Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Post

I caught a lot of hell for going to work for a Japanese car company (Nissan) in 1994. After all, I grew up in GM country (Mid-Michigan) and saw the damage done to the US Auto Industry by the Japanese. I was un-American to even consider working for the Japanese. But, the answer was really simple. When I graduated college I got ZERO interest from the US Big 3 - Ford, GM, or Chrysler. I had good grades and was a local boy, but I didn’t have what they were looking for. But you know what….NISSAN decided they liked me and offered me a good job that was a great start to my career. I wasn’t allowed to park my Nissan in some of my friend’s driveways because I was a traitor to American auto. Fast forward 30 years and the company I work for now is attempting to merge with Nippon Steel, the largest steel maker in Japan and the 3rd largest in the world. They are trying to build a company to counteract the Chinese threat in the global steel market. I’m hearing the same things I heard 30 years ago….such as remember Pearl Harbor, American company’s need to be American, don’t sell out your country, etc…. Let’s get this straight. Japan is America’s strongest Asian ally and are our bulwark against China. They believe in the free market and they believe in doing business for the long haul. They invest in America and those companies thrive (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Sony, etc. etc). Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of AMERICANS have great jobs working for Japanese companies. They pay taxes, fund good schools, and their local communities thrive as a result. Nippon Steel is offering my company a life-line to make our facilities better and to preserve our American Jobs. Being part of a global steel leader gives us access to capital and technologies that were previously unavailable to a company our size. As a shareholder I voted yes for the acquisition. As a proud 26 year and 2nd generation employee of United States Steel Corporation I see this as a good deal for me, my family, my coworkers, and my customers. The political rhetoric needs to stop and our government needs to let business be business. There is a long history of foreign ownership of US mills, this is not a first of its kind situation. Let the deal go through! These statements and opinions are my own. United States Steel Corporation

I was thrilled to represent General Motors at the MOVE America Conference this week where I joined Ernest Scheyder and other industry experts to discuss supply chain resiliency.   At GM, we’re building a strong, secure North American EV supply chain. This strategy includes multiple global companies and covers the entire ecosystem, from raw materials like lithium, nickel, cobalt and full CAM supply to components like battery cells and drive units, as well as manufacturing and recycling.   By localizing this supply chain, GM and our supplier network are creating jobs across the U.S. and Canada, including the states of California, Nevada, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and New York and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.   Strategies like these are driving innovation, job creation and American competitiveness.

Ready to chase your dreams? Let Magna Thomson help you make the move! 🚀 "𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮, 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘫𝘶𝘮𝘱 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘭𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦." — 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘥 Powerful words that resonate with the unwavering determination it takes to achieve your dreams. At Magna Thomson, we understand that pursuing your dreams sometimes means making a big move – literally. Whether it's relocating for a new job, starting a business in a new city, or simply chasing a change of scenery, we're here to support you every step of the way. We'll handle the hurdles of packing, logistics, and paperwork. We'll navigate the challenges of moving, no matter the distance or complexity. Your dreams are worth chasing. Choose Magna Thomson as your moving partner, and let's make your dreams a reality. ✨ https://lnkd.in/dAJbrpe #mondaymotivation #movinghouse #magnathomson #internationalmovers #internationalmove #localmove #chaseyourdreams #movingcompany #moving #movingservices #relocations #movingmadeeasy

During my recent visit to Detroit, the historic epicenter of the American automotive industry, I reflected on how the sector’s evolution impacts not just car manufacturers but the entire network of suppliers integral to the industry’s success. Detroit, once known as the “Motor City,” earned its reputation through groundbreaking shifts in manufacturing practices, notably the assembly line. This innovation did more than streamline car production; it catalyzed the development of a layered supplier network, categorized into tiers, that became the backbone of automotive manufacturing. Over the decades, the automotive industry faced numerous challenges, from economic downturns to intense global competition, prompting a reevaluation of production and supply strategies. The intricate supply chains that once powered these manufacturers began to reveal vulnerabilities, particularly with distant overseas Nowadays, in response to these challenges, nearshoring has emerged as a strategic solution. By relocating operations to neighboring countries like Mexico, automotive suppliers benefit from reduced logistical costs, improved supply chain control, and better alignment with production demands. This shift is not just about proximity; it’s about enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness to market needs. The future points towards more resilient and adaptable supply chain models. Suppliers are increasingly looking at nearshoring as a way to mitigate risks and capitalize on the growing automotive market in Mexico. Are you an automotive supplier considering nearshoring your operations to Mexico? Contact me for a strategic consultation to explore how we can support your growth and integration into this Mexico’s vibrant market. www.mexi-grow.com/calendar

A door need to fit by design and not by default. There is a wonderful story to understand above. Once a group of American car executives went to Japan to see a Japanese assembly line. At the end of the line, the doors were put on the hinges, the same as in America. But something was missing. In the United States, a line worker would take a rubber mallet and tap the edges of the door to ensure that it fit perfectly. In Japan, that job didn't seem to exist. Confused, the American auto executives asked at what point they made sure the door fit perfectly. Their Japanese guide looked at them and smiled sheepishly. "We make sure it fits when we design it." In the Japanese auto plant, they didn't examine the problem and accumulate data to figure out the best solution.They engineered the outcome they wanted from the beginning. Similarly there are organisations and management who decide to manipulate the door to fit to achieve the desired result and there are those who start from somewhere very different. What are you???? #corporate #management #thought #CA #mba #life

It's a common refrain: America innovates, Europe regulates, and China imitates. Over time America has steadily increased regulation, becoming more like Europe. Meanwhile, China is evolving from a copier to an innovator. It's crucial to stop demonizing our innovators for their success and becoming billionaires because they have been the engine that has fueled America's excellence. This story about Ford and Jim Farley sheds light on China's advancements in innovating the auto industry. We are not entitled to our leadership position.

Financial News Quote on Quote: "If we truly are in the midst of an emergency, then how do we go about boosting Canadian productivity?" "Investing more in modern machinery, equipment and new technology is one surefire way of spiking productivity, at least in the short-term. Training workers and upgrading job skills is another. Both are viable options singled out by Rogers as potential remedies." "The profit-sharing culture that we established at Magna, which we called “Fair Enterprise,” gave everyone at the company a stake in how the business performed and a share of the profits. After we started sharing profits with all our employees, productivity went through the roof, and we began generating spectacular growth in sales and profits." https://lnkd.in/e7efn9iv

This year, as the leading European Tier 1 suppliers announced factory closures and layoffs in Europe and beyond, Volkswagen stated on September 2nd that it may close a German manufacturing and components plant. The company is also ending employment protection agreements to cut costs in Germany to competitive levels. The automotive industry's competition has escalated from subtle tension to open conflict. According to consultancy firm FalkenSteg, the first half of 2024 saw 20 German automotive parts suppliers with annual revenues exceeding 10 million euros (approximately US$10.9 million) file for bankruptcy. This represents a staggering YoY increase of over 60%. As Chinese manufacturers—known for stronger NEVs’ innovation, shorter R&D cycles, and stricter cost control—expand into the market, traditional European OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are pursuing more competitive strategies to cope with a weakening market and the aggressive competitors. "China has become the world's 'fitness center' for automotive companies." According to public data, I conducted the “New investment and construction of foreign-funded Tier-1 in China (partial)” footprint graph to verify my statement: By early September, more than a dozen foreign Tier 1 suppliers had launched new investment projects in China, marking a significant transition from "Made in China" to "Designed in China." Reference: https://lnkd.in/eXSv9kiN https://lnkd.in/eNxyeFBE #Bosch #Forvia #Continental #ZF #Volkswagen #LG #magna #micron #adient #aptiv #schaeffler #domo #Europe #France #Germany #China #automobile #Tech #strategy #Tier1

Had an eye-opening visit to Ford Motor Company's Cost Benchmarking department today. Witnessing firsthand how they dissect competitor vehicles to compare parts and costs was truly fascinating. **Key takeaways:** Precision matters: Even the smallest detail can significantly impact a vehicle's cost. Data-driven decisions: Their meticulous analysis of component prices helps them stay competitive in the market. It's inspiring to see how companies like Ford are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Who knew that a teardown could be so insightful? **Interesting fact: ** One of the former employee started their own company after retiring from the job. It's a great example of how experience and knowledge can lead to entrepreneurial success. Most people retire as employees, but thoughtful leaders see opportunities to influence others and create something new.

Making great cars requires a huge amount of teamwork, not just within Nissan but with our partner companies who represent tens of thousands of people working in our supply chain. At our AMIEO Supplier Conference this week I was really struck by the size and scale of that teamwork, with trusted relationships built over many decades. We work together in true partnership, which is fundamental to our collective success. We gave the wider team a preview of the exciting projects and plans we have for the region, and enjoyed some really open discussions about how best we can all work together. Our industry is transforming, and I know we can count on these partnerships, and our collective agility, to make the most of the opportunities ahead. #Nissan #Partnership #SupplyChain