Autocam sponsors 2014 Governor's Education Summit

Apr 4 2014

Autocam Corp is a leading precision manufacturer for both the automotive and medical industries and recently announced it is sponsoring Governor Rick Snyder's Governor's Education Summit taking place on April 24, 2014. Autocam is committed to investment in education, jobs creation and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Autocam has offered talent development programs for technicians and engineers for nearly 25 years in efforts to close the skills gap in the advanced manufacturing workforce. The company formalized its technician-training program in 2012 to create the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP), a progressive learn-and-earn educational program through the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) using formal and on-the-job training to jumpstart the careers of young talent.

Autocam has been actively working with West Michigan manufacturers in efforts to expand the partnership program. Currently, there are nine (9) participating manufacturing companies within the partnership and most recently there are fifteen newly interested manufacturing companies.

"It is all about our associates and a healthy industry," says John Kennedy, founder and CEO of Autocam. "Our long-term success has always been and will always be about our team and their exceptional abilities. Providing broad access to learn-and-earn programs we will continue to offer high paying jobs and contribute to a healthy US manufacturing industry which is thriving due to demand for components to support the newest fuel system technologies."

Autocam investments are not limited to people. The company has invested over $50 million in North America in equipment and new processes to support the demanding technical requirements of Gasoline Direct Injection and High Pressure Diesel fuel system technologies that will continue to proliferate into more vehicles.

Autocam recently launched into high volume GDI production supplying key components for General Motors' LT1 engine, which debuted in the 2014 Corvette Stingray and the EcoTec3 engine for GM's 2014 pick up trucks. Both vehicles, the Corvette Stingray and Chevy Silverado were named 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year at the North American International Autoshow (NAIAS.)

"GDI technology is a game changer for precision manufacturing," says John Buchan, Autocam's COO. "Using unprecedented machining equipment and process technology, we are machining millions of parts each year out of new specialty steels, holding single digit micron tolerances to support our customers."

In the global automotive industry, the demand for precision manufacturing is on the rise primarily driven by the need for better fuel economy. Autocam plays a critical role in developing the manufacturing know-how through people and innovation to meet those demands by producing very technically exact precision machine parts (1.5 million parts per day.) Autocam is leading the way in the trends supporting US manufacturing resurgence by providing expertise and know-how, working closely with it's customers in developing innovative solutions to meet market demands, and supporting training and investment in people and processes.