January 11, 2012

Posted by Ann Wilson

As the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, motor vehicle parts suppliers directly employ over 685,000 people across the nation.  Retaining valuable domestic manufacturing jobs here in the United States continues to be a subject of national debate and MEMA is thankful that issues critical to manufacturing continue to be addressed in such a public light. 

This month alone, the motor vehicle parts supplier industry has been a favorite topic of nationwide discussion.  The Atlantic recently published the article, Making it in America, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by aftermarket supplier, Standard Motor Company.  Additionally, supplier companies AGS Automotive, DuPont, Siemens, and Thyssenkrup all participated in a White House forum on the topic of “insourcing” while also exchanging ideas on ways to encourage more companies to invest in the U.S. and how to create more domestic manufacturing jobs. 

From the motor vehicle parts supplier industry’s perspective, this discussion is indeed positive.  We hope to see these thoughts and ideas translated into action – a renewed focus on research and development, investment in advanced vehicle technologies, and worker training programs that address the skills needed for a changing industry. 

MEMA will continue to work with Congress and the Administration on policies that will help achieve our desired result of adding more manufacturing jobs in this country.  For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry’s policy objectives for the coming year, please contact Ann Wilson.