West Michigan auto suppliers brace for continued upheaval
Regardless of when the historic UAW strike against General Motors Co. ultimately ends, the disruptive effect of lost production and earnings will linger, putting further strain on an industry already flagged by slowing sales and tariff disputes with China.
GM strike costs Gentex up to $8 million per week
ZEELAND — The United Auto Workers strike against General Motors has cost Tier 1 automotive supplier Gentex Corp. about $7 million to $8 million per week in lost sales.
With pending $13.2 billion deal, JCI to fully exit West Michigan auto supplier operations
HOLLAND — Johnson Controls International plc would exit its last remaining automotive industry manufacturing operations in West Michigan if it completes a transaction announced this week.
Optimism or Pessimism? Manufacturing execs express ‘caution’ for rest of 2018
As supply chains adjust to new realities in international trade, West Michigan manufacturers are entering the final months of 2018 with “caution.”
Auto suppliers push into tech deals to mitigate disruption
Manufacturers in the automotive supply chain are scooping up acquisitions in emerging technologies to break into new markets before their competition. By moving into alternative powertrains, connected car technologies, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, suppliers want to position themselves to get ahead of disruptions as the industry shifts to the “car of the future,” according to Jeff Zaleski, U.S. automotive deals leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, a global consulting firm.
Gentex sales up despite slump in auto production, supplier issue
Despite a decline in light vehicle production globally so far in 2018 and supply issues that affected product deliveries, automotive supplier Gentex Corp. saw higher sales in the first quarter.
Federal tax reform benefits manufacturers’ investments in automation equipment
For West Michigan manufacturers who are struggling both to find workers and to keep up with order volumes, the recent federal tax reform offers some welcome news.
Gov. Snyder calls for more employer involvement in new workforce development initiative
As Gov. Rick Snyder works to secure a $100 million commitment for his “Marshall Plan for Talent,” he also wants to tear down silos between the education and business communities.
Vehicle interiors become hub for innovation and technology
DETROIT — The push to offer autonomous driving, innovate new mobility options and differentiate models with new technology has upended many parts of the automotive industry.
Gentex partners with Swedish firm for iris-scanning technology
Automotive supplier Gentex Corp. announced long-term exclusive partnership with a Swedish tech firm.