KUKA Systems-Boeing 'matchmaking summit' to seek new Michigan aerospace suppliers

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI, Jan. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - It's the manufacturing world's version of speed-dating: a day-long summit next Thursday, Feb. 6, with Boeing Corp and KUKA Systems North America LLC to help potential aerospace suppliers find their niche in the supply chains of the two companies. KUKA Systems and Boeing supply-chain teams have identified over 50 procurement needs for which they would like to find and qualify Michigan companies.

The supplier summit is being organized by Pure Michigan Business Connect, an initiative of the State of Michigan. Gov Rick Snyder will address the opening session. After hearing overviews from KUKA System and Boeing about their respective requirements, suppliers will be able to engage in one-on-one "matchmaking meetings" with officials of the two companies to see how they might fill those needs. Over 500 supplier representatives have registered for the fully-subscribed event. Some are current KUKA Systems suppliers for the automotive sector whose products or services might be adaptable to aerospace manufacturing.

Boeing has direct supplier needs, while KUKA Systems, one of the world's leading systems integrators for the automotive industry, is supplying the aerospace giant with advanced manufacturing systems - engineering, tooling and technology. KUKA Systems been expanding in the aerospace sector by providing airframe manufacturers with productivity-enhancing solutions based on the assembly line and automation concepts it has developed for major automakers.

"This summit is an excellent diversification opportunity for some of our Michigan suppliers that already support us in the automotive sector," says Robert Reno, head of the global KUKA Systems Aerospace Division. "The aerospace industry tends to be less cyclical. An aircraft development program has a long lead time, often several years, and that plane will remain in production for even longer."

"We commend KUKA Systems and Boeing for their commitment to growing their business with Michigan suppliers," said Michael A. Finney, president and CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corp. "We estimate that since Pure Michigan Business Connect launched, the program has facilitated $1.6 billion in revenue for Michigan companies. This supplier summit, with more than 50 procurement needs, will mean even more growth opportunities for Michigan businesses."

Event Date: Thursday 6^th February, 2014
Location: General Motors Heritage Center
6400 Center Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Time: 7.30am - 5.30pm

Note to Media: Media are invited to attend the morning events, including Gov. Snyder's address. Please pre-register by contacting Jane Thompson at [email protected] or by phone at [phone] (x4384). There will be an interview availability with KUKA Systems and Boeing representatives.

ABOUT KUKA SYSTEMS:

KUKA Systems is the reliable specialist for innovative joining and forming processes for a wide range of materials as well as one of the world's leading suppliers of automated production and assembly solutions for sustainable industrial manufacturing. The international system integrator stands out in systems, tool & die and special-machine engineering thanks to customer focus, technological leadership and superior solutions. Around 3,900 employees across all market sectors are working on automation solutions for the products of tomorrow — from engineering, project management and systems implementation through to after-sales service. The KUKA Systems group achieved an order volume of over €1.1 billion in Europe, Asia and the Americas in the 2012 business year. KUKA Systems North America LLC, based in Sterling Heights. Michigan, is part of KUKA Systems Group, a leading global supplier of flexible manufacturing systems for the automotive, aerospace, railway, energy and other industries in which highly automated processes and other assembly line concepts are required.

ABOUT PURE MICHIGAN BUSINESS CONNECT:

Launched in 2011, Pure Michigan Business Connect is a public-private alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, state agencies and major Michigan companies and organizations that connects in-state companies to business resources. Companies can find new ways to raise capital, get access to professional business services at little or no cost, connect with each other through a new business-to-business network, and identify potential supplier opportunities, while developing resources to improve their supply chains.

SOURCE: KUKA Systems Corporation North America

KUKA Systems North America LLC
Jane Thompson
Ph : [phone] (x4384)
Cell : [phone]
email [email protected]
Web www.kukanao.com

Michigan Economic Development Corporation 
Kathy Fagan

Ph: [phone]
Cell: [phone]
email [email protected]