PRESS ROOM

Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association To Sponsor Workshop On Supplier Development

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (January 7, 2002) - Alabama companies can travel to one location and learn how to conduct business with the state's major automotive manufacturers. The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) will sponsor a workshop on "Supplier Development: How To Do Business With Automotive Manufacturers." The event is scheduled for January 25, 2002 at the Mercedes-Benz Institute in Tuscaloosa County.

The institute is located in the Training and Visitor's Center, east of the company's plant. Lee Dennis, manager of purchasing and supplier development with Mercedes-Benz, will lead a panel discussion from the viewpoint of the automobile assembly companies. Tom Akers from International Truck & Engine Corp. will talk about engine manufacturing while Randy Jenkins of Tire & Wheel Assemblies Inc. represents first tier suppliers. Ralph Malone from Triana Industries will provide background for second tier suppliers.

Mary Spann, a senior business advisor with the Alabama Technology Network at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, will serve as the panel moderator.

The panel discussion will begin at 9:30 and will take approximately 90 minutes. Bill Taylor, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz International Inc., will provide the keynote speech about supplier development during lunch. A tour of the Mercedes-Benz plant will follow Taylor's address.

The cost of the lunch program is $40. The entire program is $50 for members of the AAMA and $90 for non-members.

For workshop reservations, call 256.824.6244. For more information, or to join AAMA, visit the group's web site at www.aama.to.

For more information contact:
Bernard Schroer
256.824.6855
OR
Ray Garner
256.824.6414