Automotive Parts Suppliers Conference
Schedule
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023
PMA Southeast District: Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals 100th Anniversary Tour
Ends at 5:00 p.m.Event partner, PMA Southeast District, is hosting a plant tour at Ulbrich’s Westminster, SC, facility to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. This is a free event for PMA members only and limited to 50 registrants.
Add this during the registration process for APSC.
Early Arrivals Reception
Ends at 8:00 p.m.Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and great conversation in a relaxed and informal setting before the conference officially begins the following day.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023
Exhibitor/Sponsor Setup
Registration and Exhibits Open
Welcoming Remarks

Opening Keynote

Lunch and Exhibits Open
Cost Effective Solutions in Aluminum Roll Forming for Body Structure and EV Systems



Mario Greco
Director, Strategy & Marketing, Global Automotive
Novelis Inc.
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Nando Tedeschi
Director, Business Development, Global Automotive
Novelis Inc.
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Cost Effective Solutions in Aluminum Roll Forming for Body Structure and EV Systems
The pursuit of mass reduction in vehicle body structure design is crucial for improving efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Engineers have explored various vehicle architectures and manufacturing technologies, leading to advancements in materials and product innovations. With the rise of electrification and the added mass from battery packs and consumer demand for luxury features, OEMs face new challenges in maintaining crashworthiness and cost-effective mass reduction.
Research indicates that a 10% weight reduction can reduce fuel consumption by 6%-7% with engine downsizing or by 4%-5% without downsizing, making weight reduction a key goal.
As electric vehicles are expected to represent over 40% of sales by 2030, OEMs must meet evolving crash and safety requirements.
The automobile industry has evolved over the past three decades, introducing aluminum-intensive structures, advanced press-hardened steels, and carbon fiber composites into vehicle manufacturing. Tesla's introduction of ultra-large die casting has further advanced body structure complexity.
Roll forming technology, which has existed since the 1800s in the architectural and roofing industry, is now being applied to automobile parts to meet safety requirements. However, as electrification becomes more prominent, complex aluminum extrusions are used to reduce crash deformation and reinforce body areas.
Aluminum roll forming with high-strength materials is seen as an opportunity to lower vehicle body costs while maintaining lightweight benefits and enhancing structural performance. Companies like Novelis are developing advanced automotive-grade alloys for roll-formed sections, significantly improving stiffness, crash performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Primary Takeaways:
- Mass reduction remains a critical focus in vehicle design, driven by the pursuit of efficiency and performance. Reducing weight by even 10% can yield substantial fuel consumption improvements.
- Electrification is changing the automotive landscape, with OEMs facing the challenge of meeting evolving crash and safety standards while managing added mass from battery packs and consumer demands for luxury features.
- The automotive industry has evolved from traditional steel unibody construction to complex multi-material architectures, including aluminum-intensive structures and advanced composites.
- Aluminum roll forming with high-strength materials is emerging as a cost-effective solution to enhance structural performance, lower costs, and maintain the benefits of lightweight design in vehicle body structures. Companies like Novelis are at the forefront of developing advanced alloys for this purpose.
Strategies for Metalformers to Cash In on EV Opportunities



Tom Alongi
PartnerUHY LLP
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Dan Bruce
PrincipalUHY LLP
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Strategies for Metalformers to Cash In on EV Opportunities
An electric future seems inevitable. Do you have a strategic plan? Find out where metalformers can cash in on EV opportunities and position themselves for success in the future.
Networking Break and Exhibits Open
Roundtable Discussion: The Ever-Evolving Automotive Supply Chain




Steve Horaney
VPSales and Membership, MEMA
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Michael Haughey
President & CEONorth American Stamping Group, LLC
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Donna Kuhr
CEO/President/Managing PartnerPTM Corporation
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Roundtable Discussion:
The Ever-Evolving Automotive Supply Chain
In this era of electrification and supply-chain issues, collaboration and innovation are key. Hear how suppliers can work hand-in-hand with the OEMs, to best position themselves in today’s automotive industry.
External Innovation and Venture


Kellie Lindsay
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Autotech Ventures
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External Innovation and Venture
Kellie will discuss how leading tier suppliers are leveraging external innovation through venture. She’ll also discuss trends in venture startups in the automotive and ground transportation sector and opportunities for Tier Two and Tier Three suppliers.
Day One Wrap-Up
Cocktail Reception
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
Breakfast
Networking Break and Exhibits Open
Opportunities for Metalforming in the Energy Transition: From Renewable Energy and Batteries to Electrolyzers, EVs, Fuels Cells and More


Alex Chapman
President
Ridge Creek Global
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Opportunities for Metalforming in the Energy Transition: From Renewable Energy and Batteries to Electrolyzers, EVs, Fuels Cells and More
Alex will discuss opportunities for metalforming in the energy transition from a macro perspective to industry-specific opportunities.
- The demand for carbon-neutral solutions, scaling of technology and geopolitics have changed the narrative of energy markets and the energy transition.
- The reshoring and incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act have turbocharged the opportunity for manufacturing of key technologies for the energy transition in the United States (solar panels, batteries, EVs, fuel cells, electrolyzers) and the companies and parts involved.
- The opportunity for the metalforming industry in the energy transition. Companies that are involved in batteries, fuel cells and renewables not only will position themselves as industries leaders in the electrification of the automobile industry, but also benefit from the fact that those technologies have electrical grid applications.
Closing Remarks

BMW Driving Experience
Be introduced to professional driving instructors who will have set the course for four driving sessions.