NEW YORK, July 12, 2005 - In an effort to broaden its global outreach to engineers in Europe and surrounding markets, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced the opening of an office in Brussels, Belgium.

The initial role of the Society's first European office is to assess the state of engineering practice in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and gauge the local technical community's interest in the products and services of ASME.

The Brussels office will promote dialogue with local engineers, corporations, educational institutions, and technical associations as well as administer programs and events. The focus of the outreach efforts will include government relations, continuing education, and technical codes and standards. Jeroen van Liempd will serve as director of operations.

One important activity of the Brussels office is gain information from Europe's technical community. The staff of the office has begun to meet with engineers and their employers to gain an understanding of the needs and challenges facing Europe's engineering and technology community and also to assess the interests and needs of young practitioners.

Through data compiled by the office, ASME can determine potential new markets and customers for its array of technical products and services.

The establishment of the office in Brussels supports the Society's organizational strategy to be a global provider of products and services, including continuing education programs and materials, technical publications, conferences and events, and codes and standards.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today's ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the worldwide engineering and technology community. In 2005, ASME celebrates 125 years of continued service and leadership - setting the standard for professional engineering societies worldwide.

John Varrasi / ASME