How do you foster success for IACMI members?

There are two key things. First, there is networking across niches. I want to understand members’ needs, determine what technologies are most valuable to them and connect them with expertise from multiple sectors. Second, our leadership team works to make IACMI a one-stop shop for helping members achieve success. 

How are you helping members meet current USA manufacturing demands?

IACMI is like a painter’s palette. We mix resources to match member objectives. The composites industry is relatively new compared with that of metals. It is dynamic yet fragmented, with a lot of incohesive moving parts. It is our job to see the big picture and the details. Then, we connect the dots to resources each member needs to compete.

Can you share an example of a successful member project? 

The Volkswagen Atlas SUV lift-gate stands out. Volkswagen, an IACMI member, pitched us a challenge, and we ran with it from start to finish. We collaborated with IDI Composites and VW on design, materials selection, tooling, assembly sequencing and rollout at VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant. The compression-molded composite lift-gate reduced weight by 35 percent and recurring cost by 9 percent vs. the steel baseline.