The American Machine Tool Distributors Assn. named John Healy as its new president, effective Nov. 14.

AMTDA, headquartered in Rockville, Md., represents independent distributors and builders of machine tools and related products used in the metalworking industry.

Healy had been the CEO of the 360Solutions Group in Washington, D.C. He succeeds Ralph Nappi, who had served as AMTDA president for 19 years. Nappi is now president of the NPES: The Assn. for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies.

Among the challenges facing AMTDA, Healy said, were "how we can further improve the value proposition of membership, making membership so compelling that distributors throughout the U.S. will want to get on board and join."

AMTDA has about 500 members, Healy said. While he knows he is representing a group of industries that has seen some difficult times, he is upbeat about AMTDA and U.S. manufacturing.

"We've had a good year in 2005, and are seeing very positive signs that it will be strong [in '06]," Healy said. "In talking to our members, I think there's a great deal of pride and optimism about the future of U.S. manufacturing. I'm even hearing stories of jobs coming back here from overseas."

Healy also pointed to the United States' ability to get the skilled labor needed to run increasingly more sophisticated equipment as another positive sign for domestic manufacturing.

"John was the unanimous choice of AMTDA's search committee," said James Addy, chairman of the board for AMTDA. "I look forward to working with him and improving the value of AMTDA membership for all our members."

Healy's previous association experience includes a stint as president and CEO of the National Pallet & Container Assn. in Arlington, Va.