Harbour Results, Inc. Supports Michigan's Efforts To Strengthen Tooling Industry

Preparing the industry for future increased demand identified by the 2013 Automotive Vendor Tooling Study

Traverse City, MI /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Harbour Results, Inc. (HRI) is supporting the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) effort to bolster the state's tooling industry, which is vital to the automotive industry and vehicle development process.

In collaboration with the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), HRI is helping MEDC optimize its Tool and Die Collaboratives by convening Michigan's tool and die suppliers to help facilitate growth. By leading peer discussion, benchmarking, enhanced professional development and sharing best practices, HRI will assist in the state's goal to remain a leader in tooling while preparing for the anticipated increase in tooling production demand.

"Michigan houses 867 tool and die shops, more than any other state, yielding nearly 24,000 direct jobs," said Nigel Francis, senior automotive adviser to the state of Michigan. "Tooling is a critical part of the automotive industry's value stream and the MEDC is focused on attracting and retaining suppliers to compete globally and maintain Michigan's leadership."

According to the 2013 Automotive Vendor Tooling Study, released by HRI last October, the vendor tooling industry is expected to grow from today's demand of $9.25 billion to $15.2 billion. There are a number of factors leading to this $6 billion demand increase, including:

• Mass customization and increased vehicle and part complexity leading to a higher mix of content with much lower volumes

• Europe and Asian OEM desire to localize more of their tool production to North America due to their increases in volume and products

• Increased vehicle content

• Unprecedented number of OEM vehicles launched

• Skilled labor shortage

• Increased price pressure

• Reshoring of tools back to North America

• Demand from other industries such as appliance, consumer goods and aviation

"Tooling capacity will become a serious challenge for the automotive industry in the near future," said Laurie Harbour, president and CEO of Harbour Results, Inc. "Michigan and its robust tooling industry will be key in meeting this increased demand. HRI is committed to ensuring the state's tool and die shops continue to compete in the global marketplace."

In addition to its work with the MEDC, HRI is assisting in facilitating the OESA Tooling Forum, a group of independent manufacturers of tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for the automotive industry. Forum members discuss items of shared interest and seek solutions on common issues such as the skilled labor shortage.

"As a resource to the automotive original equipment supplier industry, creating a peer group specific to the tooling industry was important for the health of the entire value chain, said OESA President and CEO Julie A. Fream. "Teaming with HRI to leverage its industry knowledge and experience was a natural fit."

HRI also works with tooling companies throughout North America to help improve operational efficiencies and develop and implement business and leadership strategies.

"We appreciate the support HRI has provided and look forward to working together to further improve the tooling industry, which in turn supports the state's long-term automotive growth strategy," added Francis.

About Harbour Results, Inc.:

Harbour Results, Inc. offers operational and strategic advisory expertise, and proprietary assessment programs to equip companies for the economic and customer obstacles that cannot be predicted. Partnering with companies in automotive, aerospace, heavy truck and agriculture, marine, medical and motorcycle industries, Harbour Results analyzes a company's operations compared to its competitors, identifies existing gaps, develops a roadmap to correct those gaps and implements a sustainable transformation process to achieve success. In addition, the company publishes comprehensive studies on the automotive industry. Headquartered in downtown Royal Oak, Michigan, Harbour Results was founded in 2005 by industry analyst Laurie Harbour. Today, the Harbour Results team is comprised of manufacturing experts, and clients also have exclusive access to Harbour Results' network of partner companies and worldwide resources.

About the HRI 2013 Vendor Tooling Study:

The HRI 2013 Automotive Vendor Tooling Study was conducted in partnership with OESA and with support from LMC Automotive and Clinton Aluminum. For the full study or more information, contact Harbour Results at info@harbourresults.com or 248-629-9331.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation:

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan's economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org. Michigan residents interested in seeking employment with any of Michigan's growing companies should check mitalent.org, where more than 79,000 jobs are currently available in a variety of industries.

About Original Equipment Suppliers Association

Formed in August 1998, OESA provides a forum for automotive suppliers by addressing issues of common concern through peer group councils, serving as a reliable source of information and analysis, providing an industry voice on issues of interest and serving as a positive change agent to the automotive industry. With 450 member companies, OESA represents more than 70 percent of North American automotive supplier sales.

For more information, visit http:// www.oesa.org. OESA is a division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).