Automotive Supplier Competitiveness Improvement Program (ASCIP)

The APMA has announced the launch of an exciting new program that will help turn the ignition on new opportunities in the vital automotive sector of the Ontario economy.

The Automotive Supplier Competitiveness Improvement Program (ASCIP) will support the improvement of auto parts supplier capabilities and competitiveness by increasing their ability to design and deliver products more efficiently.

ASCIP is a partnership between the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth (MEDG), and the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE).  The APMA will drive industry outreach and program uptake across its membership and the broader sector, deliver marketing and promotional activities, work with applicants to develop project business plans, complete and submit applications, and provide program support. OCE will administer and manage the jointly branded program, including application intake, review, contracting, funding disbursement, and reporting.

Small and medium-sized automotive suppliers, or large companies partnering with small or medium-sized automotive suppliers, can apply for to up to $100,000 in project funding, which must be matched 1:1 by industry funds and contribute to the adoption of industry-leading processes and IT solutions that result in gains in efficiency measures. Projects can be up to two years in duration.

The two streams of the ASCIP Program are as follows:

“Stream 1” – Technology Adoption – Eligible projects must focus on advancing product life cycle management and improving competitiveness through the adoption of advanced hardware, software and/or training. Eligible projects will:

* Increase suppliers’ capabilities to deliver shorter design cycle times, be more productive and responsive to market changes;

* Support the adoption of specific software and IT solutions that allow companies to manage the entire lifecycle of a product efficiently and cost effectively;

* Contribute to SMEs increasing their sourcing capabilities and adopt innovation and productivity initiatives to expand success in growing export markets.

“Stream 2” – Mentorship – Eligible projects must focus on operational efficiency and competitiveness improvements. Successful applicants will be matched with qualified automotive industry experts to review current production capabilities and identify manufacturing process efficiency issues and opportunities.

ASCIP now has a Call for Proposals open. Round 1 application intake begins on October 6, 2016 and ends on November 3, 2016. Round 2 application intake begins on November 4, 2016 and ends on January 17, 2017.

For general inquiries about eligibility or initiating an application, please contact Warren Ali,Director of Emerging Technologies Initiatives, APMA, wali@apma.ca or at 416-620-4220 ext. 235.