which produces an outstanding product offering freedom, utility and passion to its global customers. However, recent events within our industry clearly remind us that every part of an organization, from the supplier through to the final production facility, plays an absolutely crucial role in assuring that only components of the highest possible quality and robustness are produced. For many suppliers, the ultimate nightmare is an issue where a component gets outside the supplier's facility and...

The APMA is developing a number of options this summer towards the availability of co-op students to complete energy inventories and assessments for member companies.

To date, six APMA member facilities have collectively identified $300,000 worth of energy savings via the program supported by Natural Resources Canada.

A key component of this program is providing experience for engineering co-op students towards completing energy inventories and identifying savings opportunities at APMA member...

The APMA has completed six mini-energy audits (low hanging fruit) since last fall with the support of Natural Resources Canada. The results are as follows:

Some of the feedback from participating facilities:

"Your report highlighted many areas of low hanging fruit where savings can be found with little or...

Over the course of my career I have heard many people downplay the obvious credit risks in some of their clients, taking comfort instead in their prompt payment on previous dealings. Are these companies playing it smart or taking risks with their assets?

One of the first things I learned in my career was that there are two key determinants in establishing credit:

1) Ability to pay, and

2) Willingness to pay.

Ability to pay is quantitative and fact based.

Willingness to pay is more speculative, as it...

APMA members currently face a number environment and energy related challenges and opportunities. The APMA is hosting a one-day conference on March 31 at the new Linamar Training Centre in Guelph The event will also feature a number of exhibitors.

This one-day conference provides participants with current information regarding challenges such as the recently passed Toxic Reduction Act and changes to Regulation 419.

The event also provides valuable insight regarding the benefits of the APMA /...

I had the opportunity to attend the 2010 Toronto Auto Show on February 11. What more can anyone ask for than to check out hundreds of new vehicles and wish they had a few hundred thousand dollars kicking around to add five or six vehicles to the personal fleet? Ok, back to reality.

Big picture, I am encouraged by the direction of the automakers. But it was a couple of vehicles that I noticed that struck me as a window to future years at the show. The Tesla, the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf...

Export Development Canada (EDC) seems to be known within the Canadian automotive supply chain almost exclusively as a provider of Accounts Receivable Insurance (ARI).  While EDC is a dedicated provider of ARI within the OEM automotive industry, they also offer a wide variety of other services.  Did you know that EDC can potentially assist you with increasing your bank line of credit, investing abroad, getting improved credit from your suppliers, hedging your foreign exchange exposure, and more? 

...

and it was especially positive that Ford announced a solid fourth-quarter profit and their first full-year profit since 2005. They were able to accomplish this based on a solid year-over-year sales gain. The strength of Ford is great news for all automotive parts suppliers. Ford also reported a return to profitability in Europe which shows that this is not just a regional recovery for Ford. As well, overall vehicle sales in January remained quite strong, starting the year off on a very positive...

For your information - in mid-February, the APMA will be announcing partnerships with PV roof top developers. These partners will provide strong experience in all facets of renewable energy development for interested APMA members. Please contact me at pcorbyn@apma.ca for more information on this program if you are interested in more information prior to this coming annoucement.

Also, here is a very informative article FYI regarding rooftop solar panel deals: http://tinyurl.com/ylmm98u.