G&L Universal Manufactures 'Earth-Friendly' Seat-Back Panels
8 October 1999
G&L Universal Manufactures 'Earth-Friendly' Seat-Back Panels Used in Redesigned Cadillac DeVille for Model-Year 2000
New, minority-owned firm serves automotive industry,
supplies advanced parts made from plastic-wood blend
CHESTERFIELD, Mich., Oct. 7 -- Savvy outsourcing in the
automotive industry breeds innovation, both in products and supplier
relationships. If you need proof, just ask the people at Chesterfield,
Michigan-based G&L Universal, LLC. They're producing seat-back panels for the
model-year 2000 Cadillac DeVille, using an advanced technology and a new,
"environmentally friendly" material -- Thermal Plastic Composite (TPC).
The panels are the first such automotive components for the North American
automotive market based on TPC, a special blend of polypropylene plastic and
recycled wood fiber. Compared with traditional seat-back panels, the TPC-
based products from G&L Universal offer many advantages -- in cost, ease of
assembly, durability, aesthetics, performance and "serviceability."
G&L Universal, LLC, itself, is a product of an innovative trend in
automotive outsourcing. It's a minority-owned business -- the kind of
operation major automakers and tier-one suppliers are actively seeking out as
sources of materials, components and services.
The company, created in 1998, is a joint venture between some long-
established players in North America's automotive industry. Its majority
owner is Don Cunningham, principal owner of Universal Trim, a Madison Heights,
Michigan-based supplier of vehicle trim products. His partner in the venture
is G&L Industries, Inc., of Chesterfield, Michigan, a supplier of wood
products for automotive applications. G&L Industries is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Talon Automotive Group LLC, based in Troy, Michigan.
"Our new company reflects the great value of minority business
development," said Cunningham. "It's a winning proposition all the way
around, as we create jobs and opportunities and -- at the same time -- deliver
innovative products to our customers."
G&L Universal manufactures the seat-back panels for Bridgewater Interiors,
LLC, which also is minority-owned. Located in Detroit's Empowerment Zone,
Bridgewater has a $900 million contract to supply complete seat systems for
the all-new Cadillac DeVille. The deal represents one of the largest supply
contracts ever awarded to a minority firm. Bridgewater is a joint-venture
operation of vehicle interior supplier Johnson Controls and
Epsilon, LLC -- a Detroit-based business group.
In recent years, General Motors, Johnson Controls and other major
automotive companies have instituted corporate programs to support minority-
owned businesses, and to increase purchasing from such sources throughout the
"chain of supply." The Bridgewater Interiors contract with G&L Universal is
one of the largest tier-two supply contracts emerging out of GM's outsourcing
arrangement with Bridgewater.
"We're pleased to support the G&L Universal venture, and look forward to
having a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the company," said
Larry Alles, vice president and general manager of purchasing-worldwide for
Johnson Controls. "Throughout our entire supplier network, we place a high
value on talent, technology and the ability to deliver outstanding products."
Using TPC technology to manufacture seat-back panels is a major step
forward, according to G&L Universal officials. Traditional molding and gluing
methods typically require five or more steps to yield a finished product. By
comparison, G&L Universal's employees are producing assembly-ready, vinyl-
covered panels -- with integrated fasteners -- in just one production step.
Seat-back panels for the Cadillac DeVille are produced in a variety of
colors -- and all feature map pockets. "Up-level" panels for the vehicle
include a "wood applique" trim treatment.
The completely redesigned Cadillac DeVille for model-year 2000 became
available in dealer showrooms this fall. Cadillac has been the best-selling
luxury vehicle in the United States for the past 14 years.
FACT SHEET
FAST FACTS:
G&L Universal, LLC
History: Founded in 1998, launched production in July 1999.
Location: Chesterfield, Michigan.
Ownership: Joint venture between Detroit-area businessman Don Cunningham
and G&L Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Talon Automotive Group
LLC, based in Troy, Michigan. The company is a minority-owned enterprise.
Products/Customer: Seat-back panels for model-year 2000 Cadillac DeVille.
Products supplied to Bridgewater Interiors, LLC, a new Detroit-based company
that produces seat systems for the Cadillac DeVille. Bridgewater is a
minority-owned company.
Technology: Seat-back panels are made from Thermal Plastic Composite
(TPC), a blend of polypropylene plastic and recycled wood fiber. TPC-based
components offer significant advantages over similar products made from
conventional materials.
Significance:
* New, "environmentally friendly" seat-back panels from G&L Universal are
first TPC-based products in North American automotive market.
* Contract between Bridgewater Interiors and G&L Universal is one of
Bridgewater's largest sourcing awards.
Quote:
"Our new company reflects the great value of minority business
development. It's a winning proposition all the way around, as we create jobs
and opportunities and -- at the same time -- deliver innovative products to
our customers."
-- Don Cunningham, principal owner of G&L Universal, LLC