As the automotive industry continues to rebound, and vehicle production reaches new highs, automakers are responding to the increased demand by pouring money into assembly operations. Manufacturing executives from the automotive industry will gather Oct. 28-30, 2014, in Rosemont, IL, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to see the latest technology in assembly operations for the 2nd annual ASSEMBLY Show, an event in North America that focuses exclusively on assembly technology, equipment and products.
"The automotive industry is definitely growing. Many OEMs and suppliers are investing millions of dollars in assembly automation-much of which will be seen at The ASSEMBLY Show," said John Sprovieri, Editor in Chief of ASSEMBLY magazine. "With 46 percent of the total workforce in the U.S. auto industry located in Illinois and the five surrounding states, the Rosemont Convention Center is the ideal place for auto industry executives to see the newest products and technologies as they build new assembly plants."
According to market research firm IHS, vehicle production in North America set a 13-year high in 2013. North American automakers produced over 16 million cars and trucks in 2013, up 4.5 percent from 2012 and nearly double 2009, when the market was deep in the recession. The U.S. market is expected to rise by at least another 4 percent in 2014 and to peak at nearly 17 million units in 2017 before leveling off. Worldwide, automotive OEMs are expected to sell 85 million vehicles in 2014, up from an estimated 82 million in 2013. By 2018, sales are forecast to break 100 million units.
Automakers are responding to the increased demand by pouring money into assembly operations. In December, GM announced plans to invest $1.3 billion in five manufacturing sites in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. This investment will be used to produce new fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, enhance vehicle quality and streamline logistics. The company expects this latest investment to create or retain about 1,000 jobs. Also, Ford plans to launch 23 new vehicles globally next year. It expects to open three new assembly plants and increase its U.S. workforce by more than 5,000 people.
Suppliers are also investing in assembly operations. In just the past six months:
"Taesung Alabama broke ground on a $6.6 million assembly plant in Shorter, AL.
"Grupo Antolin is spending more than $15.7 million to build an assembly plant in Kansas City, MO
"Toyota Boshoku is investing $21 million and adding 180 jobs at its assembly plant in Mantachie, MS.
"BorgWarner is investing $24.6 million to expand its assembly plant in Seneca, SC.
"Inergy Automotive Systems has opened a new $110 million assembly plant in New Boston, MI, creating 400 new jobs.
"DENSO Corp. will open a new $2.2 million assembly plant in Montgomery, AL, that will employ 45 workers.
"Coram USA will invest $1.1 million to expand its assembly plant Fort Wayne, IN, creating 35 jobs.
"Feuer Powertrain has begun building a $140 million assembly plant in Tunica, MS, with plans to create 300 new jobs.
"Hino Manufacturing will invest more than $55 million to expand its assembly plant in Marion, AR, adding 200 new jobs.
"Delphi Automotive is investing $15 million to upgrade its assembly plant in Brookhaven, MS.
"GKN Driveline will spend at least $113.8 million to expand its assembly plant in Maiden, NC, adding 228 jobs within four years.
"Automotive exhaust and HVAC supplier Eberspaecher North America Inc. is investing $122 million to expand operations in Michigan.
The ASSEMLY Show exhibitors, including Gold Sponsor Ingersoll Rand, will offer the latest advances in robotics, screwdriving, adhesives, dispensing, plastics assembly, presses, conveyors, fasteners, workstations, welding, vision systems and more. The three-day event is free to attend and offers an expansive exhibit hall with interactive exhibitor booths showcasing new technologies; showcase theater presentations by subject matter experts; and networking opportunities with peers and solution providers at the Taste of Rosemont Welcome Reception.
Attendees will also have a chance to attend the keynote presentation: Bringing Jobs Back to the USA: Rebuilding America's Manufacturing Through Reshoring by Timothy J. Hutzel, President of Tim Hutzel Advisory Board Services, and David Lippert, President of Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co.
For more information contact:
Catrisha Fisher
The Assembly Show
847-405-4124
fisherc@bnpmedia.com
www.theassemblyshow.com