Thank you for confirming your attendance at the

2024 Seraph Operational Excellence Awards Ceremony!

Last year’s inaugural event saw an exceptional turnout, with over 140 distinguished guests from more than 50 prominent companies in the automotive sector. It was an evening marked by the celebration of excellence!

This year, we are thrilled to return with another unforgettable evening, offering unique networking opportunities among industry peers and the chance to honor this year’s deserving award recipients.

To assist you in planning your attendance, please find essential details below:

Date and Location:

• Date: June 6th
• Time: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Location: Chroma – 2937 E Grand Blvd, Detroit

Cocktails and appetizers will be served promptly at 5:00 pm.

Parking:

• Complimentary parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please refer to the map below for directions.

Keynote Speaker:

We are privileged to welcome Jan Griffiths, President and Founder of Gravitas Detroit, as our esteemed keynote speaker. Her insights into the transformative leadership essential for the future of the automotive industry promise to be enlightening.

Dress Code:

• Attire: Evening formal; Men are not required to wear ties.
• Coat racks will be available onsite.

We look forward to hosting you for an evening filled with celebration.

Should you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

About Seraph 

A global enterprise consulting firm that partners with business leaders to handle their most complex problems in areas such as supply chain, operations, and manufacturing challenges while delivering long-term operational and leadership improvements. Seraph has extensive on-site industry experience in the automotive, private equity, defense, medical device, electronics, energy infrastructure, and engineering sectors. The Seraph leadership team brings vast expertise across; crisis management, mergers, acquisitions, due diligence, restructuring, turn-around services, product launches, and logistics. Our four-phase process has been proven to provide quick payback and positive ROI, which is measured throughout customer engagement. Learn more at www.seraph.com and follow Seraph on LinkedIn.

We share our perspective on 5 effective solutions.

Periodically, Seraph surveys key members of the automotive industry to determine the ‘real’ challenges that the industry faces on a regular basis.  In our most recent survey, cost management rose prominently to the top as the primary concern for Suppliers and 2nd only behind the EV transition for OEMs.  

Given inflation pressures in labor, material, and energy, it’s no surprise that companies are facing a stronger squeeze between price and cost.  Continuing to address that margin gap has been a challenge for decades but is increasingly difficult.  With Seraph’s work in the automotive sector and the clients we serve, we have a unique perspective on what the common and effective solutions are.

Source: Seraph Automotive Trends report

Although the rate at which average vehicle pricing increases has slowed down, it has increased approximately 20% over the past 5 years.  Along with those price increases, inventory of salable vehicles has increased 48% in the past year suggesting that pricing pressures limit the ability to expect car buyers to continue to absorb the full burden of inflation pressures.

Source: Seraph Automotive Trends report

The automotive industry isn’t alone in the requirement to reduce costs in the face of inflation pressures and cost reduction and management are normal courses of business for OEMs and Suppliers alike.  In Seraph’s experience, we’ve experienced a few proven practices to combat the squeeze between cost and price.  

1. Back to basics 

It’s always most important to rally around processes, standardization, and lean practices in crisis situations, but interestingly we find that as the situation gets more difficult, companies and teams have a habit of abandoning practices that are known to work.  Working through a value-steam map exercise to improve process efficiency, maintaining good process discipline, problem-solving disciplines, and rallying around good leadership and employee empowerment processes are very strong solutions to preventing cost variances and ensuring cost avoidance in difficult times.  Difficult times can not equate to excuses to abandon basic practices that allow for improvement. 

2. Operational efficiency improvement 

Most facilities have a never-ending pursuit of improved efficiency. Seraph is asked by clients to complete assessments of their facilities using our assessment tools and we are continually surprised at the level of inefficiency in them.  Our data tells us that facilities, on average, are less efficient than they were prior to the pandemic.  In many cases, facility OEE is far below expectations and there are limited actions to improve it.  In most cases, team members in facilities know how to improve the OEE but lose momentum to doing so as they focus on the cost reduction activities of the day prioritized by leadership.  But operational efficiency will typically result in a much greater cost save for labor, material, and energy, than micromanagement of a travel budget or an overtime approval process.  Certainly, those actions should be considered part of watching a company’s costs, but it can’t stop there, and priority must be put on improvement the operations for a much better return. 

3. Relocation and consolidation of footprint 

As markets have changed and the squeeze has made it more and more difficult to maintain margins, it’s ever more important to review manufacturing footprints for duplicate or underutilized capacity and labor market costs.  In Europe, most companies have discussed, and some are putting actions in place to move capacity to Northern Africa to reduce their labor costs. LCC labor typically has been in Eastern European countries but as they experience labor inflation rates significantly higher than countries in Western Europe, Northern Africa has become more and more attractive.  While Eastern Europe remains labor cost advantaged, Northern Africa seems to provide a longer-term opportunity for investment. 

4. Increased use of automation 

Investment in automation has been increasing in the industry for some time.  We see many countries leading the way in the investment in automation and that investment is providing for strong returns in Europe.  Improving costs through labor elimination or redeploying labor to other productive areas is a sound strategy for managing costs as it reduces the marginal cost of each additional unit produced. 

5. De-risking the China-Europe supply chain 

China has been a region for decades that companies have sourced for lower costs, so it seems counterintuitive to discuss re-shoring from China as a potential cost management strategy.  However, tariffs, geopolitical events, and the like have shown us recently that while China can provide cost improvement in the short term, there are longer term effects that must be considered in the risk analysis of sourcing in there. 

About Seraph 

A global enterprise consulting firm that partners with business leaders to handle their most complex problems in areas such as supply chain, operations, and manufacturing challenges while delivering long-term operational and leadership improvements. Seraph has extensive on-site industry experience in the automotive, private equity, defense, medical device, electronics, energy infrastructure, and engineering sectors. The Seraph leadership team brings vast expertise across; crisis management, mergers, acquisitions, due diligence, restructuring, turn-around services, product launches, and logistics. Our four-phase process has been proven to provide quick payback and positive ROI, which is measured throughout customer engagement. Learn more at www.seraph.com and follow Seraph on LinkedIn.

Seraph is excited to announce the students that have been selected to take part in the “Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program.”

This program is designed for students aspiring to pursue careers in manufacturing who wish to explore the automotive industry’s offerings.

 “Our aim is to nurture the next generation of manufacturing and operational excellence leaders through an immersive, hands-on externship experience that exposes students to top operational companies.”  Thomas Kowal, President of Seraph North America  

Four outstanding students have been selected to receive the Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program! Each student was graded based on their professional credentials including an example of work that they completed that demonstrated their knowledge of or passion towards working in the automotive industry. Their dedication and exceptional contributions have truly set them apart ~

Kirin Raval

University of Michigan

Industrial and Operations Engineering with a Minor in International Studies, 2026

“Manufacturing is a great intersection between technological innovations and human creativity since it is inherently problem solving oriented (…) This constantly growing field requires adaptive and creative thinking that I believe that I have and it will keep me engaged while working.”

Alec Cousino

Wayne State University

Global Supply Chain Management and Psychology, Honors, 2025

“While I enjoy the complexities and sleekness of cars themselves, the deep-rooted ecosystem of interconnected suppliers exchanging technologies and products is what really enamored me.”

Mariana Flores Cantu

Michigan State University

Supply Chain Management Minor in Environmental & Sustainability Studies, 2025

“As I take these steps towards a future where supply chain management is even more innovative. even more impactful, and even more revolutionary, I hope that it will pave the way for others to not only take a single step forward, but thousands of them.”

Redford Hudson

UC Irvine

Data Science, 2024

“I am a data scientist enchanted by the world of manufacturing, and my calling is to build the next wave of smart manufacturing solutions.”

What each student will receive:

• $1,000 scholarship.
• On-site plant assessment experience and an all-expenses-paid trip.
• 1-1 meeting with Seraph Leadership.
• Attend the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards Ceremony, held on June 6, 2024, at Chroma in Detroit, where they will be able to network with Automotive/Manufacturing experts.

Congratulations to our Winners:

While applications are closed, you can still learn more about this incredible initiative at seraphawards.com/student-leadership-program/

Seraph takes immense pride in the daily achievements and collaborative efforts of our team and clients. This success is made possible by a group of exceptionally talented professionals and inspiring personalities who make up our team.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable women within our team, sharing insights from some of them. We’ve asked about their experiences in the automotive/manufacturing industry and their broader career journeys. See their answers below:

Leslie Bednarz

VP of Business Development

How important has having other women to get inspired by been for you?

 It’s been so important having automotive women leaders to not only look up to but also work with throughout my career.  Women who understand, empathize with, encourage & support other women is so meaningful and powerful in the automotive industry. Great women leaders help cultivate a culture of ‘belonging’ for us all.

Amy Kroll

HR Director

What is your favorite part of working in manufacturing? 

My favorite part of manufacturing is being part of a leadership team that is motivated and driven to make a positive impact to a struggling plant.  It is exciting how quickly positive changes can occur, when you have the right team in place.  It not only impacts the leadership team but everyone within the facility.  

Tracy Guschewski

Executive Assistant

What challenges do women face in this industry, and what advice can you give them?

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, it is important to find your own voice and understand the leader you are aspiring to be.  There will be days that ‘holding people accountable’ will be described as pushy; or ‘asking the necessary questions’ will be perceived as intimidating; but in the end, as a woman at the table, say what you’re thinking out loud and with intention.   Be brave, be bold, be heard!

Meghan Ligon

Sales Coordinator / Analyst

What advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career in automotive/manufacturing?

The automotive and manufacturing industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but don’t let that discourage you. Focus on your abilities and the value you bring to the table, regardless of gender stereotypes. It is important to look for mentors and role models, both male and female, who can provide valuable guidance and support as you progress in your career.

Jennifer Sullivan

Senior Consultant

What is your favorite part of working in manufacturing?

There is never a dull moment and always a new challenge. Identifying an opportunity to improve, developing a strategy to achieve that goal, and seeing it through to fruition gives a tremendous sense of accomplishment.  Of course, as anyone in manufacturing knows, those opportunities never stop coming.  Even the best can always be better.

What advice would you give to other women interested in pursuing a career in automotive/manufacturing?

Automotive and manufacturing careers bring fulfillment to those who enjoy a challenge. Problem solvers and doers will love the pace and opportunity to do what they do best, find resolutions, and look for the next opportunity to improve. Like many careers, manufacturing requires continuous learning and openness to new ideas.  Stagnation not only slows career development but defeats the whole purpose of pursuing a career in manufacturing.  Getting entry-level roles may not be as challenging as moving beyond them.  Seek out those like-minded colleagues and managers and learn from them.  Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge (and work on your EI) by joining problem-solving teams and new projects.  If getting on those teams proves difficult, reach out to those leaders and managers to find out what you need to do/learn to be the next chosen.  Always look for opportunities to improve both the workplace and yourself.

Alexandra Lipsky

Analyst

How important has having other women to get inspired by been for you?

Breaking into the traditionally male-dominated automotive and manufacturing scene can be quite daunting for young women. However, witnessing women in leadership roles is not only inspiring but also encouraging. These trailblazing women often go above and beyond to earn respect, fostering a hardworking atmosphere and introducing fresh perspectives and strategies. Personally, I feel privileged to learn from strong, independent, and dedicated women daily at Seraph and within our client base. I am so excited to learn and grow from, and one day join this new wave of women leaders shaping the fast-paced world of automotive and manufacturing. Happy International Women’s Day!

Leticia Santos

Communication Coordinator

What unique elements do women bring to the automotive/manufacturing sector?

Women bring diverse perspectives to any sector, enhancing collaboration, attention to detail, and a people-centric focus. I believe that our overall communication skills can differ from others, and are crucial to fostering a more inclusive, creative, and innovative industry. The women I’ve worked with were great leaders with the talent to consistently delve deeper into situations, finding opportunities within details for improvement and fostering creative problem-solving.

Lisa DiFalco

Brand Strategist

How important has having other women to get inspired by been for you?

There have been a handful of women that I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career that I’ve learned a great deal from. They demonstrated what it took to be of value to our clients. They pushed me to be better in the areas I was deficient. These women made me a more well-rounded employee.

It’s been rewarding to witness the growth and development of the Seraph team. I’ve seen the addition of many strong and inspiring women, who bring new and unique perspectives to our company and the industries we’re involved with. I am grateful to be a part this team that recognizes and empowers everyone’s individual strengths and contributions. Through mentoring, training, and collaborating we are instilled the confidence to conquer new spaces, regardless of gender identity. This is especially wonderful as these spaces have historically been so male dominated. I am excited to see how these industries will continue to grow in diversity over time, and it feels good to know I’m part of something that is directly contributing to these changes. 

Our pride in celebrating the women at Seraph extends beyond this special day, acknowledging the ongoing contributions of our team, clients, and all the women who support our business in various capacities.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Like the intricate components within your manufacturing plant that drive its functionality, the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards process was created to assess and understand key information across your many facts of your automotive plant operations. It was designed to assess how well key departments within your plant operations are performing, where you are the strongest and how well you are performing against your peers.

The Operational Excellence Awards process provides an opportunity for your leadership and teams to work collaboratively towards a common goal, and to highlight strengths across the manufacturing floor. The value it adds is noticed across different areas of your plant.

“Being involved in the Operational Excellence Awards, was an extremely valuable endeavor, and I would highly recommend applying, regardless of winning. It brought our teams together in a meaningful way.”

Ramesh Gaddam, President and CEO Rayconnect.

Phase One involves taking an online assessment, which facilitates questions across four (4) key departments of your manufacturing plant – operations, quality, logistics, and human resources.

The online assessment will require roughly 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) to complete. At the conclusion of Phase One, each participating company will receive a summary report showing how well you performed against your peers in each category, providing a comprehensive view of your market position.

Phase Two identifies the top eight (8) scoring companies from Phase One, and provides each company with a complimentary on-site assessment from the Seraph team. This assessment is a streamlined version of the manufacturing audit process that Seraph uses to evaluate manufacturing plants across the globe.

Our assessment is a proven process that will highlight how well your plant is performing in each of the designated areas, operations, quality, logistics, and human resources. Last year’s recipients of the in-plant assessment felt that this was an invaluable tool. At the conclusion of this phase, each participating company will receive a summary assessment report, that highlights key areas of the audit. The entire process enables you to identify areas within your operations that require improvement while also acknowledging achievements that deserve recognition.

Phase Three serves as validation of your work through the discerning eyes of our Operational Excellence Awards judging panel, which is comprised of highly qualified industry experts with decades of automotive experience.  Past year’s winners attested to the value of our judges, who possess profound expertise in automotive manufacturing. Receiving their stamp of approval signifies that they were achieving excellence within their plant operations.

During this phase, our judges will review findings from both Phase One and Phase Two to select all five (5) award winners:

• Operations Excellence Award
• Quality Excellence Award
• Logistics Excellence Award
• Human Resources Excellence Award
• Overall Best Supplier Excellence Award

Phase Four being chosen as a finalist for the Operational Excellence Awards offers a unique opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments with other industry professionals. It’s a chance to reconnect with old acquaintances and forge new connections, while publicly acknowledging your company’s excellence. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on June 6, 2024, at Chroma in Detroit, MI.

Besides operational value and insights, celebrating your accomplishments with your team enhances employee morale and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Winning the Operational Excellence Awards instills a sense of pride and achievement. After winning the award, last year’s winners returned to their plants and celebrated their win with their teams, hosting a lunch and acknowledging their teams’ accomplishments. It’s small the things like this that go a long way in uniting your team together.

Additionally, beyond internal communications, all winners will receive a comprehensive press kit. This facilitates the seamless announcement of their achievements through external channels.

Applications are being accepted through March 8, 2024.

Applying requires only a small investment of time.

Talk to your leadership team and act today. Don’t miss out!

Who Should Apply:

Automotive Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, including automotive aftermarket manufactures, that have a plant(s) operation in North America.  Each plant applying is a single application, so multiple applications from the same organization can apply.

It’s free to apply …. with tremendous upside in being selected for an award.

Apply today:  2024 Operational Excellence Awards visit our website.

Calling all Students Studying Fields in Manufacturing!!

Last call to apply for the Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program!!

Success takes on a unique form for everyone, particularly as a college student embarking on their career journey. Paying attention to certain opportunities can be the differentiator in launching your career with promising prospects. Building experience and fostering a strong professional network are crucial aspects to consider.

The Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program offers a distinctive chance for individuals like yourself to actively engage in an in-plant manufacturing assessment, connect with industry executives who can be valuable mentors in your career, and receive a $1,000 scholarship.

On-site assessment

Seraph is a global manufacturing consulting firm that works with some of the world’s largest suppliers and OEMs. Our team is comprised of former CEO, President’s, and Plant Managers at some of the most prominent Tier 1 suppliers. With our hands on knowledge and extensive expertise, Seraph has crafted a unique assessment tool that swiftly and accurately identifies critical elements within a manufacturing plant operation. This tool has been used across the globe to uncover our clients greatest manufacturing challenges.

Seraph possesses vast experience in conducting onsite assessments and audits across manufacturing facilities globally. Through this program, you will gain the chance to be up-close and personal through this assessment process, which will evaluate four main areas of their manufacturing facility – operations, logistics, quality, and human resources. You will be exposed to the specific factors that we deem as being essential in running a successful manufacturing plant.

Connections + Networking

In addition to gaining industry experience, this opportunity represents a crucial stride for you in establishing a robust professional network within the automotive sector.

As a student, research indicates that networking holds various benefits, such as:

• Assisting in your overall success.
• Providing valuable insights.
• Serving as an opportunity to find a mentor.
• Creating a supportive system.
• Refining your soft skills.

The Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program not only connects you with our team of experts but also introduces you to a network of industry professionals who will be present at our awards ceremony in June. Last year, over thirty companies participated in our celebratory event, offering numerous networking opportunities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply!

Accepting applications through February 29, 2024.

Important Dates:

Please be aware of the following dates (subject to slight adjustments):

• Enrollment period due date: February 29, 2024.
• Finalists’ evaluation: March 1 – 8, 2024.
• Winning candidates’ announcement: March 15, 2024.
• On-site plant assessments: Tentatively scheduled from March 25 to April 30, 2024.
• Operational Excellence Awards ceremony: June 6, 2024.

Who Should Apply:  

We are seeking students who are studying manufacturing, industrial engineering, supply-chain and/or operations management.

We welcome applications from:

• University graduates who are in their first year (of a 2-year graduate degree program) or first or second year (of a 3-year graduate program).
• University undergraduates in their sophomore, junior or senior year.
• Seniors in technical high schools.

 *Applicants must reside within the United States.

The value of applying to the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards begins before winning a trophy; it starts with the on-site assessment! Our objective is to equip your company with tools for the rapid identification of both areas of excellence and potential improvements. A well-functioning plant reflects strong leadership, making the onsite assessment a tool for your leaders to acknowledge and celebrate different levels of your organization.

Deep expertise

Seraph boasts extensive expertise in conducting on-site assessments through years of global experience across various facilities. Our assessments are conducted by our specialized consultants that have gathered invaluable experience serving as plant managers at some of the world’s largest suppliers and OEMs. Their hands-on knowledge enables swift and precise identification of best-in-class areas and effective steps for improvement.

Gain Crucial Insight

The Seraph on-site assessment serves as a crucial tool for leaders seeking a high-level understanding of their company’s health, emphasizing the most critical aspects of plant operations. Our approach prioritizes efficiency, concentrating on uncovering vital information within a short timeframe—specifically, one day for the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards (OPEX).

Seraph employs a boots-on-the-ground strategy, thoroughly reviewing the plant layout and production capacity. Our assessments encompass specific facets, including operations, logistics, quality, human resources, program management, maintenance, leadership, and more.

Through visual inspections of the production floor and meaningful conversations with management and operators, our experts gain a deep understanding of your business and operations. The comprehensive report generated can be used for future improvements and for both internal and external promotional purposes.

The Seraph Operational Excellence Awards on-site assessment focuses on key aspects, including:

Operations:

• Efficiently manages daily operations and production.
• Proactively drives continuous improvement actions to resolution.
• Utilizes a centralized and organized location for production information.
• Conducts regular daily meetings with all team members.
• Enhances transparency for critical items.

Logistics:

• Maintains a robust and up to date PFEP (plan for every part).
• Monitors inventory levels throughout the value stream.
• Tracks daily usage of all components.
• Establishes effective runout dates to prevent shortages for all components (internal and external).
• Utilizes an effective supplier ordering system, automating material orders, and adheres to regular material ordering cadences.
• Manages packaging and achieves on-time delivery.

Human Resources:

• Works to keep low employee turnover.
• Offers best-in-class employee packages and a favorable work environment.
• Maintains a commitment to workplace safety.
• Adheres to robust recruitment practices.
• Implements training initiatives that foster the development of exceptional employees.
• Demonstrates a commitment to employee empowerment within the operation.

Quality:

• Continuously promotes FTQ (first-time quality) through comprehensive quality documentation and processes, ensuring stable production.
• Establishes root cause analysis processes to address customer-reported issues.
• Aligns and manages supplier readiness for PPAP (production part approval process), tool readiness and release, and equipment readiness for production.
• Regularly assesses the maturity of the supply base using tracked quality metrics.
• Implements escalation rules for both internal and external quality issues.
• Maintains requisite certifications and consistently demonstrates daily practices in line with certification requirements.

Who Should Apply:  

Automotive Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, including automotive aftermarket manufactures, that have a plant(s) operation in North America that are achieving great things in one of 4 areas: operations, logistics, human resources, and quality. Each plant applying is a single application, so multiple applications from the same organization can apply.  

Plants that are interested in applying should be achieving 80% OEE.

Applications are being accepted though March 8, 2024.

See how your plant operations stack up against your competitors and be one of the (8) plants that receive a complimentary onsite plant assessment.

It’s absolutely free to apply….with tremendous upside in being selected for an award.  

Apply today:  2024 Operational Excellence Awards visit our website. 

Calling all Students Studying Fields in Manufacturing!!

Introducing the Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program!

Reap significant rewards by investing a small amount of your time.

Are you about to start your career in some avenue of automotive manufacturing? Are you looking to take advantage of opportunities that can help advance your knowledge and exposure to the industry?

The Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals like you to get an up close and personal experience in conducting an in-plant manufacturing assessment, meet industry executives that you can leverage in your career path and receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Follow this comprehensive guide on how to apply and mark your journey towards success:

Important Dates:

Please be aware of the following dates (subject to slight adjustments):

• Enrollment period: November 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024.
• Finalists’ evaluation: March 1 – 8, 2024.
• Winning candidates’ announcement: March 15, 2024.
• On-site plant assessments: Tentatively scheduled from March 25 to April 30, 2024.
• Operational Excellence Awards ceremony: June 6, 2024.

Who Should Apply:  

We are seeking students who are studying manufacturing, industrial engineering, supply-chain and/or operations management.

We welcome applications from:

• University graduates who are in their first year (of a 2-year graduate degree program) or first or second year (of a 3-year graduate program).
• University undergraduates in their sophomore, junior or senior year.
• Seniors in technical high schools.

*Applicants must reside within the United States.

In recent developments, the crisis in the Red Sea has had tangible consequences for the automotive supply chain, leading Tesla and Volvo to announce temporary production suspensions in Europe due to a component shortage originating from plants in Asia. Brian Fairchild, our Senior Director of Sales and Sales Operations, highlighted the ongoing challenges in the automotive supply chain, emphasizing that disruptions are becoming more manageable post-COVID. However, he cautioned about potential future disruptions, particularly in the realm of labor, as the United Auto Workers expand their influence beyond traditional associations.

Fairchild underscored concerns about potential wage increases impacting suppliers and a shift in focus by the UAW towards other manufacturing sectors. Border issues, particularly between the U.S. and Mexico, are also identified as a potential challenge, impacting customs checks and slowing the flow of components. The evolving dynamics with China and nearshoring, as well as the influence of political environments and ethical sourcing considerations, add further layers of complexity to the automotive supply chain. The overarching geopolitical concerns and the financial implications of significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) initiatives were also acknowledged, especially with the potential softening of demand and infrastructure challenges.

In the face of these challenges, Fairchild commended the resilience and adaptability of the supply chain but emphasized the ongoing need for careful management to navigate potential disruptions without compromising efficiency or accumulating excess inventory.

For further insights into Brian’s comments, you can refer to the Supply Chain Management Review piece following the link below.