26th Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium

26th Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium

Shifting Gears: Thriving in a New Automotive Era

Thursday, March 6, 2025  | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. est |  Grand Rapids, Michigan 

The Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium is the must-attend annual event for business owners, senior management, and decision-makers across all tiers of the automotive industry. This premier gathering of industry leaders is designed to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the automotive world today and in the future.

Under the theme, Shifting Gears – Thriving in a New Automotive Era, this year’s symposium focuses on equipping suppliers with the insights and strategies needed to navigate an industry undergoing transformative change. From electrification and supply chain evolution to talent acquisition and sustainability, the automotive landscape is evolving faster than ever, and this event is your key to staying ahead.

Whether you are looking to expand your network, benchmark your strategies, or gain a clearer understanding of the future of automotive supply, the Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium offers a unique opportunity to accelerate your success.

Join us as we shift gears and drive toward a thriving future in this new automotive era!

Title Sponsor

Details

Date/Time: Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. est 
Location: Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus
Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
Cost:
$205 Members / $255 Non-Members

Register Today!


Presenters


Keynote Fireside Chat with Toyota Motor North America

Robert Young Toyota

Robert Young

Group Vice President, Purchasing Supplier Development
Toyota Motor North America

Robert Young is the group vice president of Purchasing Supplier Development at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). Based at Toyota’s Research & Development headquarters in York Township, Michigan, Young is responsible for overseeing all vehicle parts and materials, indirect manufacturing procurement and supplier development, and preparation for TMNA Research & Development.

Young joined Toyota in 1995 and has served in a series of roles in the Purchasing division, including several buying and department general manager roles.

Currently serving on the Board of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), Young is also a member of the Executive Committee of Ann Arbor SPARK.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University.

Ryan Grimm Toyota North America

Ryan Grimm

Group Vice President, Purchasing Supplier Development
Toyota Motor North America

Ryan Grimm is group vice president of Purchasing Supplier Development (PSD) at ToyotaMotor North America (TMNA). Based at Toyota’s Research & Development headquarters in York Township, Michigan, Grimm is responsible for overseeing all vehicle parts, materials, and manufacturing indirect procurement. Grimm is also responsible for supplier production preparation, development,t and supply continuity for
all Toyota’s manufacturing operations in North America.

Prior to his current role, Grimm was vice president of PSD Parts & Materials Procurement. Before re-joining PSD, Grimm was the general manager for Parts Supply Chain Operations(PSCO) in Plano, Texas for two years. Grimm also led the Office of the CIO (OCIO) for two years within TMNA OneTech in Plano.

Prior to OCIO, Grimm spent 20 years in TMNA purchasing and held various responsibilities in Erlanger, Kentucky, and then York, Michigan. Grimm joined Toyota in 1998 as a buyer in purchasing and has spent 26 years at TMNA including three years at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) stationed in Toyota City, Japan.

In addition to his roles at TMNA, Grimm is a board member of the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council.

Grimm holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mark Barrott

Mark Barrott

Partner - Automotive/Mobility Practice Leader
Plante Moran

Mark leads Plante Moran’s Strategy and Automotive consulting practices. He has over 30 years of experience in management consulting, advising clients in the automotive, heavy truck, technology, manufacturing and energy industries, including OEMs and suppliers, such as GM, Ford, Visteon, Marelli, Cooper Standard, ZF, Metalsa, and many others.

The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and Workforce

Jake Hall - The Manufacturing Millenial

Jake Hall

The Manufacturing Millenial

Jake Hall known as the Manufacturing Millennial is an advocate manufacturing, automation, and skilled trades by helping revolutionize the way people and companies present through social media. With over 100,000 Followers and 150,000,000+ views on his content, he ignites conversations about the latest in manufacturing and automation to excite the current and future workforce on innovation.

Automotive Industry Outlook

Mike Wall S&P Global

Mike Wall

Executive Director of Automotive Analysis 
S&P Global Mobility  

Mike brings more than two decades of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting, and manufacturing experience to S&P Global Mobility, with a primary focus on assisting automakers, suppliers, and financial firms in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and technology trends.

Shifting Gears: Michigan's Tier 1 & 2 Suppliers Panel

Stay Tuned for Panelist Announcements!


Details

Date/Time: Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. est 
Location: Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus
Loosemore Auditorium, 401 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
Cost:
$205 Members / $255 Non-Members

Register Today!


Thank You Sponsors!

Title Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium are available.
Contact the Center at vagtc@gvsu.edu to learn more!



Page last modified January 27, 2025