Small auto parts suppliers, who provide 5,000 to 10,000 jobs in Connecticut, face the same crisis that has forced some big auto makers to the brink of extinction.
But those small manufacturers have seen little relief from a Congress that has pledged millions to help car builders stay in business. That has to change.
Auto suppliers told lawmakers on the House Small Business Committee last week that without help, many small parts manufacturers will be forced out of business. They sought a pledge that Congress and the Obama Administration would expand aid beyond major “first tier” auto suppliers to small outfits.
Lawmakers were told that the average car is made up of 30,000 parts produced by 4,000 small businesses comprising the $200 billion auto supplier industry, and that the multitiered auto parts supplier network employs over 700,000 people, with nearly two million more jobs in related industries.
Those jobs would be in danger if these small manufacturers are forced to close their doors.
Congress and the administration should make sure smaller parts suppliers get some of the financial help that they have been so willing to provide to big auto makers.
