Automotive Suppliers Hit by Port Closures
Oct 8, 2002 12:00 PM
An extended shutdown of 29 West Coast ports could severely affect the automotive supplier industry, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).Carmakers and automotive suppliers depend on shipments through West Coast ports of commodities such as plastics and rubber to produce new vehicles, parts and products. MEMA estimates the value of automotive commodities and vehicles shipped into West Coast ports to be at least $42 billion in 2002.
The shutdown could threaten the U.S. economic recovery, which has just begun, noted Christopher M. Bates, president and CEO of MEMA. "The automotive sector is especially at risk, since the manufacturers rely on 'just-in-time' delivery of parts and components," he said. "Our nation's economic recovery depends on ending this shutdown soon."
"Closure of West Coast ports has already cost our economy billions of dollars," said Charley Johnson, president and CEO of TransPro Inc., and chairman of MEMA's Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). "And we have barely begun to feel the ripple effect that will occur if manufacturers can't produce finished products due to lack of raw materials or components. If not ended soon, these port closures will severely impact U.S. jobs and our economy."
