MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, unveiled its new business structure and branding during a press event Thursday. As North America’s leading trade association for motor vehicle component manufacturers, MEMA says it will now operate under one umbrella organization with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers.
Founded in 1904 when 37 suppliers realized they were “stronger by association,” says MEMA President and CEO Bill Long, MEMA and its board of directors began considering an alteration of its organizational structure last year. MEMA Chairman Marc Blackman, CEO at Gold Eagle, says the new MEMA is better positioned to support its member companies in the industries (automotive and heavy-duty) and market segments (OE and Aftermarket) it has always served.
[RELATED: Component manufacturers association to reorganize]
With disruption in transportation only likely to increase, Long says the new MEMA enhances “our ability to advance member business interests and future needs more effectively.”
Before this transition, MEMA operated with four divisions: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor Equipment Remanufacturing Association (MERA), and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). The new structure will create a stronger, more unified organization that can better serve and represent constituents by convening all members under just two groups.
“No other organization can compare with MEMA’s longevity, respect, depth of knowledge, and commitment to the vehicle supplier industry,” says Long, who adds that MEMA’s mission, vision, and dedication to its members and the automotive and commercial vehicle industry have not changed.
New MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers President and CEO Paul McCarthy says arguably the biggest change and advantage that will come out of the restructure will be the simplification of MEMA resources for its members. McCarthy said under the old structure, aftermarket operations had to join three groups to access all MEMA-supported aftermarket content. Now that information will be available through one group. Collin Shaw, who was hired to lead HDMA last year and will now serve as chief commercial vehicle officer and COO of MEMA’s Supplier Suppliers group, says major aftermarket events such as Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) will not change. But with this transition he says organizations who previously only participated in HDAW and HDMA events will now have access to more content.
“We are concentrating our suppliers’ voices,” says Julie Fream, MEMA OE Suppliers President and CEO.
“Members will appreciate this structural simplification as it makes it easier for members to access the value MEMA provides today, and we believe it will create more value long-term,” says Long.
MEMA says other key developments include:
- The Center for Sustainability – A new platform for all members as they navigate the increasingly complex processes and requirements of a successful sustainability program.
- A resource for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where staff and members can engage in meaningful dialogue and share best practices to develop safe and welcoming business environments.
- Greater access to member councils, programming, events, and MEMA’s advocacy staff in Washington, D.C.
Finally, MEMA also introduced its new branding during Wednesday’s event. The organization says its leadership went through a months-long review of its branding and value proposition, as well as member surveys and competitive analysis. The new look and color palette is modern, progressive and bold.
