'Go North' Advises Unified Canadian Auto Parts Makers at 1998 SAE Show
23 February 1998
'Go North' Advises Unified Canadian Auto Parts Makers at 1998 SAE Show
DETROIT, Feb. 23 -- While the Big 3 automakers have been
doing business with suppliers in Auburn Hills and even Flint, they're looking
North _- way North to Canada -_ to strengthen their total supplier base.
Today a united group of more than 20 Canadian auto parts manufacturers
launched an effort to drive home the importance of Canadian suppliers to the
U.S. auto industry. The Canadian Consulate General in Detroit organized the
manufacturers and is bringing them together under one banner at the 1998 SAE
International Congress and Exposition.
Canadian auto suppliers are responsible for a growing share of the North
American auto parts business. Canada accounts for 17.6 percent of all North
American original equipment parts sales -_ up from 12.6 percent 10 years ago.
The Canadian auto parts industry has grown more than 400 percent from 1980 to
1995.
At this year's SAE, Canadian auto suppliers are presenting an increasingly
diverse mix of high tech design components and leading-edge materials
development. Some will be showcased for the first time. According to
Margaret Baxter, International Trade Officer for the Canadian Consulate
General, "The products further establish the Canadian auto parts industry as a
leading manufacturer for the global market in 1998 and into the millennium."
The Canadian presence also adds to the increased international flavor of this
year's show.
The Canadian auto parts manufacturers at SAE will display a wide range of
innovations including: new computer software that speeds the process of
design and shaping sheet metal for cars, software that enhances automotive
parts design and accuracy, new hybrid materials that are lighter in weight and
easier to mold, and biodegradable fibers that will likely play an important
role as Detroit automakers develop a new generation of environmentally
friendly "green" cars.
"Canada's auto parts manufacturing industry is well positioned for today's
changing supplier demands," said Baxter. "Surprisingly, a large number of
them are smaller firms." Seventy-seven percent of Canadian auto parts
manufacturers have fewer than 200 employees; and, 43 percent have fewer than
50 employees. According to Baxter, the smaller size ensures the companies
respond quickly to the changing supplier marketplace. "The companies have
to remain on the cutting edge. If they don't, they recognize their services
will no longer be needed."
The Canadian manufacturers also realize their strength is greater when
they combine forces. That's why 22 suppliers will be united under the banner
of the Canadian Consulate General at the Canadian National Stand at SAE
(Booths #1159, #1259 and #1359). They are: Accurate Mould Company Ltd.;
ACI-Automatic Cutting Inc.; AEA Technology, Advanced Scientific Computing
Inc.; Ajax Precision Manufacturing Ltd.; Algoma Steel Inc.; DBM reflex
Enterprises Inc.; Equipment Melpha Inc.; Forming Technologies Inc.; Injectech
Industries Inc.; Hematite Manufacturing Division of Pavaco Plastics; Jacobs &
Thompson Inc.; JIT Automation; Kenex Ltd.; Meridian Technologies Inc.; Noma
Automotive; PMG Technologies Inc.; SLP Automotive Canada; Thixotech; TransERA
Electronics Inc.; Vitana Corporation; Waltec Engineering Inc.; and, Weber
Manufacturing Ltd.
The Canadian Consulate General, Detroit provides a range of services to
assist Canadian companies with evaluating the U.S. market and develops
strategies for entering the market. It serves as a resource to link American
companies with Canadian manufacturers.
SOURCE Canadian Consulate General
