Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association Leads Trade Discussion During Vice President Pence Visit to Detroit

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and one of its four divisions, the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), will host a senior-level automotive panel discussion on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, as part of an event that will engage United States Vice President Michael R. Pence on important issues related to the proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The event will include Vice President Pence, automotive industry stakeholders, and leadership in the motor vehicle parts supplier industry.  It will take place at Motor City Solutions, 25098 Brest Road, Taylor, MI 48180.

MEMA President and CEO Bill Long will introduce the vice president and welcome attendees to this important meeting aimed to highlight issues related to the USMCA, which is expected to go before Congress later this year.

The supplier industry has been unified in its argument that a strong North American trade deal and a stable supply chain are essential to allow U.S. businesses to remain competitive in a global marketplace.

“This meeting is taking place at a critical time,” said Long. “We have been working closely with the administration at the highest levels to iron out the details that will enable suppliers to fully realize the administrations objectives of job growth and a strong foundation for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. MEMA and our four divisions, OESA, HDMA, MERA and AASA are dedicated to advancing the business interests of suppliers.  Today’s meeting is a prime example of the power of our voice and relevance to the U.S. economy.”

“We are pleased to see the administration engaging with automotive manufacturers and suppliers,” said Julie A. Fream, president and CEO, OESA. “The success of the industry and the continued employment of hundreds of thousands of Americans depends on a strong, functioning North American supply chain.” 

In panel will feature OESA supplier-members: Joe Anderson, chairman and CEO of Tag Holdings; Jim Kamsickas, president and CEO of Dana Corporation; Don Walker, CEO, Magna International; and OEM representatives Lisa Drake, vice president, global powertrain and purchasing, Ford Motor Company, Everett Eissenstat, vice president, global public policy, General Motors;  and Scott Thiele, head of NAFTA purchasing and supply chain, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The meeting also includes representatives from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Manufacturers Association.