OPINION:
American manufacturing continues to adapt and evolve, driven by customer demand, technology, workforce capabilities and proximity to key markets.
Trade frameworks such as the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) contribute to that environment by providing continuity, common rules and greater alignment across North America, helping manufacturers operate within an increasingly integrated regional supply chain.
In our sector, recent years have seen solid growth. U.S. vehicle parts production has increased since 2019, and employment across the automotive supplier base has expanded nationwide. Cross‑border trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico has also grown, reflecting the importance of regional sourcing and production in today’s automotive industry.
This progress is the result of multiple forces, including innovation, sustained consumer demand, investments in domestic manufacturing capacity and a trade framework that supports regional content and long‑term planning.
At Eldor Automotive Powertrain USA, our investments in the U.S. reflect those broader considerations. In 2018, we finalized a $66 million investment to establish a manufacturing facility in Daleville, Virginia, supporting hundreds of skilled jobs and producing advanced ignition components for the American market.
Since then, we have expanded in the U.S. through additional investments totaling tens of millions of dollars, adding new assembly lines and increasing production capabilities.
A stable regional trade framework such as the USMCA has been a meaningful enabler, reinforcing U.S. supply chains, reducing uncertainty and supporting compliance with regional content requirements. In short, it’s provided the consistency that helps companies plan and invest with confidence.
Manufacturing in North America requires balancing competitiveness, resilience and scale. Clearer regional rules and alignment — such as those established under the USMCA — can help reduce friction, strengthen supplier networks and support collaboration across borders while maintaining strong domestic production.
This contributes positively to both U.S. manufacturing and the broader North American industrial base.
A stable trade environment can support efforts and reinforce regional investment, but lasting success depends on execution and long‑term commitment by manufacturers, workers and customers alike.
MARCO ARIENTA
CEO, Eldor Automotive Powertrain USA
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
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