"Toyota Production System (TPS)" by Scott Miza of Toyota Supplier Support Center

Abstract

The Southeastern United States, and Kentucky in particular, have enjoyed dramatic growth in the automotive industry. OEMs, Tier suppliers, and supporting companies have migrated to the Southeast to take advantage of the economic (affordable labor, electric power, state taxes) and geographic (within a two-day drive of two-thirds of the nation’s buying power) benefits the region offers. As this trend continues, collaborative R&D that can further enhance the benefits automotive companies receive by locating operations in the Southeast can strengthen the region’s position as a center for the automotive industry. Further, in order to compete with the large technical centers located in the Detroit region, regional collaboration on technology will be needed.

SECAT, Inc. has proposed that regional automotive companies, Tier suppliers, material suppliers such as aluminum and magnesium companies, and the research community join forces to develop a Materials Technology Roadmap for the Southeast Automotive Industry. The presentation will provide an overview of technology roadmapping and present the background and strategy for developing a Materials Technology Roadmap for the Southeastern Automotive Industry.

Ross Brindle
Technology Roadmap Product Manager
Energetics

Ross has facilitated more than 100 vision and technology roadmapping workshops, strategic and program planning meetings, industry working groups, and executive seminars. Mr. Brindle has facilitated workshops for the aluminum, steel, chemical, welding, mining, agriculture, ceramics, powder metallurgy, industrial combustion, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, and electric cooperative industries. He also planned and executed a vision workshop for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program focusing on transportation. Mr. Brindle is experienced with all phases of the facilitated workshop process and has worked extensively with government and private-sector clients to conceptualize the desired product and develop an appropriate format. Mr. Brindle holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University.