MEMA: Auto parts mfg. jobs rising

WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2017) — The number of jobs in the U.S. automotive parts manufacturing industry has risen 19 prcent since 2012, according to a new Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) industry analysis.

According to the report, "Driving the Future," more than 871,000 Americans are employed directly by the automotive parts manufacturing industry compared with 734,000 in 2012. This number represents 2.9 percent of total jobs in the U.S. employment market and 2.4 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product.

The total employment impact — both indirect and employment-induced — of the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry is 4.26 million jobs, an increase of nearly 18 percent from 3.26 million in 2012.

"Never before has the mobility industry had to embrace so many advances in vehicle technology so quickly and on a global scale," Steve Handschuh, president and CEO of MEMA, said during a media event at the Washington Auto Show.

"These numbers show that MEMA and its member companies are driving innovation, jobs, and economic growth in the U.S. by combining manufacturing and technology. The mobility industry is a significant contributor to the growth of the manufacturing and high-tech sectors. And MEMA is pulling it all together."

The motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry contributes $270 billion in employee compensation, which is up 22 percent from $221 billion in 2012, according to the report. Economic contribution to the U.S. GDP generated by the motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry and its supported activity tops $435 billion.

The full report, including state-by-state employment numbers, is available on the MEMA website. MEMA and its four specialized divisions — Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) — comprise an international trade association that represents vehicle suppliers who manufacture and remanufacture components, technologies and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks.

By segment, the employment numbers are:

• AASA — 145,000 jobs, a 3.6-percent increase;

• HDMA — 203,000 jobs, an 18.7-percent increase;

• MERA — 180,000 jobs; no comparison available;

• OESA — 523,000 jobs, a 23.3-percent increase.

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This story first appeared on the website of Rubber & Plastics News, an Akron-based sister publication of Tire Business.