DETROIT (Sept. 11) — Rubber & Plastics News and Excel Polymers L.L.C. will organize the first Automotive Rubber Executive Conference May 6-7, 2008, in Plymouth, Mich.
The event will be directed toward executive-level managers at rubber component manufacturing companies, as well as Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. It will take place at the Inn at St. John´s.
"With all the changes taking place in the OEM structure, process and business model, we believe that an executive conference will provide information on how each segment of the rubber product supply chain can establish a sound foundation for growing sales and re-establishing profitability," said Bob Simmons, publications director for Crain Communications Inc.´s polymer group of publications.
Robert Russell, market development manager-transportation for Excel Polymers, will serve as the chairman of the event, and is accepting papers for inclusion in the conference.
Papers should focus on changes in the tier structure and the impact on rubber product manufacturers, the evolution of the manufacturer/supplier continuum, consolidation in the supplier community, new ERP/EDI packaged systems, supplier relationships with transplant OEMs, out- sourcing/in-sourcing, creating success in a global economy, threats and opportunities to the automotive rubber industry and elastomer industry growth trends/global supply and demand analysis.
Russell may be reached at 248-994-2226 or by e-mail at [email protected] Paper selections will be made by Dec. 3.
"We are excited to be a sponsor of this new conference," said John Quinn, Excel Polymers president and CEO. "Excel Polymers is continuing to extend its leadership in the supply of compounded elastomers to the automotive industry. This conference is another avenue to bring together leaders in the industry and share knowledge about doing business."