The Association For Manufacturing Technology, on June 1, urged the U.S Congress and the Administration to protect the manufacturing technology supplier base in the wake of GM's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
"While it is unfortunate to see an industry icon such as GM fall into insolvency, the association also recognizes that bankruptcy can often lead to a company emerging leaner, more responsive and with a business plan that is more likely to lead to success than the status quo. Manufacturing technology suppliers are a crucial component to ensuring that a revived GM is once again a top international competitor, with the ability to produce the most advanced vehicles in the world. But if government fails to act, a number of those technology suppliers might not exist to further the mission of a revitalized American automotive industry," AMT said.
"One critical action that government can take right now is to expand the Auto Supplier Support Program to include manufacturing technology providers up and down the supply chain, as currently they are not receiving any direct funds from the program," said Douglas K. Woods, AMT President. "Additionally, GM has so far received $19.4 billion from the federal government to cover operations and losses. The total could reach as much as $50 billion in government support. Some portion of the additional funds should be funneled toward its key manufacturing technology providers."
The group said that it "implores the Administration and Congress to ensure that automotive supply chain participants are protected and also encouraged to continue toward the rebuilding of GM. Without them, American manufacturing faces a bleak, uncertain future."
