RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – This year marks the 110th year of the founding of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), which has served as “The Voice for Suppliers” since 1904. The association has announced it will mark its anniversary with a new global vision and a commitment to assist its more than 1,000 member companies embracing industry changes that will drive new opportunities for members to succeed. 
“Through our industry impact study released in 2013, we have clearly established that suppliers are vital economic drivers and job creators across America,” said President and CEO Steve Handschuh. “The total employment impact from the U.S. motor vehicle supplier industry is 3.62 million employees – the largest manufacturing sector in the U.S. – for every direct job in the motor vehicle supplier industry, another five jobs are created."
“As motor vehicle parts suppliers operate in an increasingly technological and global business environment, it is more critical than ever for us to work together and to speak with one voice on the important issues facing our industry,” added John Corey, president and CEO of Stoneridge Inc. and chairman of the MEMA Board of Directors. “For 110 years, MEMA has served as ‘The Voice for Suppliers’ and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the more than 1,000 companies that manufacture components and systems for use in motor vehicles and equipment in the light vehicle and heavy-duty, on- and off-highway commercial vehicle markets for the original equipment and aftermarket industries.”
Today’s motor vehicle industry is also a technology industry, Handschuh explained. “Parts suppliers manufacture more than two-thirds of the value in today’s vehicles and are at the forefront of research, development and production of vehicle technologies such as connected cars, autonomous vehicles and much more,” he said. “MEMA and its divisions – the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association – are helping member companies capitalize on the opportunities created by new technology and use them to their advantage.”
The motor vehicle industry has become a global industry with growth areas on all continents. “The needs of suppliers are greater now than ever before as they adapt to industry changes and increased globalization,” Handschuh stated. “MEMA also is expanding its global influence to enhance the services provided by the association and its market segment associations in support of its members.”
MEMA’s 110th year of service to the supplier industry will be celebrated at key industry events throughout the year, Handschuh noted. “MEMA is committed to continuing to meet its members’ needs and to serving as ‘The Voice for the Supplier Industry,’” he said.
