Why become a member
Every member company has their individual reason for being a member of FKG. Below we have tried to compile some of the most common reasons for membership.
By being a member, your company, as a supplier, makes sure that the industry always has a representative to speak on behalf of the sector. FKG does this in various ways.
FKG represents the suppliers in the industry talks with the government. We do this in close cooperation with the vehicle manufacturers. Further information regarding the industry talks can be found in the report “The vehicle industry – a part of innovative Sweden”. FKG is currently taking part in the work to launch the action programme.
A first, very tangible result of the industry talks is the “Supplier development programme”. One of FKGs objectives was to bring about such a support programme.
FKG also frequently draws media attention to the issues facing the industry, as well as speaking at conferences both within and outside of Sweden. The organization’s own magazine “The Vehicle Component”, FKG focuses on current issues affecting the business and on different events that are relevant to the sector.
FKG also contacts the vehicle manufacturers when needed, to inform about the suppliers’ views on various issues as well as to seek support for different projects.
For many years now, FKG has been organizing the Annual Suppliers’ Forum. Through the participation of business leaders from the vehicle manufacturers and the suppliers, the now over 450 conference participants get a good overview of the sector and how it is developing. The conference also enjoys significant media coverage.
Knowledge about the sector is an important part of lobbying, which is why FKG, sometimes together with other organisations, carries out different studies. Every year the profitability of the sector is assessed, and in early 2006, an interview-based study carried out by FKG helped chart the structure of the supplier industry.
Many companies use FKGs activities in their marketing. Internationalisation is one of the strongest trends in the sector and FKG has viewed it as part of their role to, in a cost efficient manner, help the suppliers meet new customers, new partners and find new purchasing channels.
FKG arranges joint exhibition stands at the IAA.
Many companies also view FKGs members as a network within which it is possible to both buy and sell. Meeting places such as the Annual Supplier’s Forum, the Go Global projects and seminars are used for this type of networking.
Companies can also use their membership to participate in various skill-enhancing projects and activities.
FKG regularly organizes seminars areas such as quality, financing, contract law, product development and logistics. Within the areas Production economy and Negotiation technique, FKG organizes training in collaboration with other actors.
FKG tries, in different ways, to find means of helping the suppliers to keep costs down, or receive support for their development.
An area that has increased in importance is FKGs analyses of purchasing- and other contracts. The analyses are done by Setterwalls Law Firm and are posted on FKGs website. Through these analyses, FKGs members can acquire a better understanding of what the contracts entail as well as a basis for counter-proposals. The analyses are free of charge for FKGs members. In addition, each FKG member is entitled to half an hour’s free consultation with MAQS Law Firm for every new case.
FKG is, together with the vehicle manufacturers, a contracting party in the jointly financed research and development programmes. Vinnova is the state-run counterpart. The state invests approximately 350 million SEK every year in these research programmes, and the industry puts in roughly the same amount in work. FKGs members can apply for funding from the research programmes within the framework that has been allocated to the supplier industry.
The Go Global projects above are almost always carried out with some support from Tillväxtverket (former Nutek) which means that members only pay for travel, accommodation and free time.