WATERFORD, Mich. (Oct. 26, 2009) — The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) is opening doors for its members to a global manufacturing giant.

 

Representatives from about 50 Michigan manufacturers today received advice from top executives of United Kingdom-based Rolls-Royce about how to do business with the global company. Rolls-Royce, with nearly $15 billion in revenue in 2008, designs and builds integrated power systems for use on land, at sea and in the air.

 

The event, “Opportunities in Aerospace Manufacturing,” held at the Oakland County Conference Center, is just one way MAMA is working to connect Michigan’s manufacturers with aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

 

“Michigan manufacturers are unmatched in their ability, quality and skill,” said Gavin Brown, MAMA’s executive director. “The aerospace industry is full of opportunities, but it often can be difficult for companies to get their foot in the door. We’re able help our members accelerate their entry into this important market.”

 

Since it was founded in 2007, the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association has helped members land more than $32 million in new business from the aerospace industry. The association acts as a single portal for OEMs to seek new suppliers. Member companies receive training and have access to experts to help ensure they’re able to fulfill aerospace customers’ orders.

 

“Manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of our state’s economy, and we are committed to helping these important businesses grow,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who hosted the event. “Despite our current challenges, I’m confident our manufacturers can excel in any new market, including aerospace.”

 

Aerospace is a $203 billion industry, with a nearly $400 billion backlog of orders at the end of 2008, according to the Aerospace Industries Association. In Michigan, nearly 7,500 jobs and more than $430 million in revenue already is tied to the sector.

 

 

The mission of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association is to serve and represent the interests of Michigan’s aerospace manufacturing firms with a single, unified voice while providing educational programs and industry research to its members.  It also serves to promote the capabilities of the Michigan manufacturing community to the global aerospace industry. MAMA is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To learn more, visit www.michman.org.