both formal and informal. Our semi-annual member meetings are high-value forums for information exchange with our member companies sharing best practices, reviewing new technologies, and discussing leading edge management approaches. Meetings often include case studies presented by member companies and other recognized authorities. MARCON, our annual conference, continues to grow in attendance and in quality and relevance of the papers presented. Our quarterly newsletter keeps members updated on MRC activities & includes technical articles of interest. The Center also acts as an informal clearinghouse, passing along pertinent information to its members, putting members in contact with other appropriate sources of pertinent information, facilitating member contacts, etc.
Facilitated Networking
Our member companies belong to a very unique group whose members share a common vision and a desire to continuously improve their maintenance and reliability practices. Relationships developed at MRC functions frequently lead to further positive contacts outside of formal MRC activities. The MRC staff actively encourages, promotes, and assists in this networking.
Research and Technology Assessment
As a major university, research and technology assessment is an integral part of our culture. Faculty, graduate research assistants, laboratories, connections to the National Science Foundation and close relations to several National Laboratories facilitate our ability to provide excellent performance in this area. Sponsorship of MRC projects is optional; not all of our members choose to participate. However, those that do participate get substantial benefits from projects that they specify, approve and monitor. Our funding method and project management approach ensures that the companies "get what they pay for". The research work we did on shaft alignment and energy savings is a good example, providing sponsoring companies with savings that totaled many times the amount spent to sponsor the project.
Business Opportunities
There is no commercial activity at MRC functions, but our meetings do provide opportunities for companies to learn about one another and to make important contacts. Several business alliances, and even partnerships, have grown out of contacts initially made at MRC activities.
Cost Savings
Member companies are entitled to cost discounts on most of our "for fee" programs (executive seminars, short courses, annual conference, etc.). While this may not offset the cost of our dues, it does provide recognition of the member status.
Contact Information
Maintenance and Reliability Center
506 East Stadium
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-9625
Fax: (865) 974-4995