In support of automotive manufacturers’ efforts to boost minority supplier development and industry participation, the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) is collaborating with the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) to prepare minority businesses for direct part sourcing, where a direct part supplier is one whose component, material or service is part of the finished vehicle.
“The development of minority businesses for direct part sourcing is mission critical for OEM and Tier 1 suppliers,” said J. Scot Sharland, executive director of AIAG. “MMSDC and AIAG share a singularity of purpose and speak with a common voice.”
AIAG is offering free memberships ($1,000/year value) to any current or prospective minority direct part suppliers with under $20 million in annual sales. Qualifying suppliers will receive the free membership for five years.
“We are making it easy for minority suppliers to participate in the AIAG experience,” said Nancy Malo, who leads AIAG’s minority supplier development strategy. Minority-owned businesses that meet AIAG’s sponsored-membership criteria are offered:
- Free unlimited access to practitioner and enterprise knowledge self-assessments, guidance documents, best practices and associated e-learning
- Opportunities to participate in members-only committees
- Access to industry subject matter experts in quality, supply chain and corporate responsibility
- Discounts to any AIAG industry events and training
- Free company listing in AIAG’s Supplier Connect Database
“AIAG can provide the tools and training to accelerate development of minority suppliers and deliver more predictable manufacturing outcomes at minimal cost,” said Malo, “but we need the collaboration of organizations like MMSDC that represent minority business enterprises.”
MMSDC will focus on advocacy, personnel development and access to capital, while AIAG’s emphasis will be quality management systems, supply chain management, corporate responsibility and environmental compliance.
“Despite significant effort, the industry has not been successful in building sufficient capacity and capabilities among minority direct part suppliers,” said Sharland. “We look forward to showing minority supplier businesses what AIAG can do for them. The automotive industry needs more minority direct part sourcing, and we need it now.”
AIAG is planning a June “Lunch & Learn” session to introduce AIAG to MMSDC members. For more information, contact [email protected].
