On July 16, 2008, Volkswagen Group of America announced its intent to build a production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. as part of its overall plan to sell 800,000 VW-brand passenger cars in the U.S. by 2018.  The Chattanooga plant will initially have a capacity of 150,000 units and will begin production in early 2011 of a new midsized sedan made specifically for the North American market.

 

With over 20 years purchasing experience on the supplier and vehicle manufacturer side, Loafman is building a new purchasing team to support the new U.S. assembly operation.  The meeting will provide an overview of the VW Group, its purchasing organization and the new plant and product.  Planning to join Loafman is:

·     Susan Bueche, manager, indirect purchasing         

·     Thomas Eckardt, commodity manager, electric

·     Dominique Kuenzel, manager, forward sourcing/global sourcing

·     Michael Lovati, commodity manager, interior

·     Jeff Moon, commodity manager, metal

 

Loafman and his team will be available to speak with suppliers before and after the town hall meeting. 

 

OESA members may register and network with Volkswagen Group purchasing executives from 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  The town hall program and question and answer session will run from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  This is an opportunity to interface with VW Group purchasing at a very senior level.

 

OESA members may register in the events section of http://www.oesa.org. For registration questions, contact Felece Hickman at 248.952.6401 ext. 237 or fhickman@oesa.org. For program information, contact Dave Andrea at 248.952.6401 ext. 228 or dandrea@oesa.org.

 

Note:  Refunds cannot be given after August 21, 2008.  Substitutions are always welcome. Pay at the door registrants are held to the same cancellation policy as prepaid registrants and will be invoiced if cancellation is not received by August 21, 2008.  Fax the completed registration form to 248.952.6404 or register online at http://www.oesa.org.