North American Carmakers to Discuss Operating Systems and Emerging Controls Technology

17 April 1998
Big Six North American Automakers to Discuss Operating Systems and Emerging Controls Technology at SAE Manufacturing Event

    WARRENDALE, Pa., April 17 -- International automotive
manufacturing executives will participate in two significant plenary sessions
to be held during the 1998 SAE International Automotive Manufacturing
Conference & Exposition (IAM '98).
    During the OEM Operating Systems Panel (7:30 - 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, May 12)
the Big Six North American automakers will make history by coming together for
the first time at an SAE manufacturing event to address a common issue.
    "It's not often that you get this kind of talent in one room, at one time,
to discuss manufacturing systems -- the very religion by which these companies
operate," said Ron Harbour, president, Harbour and Associates, Inc, and
moderator of  the panel. "Each company will discuss the elements of the
systems by which they operate to facilitate comparison and contrast."
    Panelists include: Michael N. DaPrile, vice president, manufacturing,
Toyota Motor Manufacturing USA, Inc.; Daniel Gaudette, vice president,
manufacturing, Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corp., USA; Roman Krygier, vice
president, advanced manufacturing engineering, Ford Motor Co.; Dennis Pawley,
executive vice president, manufacturing, Chrysler Corp.; Ron Shriver, vice
president and plant manager, Honda of America, Inc. (Marysville Plant); and
Joseph D. Spielman, vice president and general manager, Metal Fabricating
Division, Manufacturing Center and Worldwide Facilities, General Motors Corp.
    In keeping with what has been a major focus of the event, a panel on
"Achieving Business Objectives Through Emerging Controls" will take place from
7:30 - 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 13.  This panel discussion will address
benefits, costs and risks associated with implementing (or not implementing)
open controls systems.
    "The 1998 IAM Conference is providing a much needed forum for open
communication regarding the many challenges and significant issues facing the
automotive industry as it heads into the 21st Century" said Frank J.
Ewasyshyn, vice president, advance manufacturing engineering, Chrysler
Corporation.  "We are very excited for next month's event, including both the
Operating Systems Panel and Emerging Controls Technology discussions.  If you
are involved in the manufacture of products any kind, you will want to attend
these dynamic events."
    Panelists include: Richard E. Morley, president, RMI, and CEO of Flavors
Technology; James Heaton, president, AMR Consulting; Richard Ryan, president &
CEO, Rockwell Software; Don Richardson, technical evangelist for
manufacturing, Microsoft Corporation; Mike Klein, president and CEO,
Steeplechase Software, Inc.; and Robert Atherton, worldwide manager for
process controls, Sun Microsystems.
    IAM is the only event in North America that embraces all technologies,
products and services that impact automotive manufacturing. The event is part
of SAE's strategic plan to encourage mobility organizations to consider the
entire life cycle of a product -- of which the manufacturing process is one
key element. Event co-sponsors are the Society of Manufacturing Engineers
(SME) and The Engineering Society (ESD).
    IAM Exhibitors include Chrysler Corp., Ford Motor Company, General Motors,
and 120 supplier companies such as Cutler-Hammer, Dassault Systemes, Group
Schneider, Nematron, Rockwell Automation and Steeplechase Software.  In
addition to the exposition, IAM features an educational program with technical
sessions and professional development seminars; and tours to the GM Cadillac
Seville and Chrysler Prowler/Viper Plants.
    The SAE/ESD Foundation Banquet is scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 13
at the Westin Hotel. Chrysler's Dennis K. Pawley will receive the 1998
Manufacturing Leadership Award for his contributions to automotive
manufacturing.
    Both panel discussions are open to all IAM '98 attendees.  IAM '98
registrants may also attend Motion Control Expo (formerly MotionExpo), which
is co-located with IAM.  Expo-only admission is $30.  SAE, SME and ESD members
attend FREE.  Pre-registration closes on April 17, but on-site registration
will be available.  Registration is available on-line at http://www.sae.org or by
contacting SAE at 724-776-4970.  For full-conference fees and details, contact
SAE at 724-772-7131 or meetings@sae.org.

SOURCE  Society of Automotive Engineers