Auto parts maker Magna International has won an innovation award from the Detroit chapter of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) for its work on front and rear fascias for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The Detroit chapter recognized Aurora, Ont.-based Magna for its use of laser cutting and welding the fascias instead of punch and ultrasonic welding, which can provide greater flexibility for lower-volume parts.
The fascias are manufactured at Magna’s DexSys manufacturing division in Delta Township, Mich. “This was a great opportunity to work with General Motors to find a flexible and cost-effective way to produce low-volume performance parts,” said DexSys general manager Gerry Mazzola. “Our laser cutting and welding technologies provide meaningful time and cost savings compared to more traditional punching and ultrasonic welding.”
Magna Exteriors vice president of product and process development Tom Pilette accepted the award at SPE Detroit’s TPO Conference in Troy, Mich., on Oct. 4.
