Automotive supplier trade association condenses into two groups

WASHINGTON — The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association said it is condensing its business structure under the MEMA umbrella and representing suppliers with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Group and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group.

MEMA, which represents original equipment and aftermarket automotive parts suppliers in the U.S., said Friday the new brand and organizational structure will launch in January.

"Today, rapid changes are impacting our industry, and we must be more adaptive and agile to respond," MEMA CEO Bill Long said in a statement. "These industry challenges are not unique to one market segment but affect the entire membership. We must position MEMA for the future in a way that supports our vision of a growing, profitable and influential supplier community."

Over the years, MEMA expanded into four divisions: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, Association for Sustainable Manufacturing and Original Equipment Suppliers Association.

Under the condensed structure, Long will remain CEO of MEMA. Julie Fream, currently CEO of OESA, will be CEO of the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group, and Paul McCarthy, currently CEO of AASA, will be CEO of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Group.

"No other organization can compare with MEMA's longevity, respect, depth of knowledge, and commitment to the supplier industry," Long said. "With these changes, we leverage one MEMA, providing more services to all members in each respective market segment, greater platforms for industry dialogue and one collective voice on behalf of our members."