Listen "Tech, Sustainability, & Talent: How Martinrea Is Building the Supply Chain of Tomorrow"
Episode Synopsis
At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here The automotive supply chain isn't what it used to be. Between shifting global policies, evolving AI capabilities, and the relentless push for sustainability, the pressure is on. And if you're not thinking ahead, you're already behind. But Martinrea is ahead of the curve, and in this episode, Megan Hunter, Executive VP of Procurement and Supply Chain Operations, explains how.One of the biggest game-changers? AI. Forget spending hours digging through Google for the right supplier. AI-powered tools now make instant supplier recommendations, cut through the noise, and even challenge old-school procurement tactics. But AI isn't perfect—Megan shares the hidden risks that supply chain leaders must watch out for.Then there's supplier transparency, a topic everyone talks about but few have mastered. Why? Because transparency isn't a tech problem—it's a trust problem. Megan reveals the reality of deep-tier supplier mapping, the struggle to get reliable data, and the cultural shift needed to make transparency a reality.And let’s talk about sustainability—not as a checkbox, but as a game-changing strategy. At Martinrea, it’s not just about the planet; it’s about saving millions. Localized sourcing? 300,000 fewer miles traveled. Smart packaging? Less waste, lower costs.Of course, none of this works without the right people in place. However, the auto industry faces a massive talent gap. Megan's solution? Don't wait for talent—build it. Martinrea is launching an industry-first supply chain apprenticeship program, pulling in fresh talent from the ground up and training them in everything from procurement to AI-driven analytics.And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all of this? Megan's advice is simple: start with quick wins. Instead of getting stuck in the complexity, take immediate, tangible steps to drive change.Themes discussed in this episode:How Martinrea is using AI to streamline supplier searches and procurementThe biggest challenges in supplier transparency and why trust is the missing linkWhy sustainability is not just good for the planet but a cost-saving strategyThe role of zero landfill initiatives in Martinrea’s waste reduction effortsWhy real supply chain transformation requires cultural shifts, not just technologyHow Martinrea is addressing the supply chain talent gap with an apprenticeship programThe importance of quick wins in driving supply chain innovation and progressFeatured on this episode:Name: Megan HunterTitle: Executive Vice President Procurement and Supply Chain Operations at Martinrea InternationalAbout: Megan is the Executive Vice President of Procurement and Supply Chain Operations at Martinrea International Inc., a role she has held since December 2019. She leads the company’s global procurement and supply chain strategy, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations across the organization. In addition to overseeing procurement, Megan is also responsible for the Auburn Hills Technical Center and Martinrea’s sustainability initiatives.Connect: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Microsoft Copilot: Your AI companion
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.