U.S. manufacturers have been hit hard by the forces of global competition. The domestic automotive tooling industry (heavily concentrated in Michigan) has suffered more than most sectors. Roughly one-third of Michigan’s automotive tooling industry has failed to survive the past 10 years.  Is tooling the proverbial “canary in the coal mine,” signaling the ultimate demise of American manufacturing? Or are there important lessons to be learned from those tooling suppliers who are surviving and thriving in this difficult environment? This workshop will explore successful business strategies in automotive tooling.

The discussion will focus on the following:

• The ability to source tools globally means that tools are often treated as commodities—with jobs being won by the lowest bidder. But can all tooling really be considered commodities?
• Do the domestic tool shops have the technological sophistication and manufacturing superiority necessary to sustain their businesses on shore?
• Should the industry consider an international model where some engineering, tools and components are completed off shore, with project management and specific capabilities retained by the domestic shops? 
• Are the opportunities for partnerships and collaboration in tooling development and support sufficient to overcome the significant price advantages than can be had through off-shoring?

Automotive tooling suppliers from several regions, domestic and international OEM tooling customers, and industry analysts will provide participants with concrete examples and insights into how collaborative partnerships are improving the tooling industry.

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