Page 8 - MetalForming December 2019

News Fronts
Market Outlook
Harbour Study—North American Auto Tooling Spend to Drop in 2020
Citing a fundamental shift in the automotive marketplace as well as reduced vehicle launches from the Detroit Three automak- ers, an analysis from Harbour Results, Inc. (HRI) predicts that 2020 automotive vendor tooling spend in North America will drop to $6.8 billion from an estimated $8.7 billion in 2019.
“This year was a culmination of significant change and insta- bility in the automotive
marketplace,” says Laurie Harbour, presi- dent and CEO of HRI, commenting on the Harbour IQ study that examines the current state of the automotive vendor tooling industry. “From unique mobility
models and new automakers to advancing electrification and autonomous technologies to uncertainty in the economy and global trade landscape, the only thing we are certain of is that the industry will continue to change at a rapid rate. This is impacting automaker profitability, which means that platforms will be com- monized, trim models will be eliminated and OEMs will be lever- aging reductive design to save money. These factors are signifi- cantly impacting the health of the North American tool and die industry and resulting in reduced tooling spend.”
The decreased number of North American vehicles to be sourced for production in 2020―45 total―represents the key fac- tor in the forecast for a reduced tooling spend. Furthermore, the Detroit Three automakers, who source most of their tools in this region, are expected to source only 13 vehicles in 2020, repre- senting approximately $3.1 billion in tooling spend. Further, Har- bour IQ estimates North American tooling spend in 2021 to be $7.3 billion.
Also, HRI predicts that the automotive tooling spend in the region will drop from an annual average of $8-10 billion to $6.5-8 billion for the next three to five years. Additionally, as a result of reduced tooling spend and economic instability, HRI forecasts that as many as 75 mold and die shops in the region will close during that same time frame.
“This forecast is difficult for us to share,” Harbour says. “We are passionate about helping the North American manufacturing industry remain competitive. However, the ongoing marketplace change and competition from low-cost countries―specifically China―already has impacted tool and die makers. In 2019 we saw at least 10 shops close and more than 2000 workers laid off, and we see this trend continuing.
“As the tooling market contracts, it is important that shops position themselves for the future,” she continues. “Leadership needs to push for edginess and eliminate complacency, and tool shops must continue to put plans in place to shore up weakness- es, maximize technology and talent, and control costs.”
Facilities
Pepperl+Fuchs Opens Fully Automated Distribution Center
Pepperl+Fuchs, a Twins- burg, OH-based provider of industrial sensor and explo- sion protection technologies, recently celebrated the grand opening of its fully automated distribution center in Katy, TX.
The $25-million, 110,000- sq.-ft. facility serves as the central warehouse from which Pepperl+Fuchs distributes more than 10,000 products worldwide. The IoT-enabled center features an engineer- ing center, customer training area, warehouse space, and distribution facilities. The cen- ter highlights more than 1000 Pepperl+Fuchs sensors.
Automation technology controls a highly complex automated storage and retrieval system with a fully automated parts picking and conveyor system for quick transport of materials for shipment. Specialized ware- house management software allows supervisors to keep a close watch on important operational data along the line.
Business Notes
Italian Tier One Opts for Schuler Press
Italy-based Lasim S.p.A, a Tier-One automotive supplier has ordered a 2000-ton twin servo press from Germany- based Schuler. The machine has two separate electronically synchronized torque motors in the press bed; a die clamping area of 6.25 by 2.50 m and an automated transfer with active vibration damping that
ensures safe transport of the parts produced. These include mounts for the fender, airbag or dashboard as well as cross struts and beams.
FABTECH Announces New Chicago Dates
FABTECH show manage- ment has announced that beginning in 2021, FABTECH Chicago, previously held in November, will shift its dates to September.
Future Chicago dates:
• September 13-16, 2021 • September 11-14, 2023 • September 8-11, 2025 Why the date change? Due
to FABTECH’s status, one of the largest events held at McCormick Place, bringing $73 million of delegation spending to Chicago, the event has earned its way into the coveted September period. These dates go to select events that have continuously demonstrated the ability to grow their scope, size and significance.
In 2019, FABTECH occu- pied nearly 2 million sq. ft. of McCormick Place space. The new dates also are in response to exhibitors’ requests. FABTECHs held dur- ing even years in Atlanta and Las Vegas will continue in November, when no other events are held in those cities.
People
Tower Metalworking Fluids, a Chicago, IL-based manufac- turer of high-performance metal forming lubricants and metal removal coolants, has expanded its sales team with field sales engineers R. Scott Fletcher and Jeff Hunt. Fletch- er will service the Missouri ter- ritory and Hunt manages the Alabama territory.
6 MetalForming/December 2019
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