OESA hosted a General Motors Town Hall meeting on Nov. 16, 2011, with a record attendance of 363, including 24 GM purchasing and engineering executives.  As Neil De Koker, president and CEO, OESA, stated in his welcoming remarks, “This shows the importance of GM to our members and the industry.” 

The meeting agenda varied slightly from past GM Town Hall meetings.  GM had several presenters from purchasing and engineering, using a recent OESA member survey as the platform for discussion topics and presentation content.  Presentations were followed by breakout sessions with the 24 GM executives that offered one-on-one Q&A networking for attendees. 

GM purchasing and engineering executives making presentations included:

• Bob Socia, Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain
• John Calabrese, Vice President, Global Vehicle Engineering
• Sam Winegarden, Executive Director and Group Global Functional Leader, Global Engine Engineering
• Paris Pavlou, Executive Director, Global Purchasing – Powertrain
• Randy Pappal, Executive Director, Global Purchasing – Global Body/Exterior
• Kathy Worthen, Executive Director, Global Purchasing – Chassis Systems
• Dave McKean, Executive Director, Global Purchasing – Interior and Safety
• Tom McMillen, Executive Director, Global Purchasing – Supplier Quality/Program Purchasing Management

Socia welcomed members, stating, “I want to thank the supply base for supporting GM through trying issues we have faced this year.  These [supplier meetings] are beneficial for us to continue to address supply base concerns.”  He noted that the OESA survey results send a clear message that purchasing and engineering at high executive levels were in-sync, but that consistent corporate messages are not permeating down through the organization.

Given this, the joint purchasing and engineering teams presentations focused on:

• Communicating to enhance understanding and perspectives
• Taking steps to improve working relationships
• Helping suppliers understand GM’s evolving culture and approach

Calabrese targeted his discussion on new technologies and intellectual property processes.  His roadmap highlighted industry and GM activities in electrification, fuel economy, infotainment and active safety.  His request from the supply base was to:

• Tell us (GM) how to be a better customer
• Develop technologies with laser sharp focus
• Develop cutting edge operations focused on simplified processes
• Use DFSS and FMEA techniques daily to drive evidence-based decisions

Other GM executives discussed sourcing alignment activities between purchasing and engineering, process changes within GM, raw material cost volatility and strategic sourcing processes.

Socia closed the meeting highlighting General Motors’ 2012 key priorities including:

• Producing the world’s best vehicles
• Achieving best in segment quality
• Implementing the Strategic Sourcing Process
• Pursuing total enterprise cost optimization
• Assuring required capacities are in place and confirmed
• Developing required, advanced technologies
• Increasing collaboration with partners

OESA welcomes member feedback.  Members should address comments and suggestions to Dave Andrea at 248.952.6401 ext. 228 or dandrea@oesa.org.