Doing more with less is a key challenge for manufacturers during economic turmoil — but there are ways to stay afloat despite instability, according to one Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) presenter.

“One of the biggest challenges all companies face during an economic downturn is doing more with less: less revenues, less people and less resources in general,” says Jack Cameron, vice president, program & member services — members satisfaction for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), GAAS moderator. “Another challenge is maintaining an uninterrupted supply of raw materials to meet customer demand.”

Cameron will lead a panel focused on “Strategies to help the American parts manufacturer survive,” scheduled at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6 during GAAS.

Parts manufacturers can be overlooked when contemplating the survival of the auto industry, but their success is very important to the market. Cameron and a four-person panel will analyze the issues facing manufacturers today — such as the impact of vehicle sales and a tight credit market.

“The decline in sales of new cars has had both positive and negative impacts on the aftermarket. Many aftermarket suppliers also supply the original equipment manufacturers and the devastating impact of that business is taking a toll on companies as a whole,” Cameron says. “While the OE market has withdrawn, the aftermarket is robust in many high maintenance product categories. Yet another challenge is the lack of available bank financing and credit, especially among the distributor base.”

Cameron anticipates the panel will discuss what leading manufacturers are doing to improve supply chain efficiencies, maintain a steady source of raw materials, dealing with unusual customer requests and right sizing of an organization.

Panelists are: Jeff Brekke, president, automotive aftermarket, Gates Corporation; Paul Johnson, general director, independent aftermarket, GM service parts operations, AC Delco; Mike McGrath, president, vehicle service market, SKF North America; and Joe Pomaranski, vice president, North America aftermarket, Tenneco, Inc.

“The panel we have assembled represents leaders in the industry and were carefully chosen for that very reason. All are suppliers to both the OE and aftermarket channels, yet each faces unique challenges specific to their companies,” Cameron says. “I know these individuals very well and they were hand selected for their industry knowledge and expertise. Their insights and perspectives on the trends shaping the market today will not disappoint,” Cameron says.