EN Issue 03-2021 A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM Click on the stories in this issue of Magna People and you’ll discover the importance of workplace allies, downtime, life-long learning, and taking chances. NEXT GEN AT MAGNA Millennials Thriving at Magna OFF-DUTY: CREATIVE STREAK From traditional Chinese painting to tattoos and dancing, Magna’s Millennials have the ability to use imagination and intelligence in original ways. THE COURTSHIP OF MAGNA AND LG ELECTRONICS When the Magna team finalizing the $1 billion joint venture with LG Electronics landed at Incheon International Airport in South Korea during a torrential rain in late August 2021, they noticed a strange sight. HONORING SPECIAL MOMENTS When Srijani Mitra got married in February, the three-day celebration in India included 400 people and lots of traditional elements. MAGNA’S WHITEWATER WIZARD Masatoshi Yamakawa’s love of canoeing and kayaking has taken him all over the world. ‘IF IT’S TO BE, IT’S UP TO ME’ Jamar Murchison’s Personal Board of Directors A LIFE OF SCHOLARLY – AND SPIRITUAL – PURSUITS From his years teaching high school physics in Ethiopia to earning a mass communications degree in America, Samuel Taye’s life has been defined by a love of education. TRACKING ENERGY USE ONE STEP AT A TIME We are not just saving resources, we are protecting human beings and taking care of future generations. AN ILLUMINATING LIFE From volunteering in prison ministry to leading a Magna team of 100 to develop and launch new exterior lighting technologies, Terrence Wilson is a beacon of hope and encouragement. MY TEAMMATES BELIEVE IN ME Without imagination, who could dream of something like a driverless car? LETTING HIS HEART SING We decided to become foster parents because we’re blessed and we wanted to find a way to give back. A LOOK INTO LMV AUTOMOTIVE The Golden Rule is posted in large letters in the training and innovation center at Magna’s LMV Automotive division in Liberty, Missouri, a reminder to “treat others as you wish to be treated.” Magna People Newsletter Stay up to date and receive a notification when the new issue is released. Subscribe ISSUE 02-2021 WE'RE ALL IN: FROM TEAMS TO TECHNOLOGY AND PROTECTING THE PLANET A message from the editorial team BRAND MESSAGE FROM ERIC WILDS It’s about how we will advance mobility for all. And it sets us on a strong course, with great potential. OUR CULTURE It starts with our people. And the culture we have created by encouraging entrepreneurialism at every level for the past 60 years. ROBOTS, CHINESE LUTES AND SKIPPING LUNCH If I can’t figure something out at first, I don’t let it go. I always want to finish what I’m troubleshooting – and I will stay to conquer it. THE ROOTS OF THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Repairing aircrafts proved to be valuable during his subsequent 13-year stint in the Army National Guard because M1 tanks are equipped with jet turbine engines MAGNA EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS Conversations with a long-time Magna veteran and an engineer working with future technology. GROWING NEW TECH – AND CAREERS As humans, we waste too much from Mother Earth. We must change our style of mobility. CEO’S PODCAST PROMPTS A GUTSY EMAIL – AND A MEMORABLE RESPONSE You should share what you think. There is always someone who will listen. TAPPING INTO THE POWER OF ONE MAGNA Our broad product expertise and our unique ability to deliver beyond the expected by leveraging our complete vehicle know-how to take and integrated collaborative approach. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING Transforming industrial operations operations through focused integration, precision, and mobility. MAFACT: A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS If this was a hospital, our direct-labor employees are the surgeons. MAGNA’S ADVANCED ROBOTICS: INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, POSITIVE EXPERIENCE I have a better job because of the robot. SUSTAINABILITY Committed to Making a Difference CELEBRATING OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY From solar panels and pollinator gardens, to energy conservation and supplier diversity programs, to car-of-the-future components and reforestation, Magna is committed to sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY DRIVES OUR WORK Magna is making a positive impact on protecting the planet in many ways. MAGNA'S SUSTAINABILITY WORLD MAP The Magna facility in Langres, France uses sheep to mow the lawn, reducing CO2 emissions. NEW MOBILITY ENABLER With industry-leading technologies as well as design, engineering and complete vehicle assembly capabilities, we are supporting all aspects of mobility like no one else. MAGNA’S PORTFOLIO IS READY FOR THE FUTURE As vehicles move from ICE to EV, Magna has the building blocks to grow. A LOVE OF HIGH ALTITUDES Whether you are running a plant or a flight simulator, you need focus. You need the right combination of things to make everything run smoothly. ISSUE 01-2021 KEEPING GOOD COMPANY Our collective resilience in challenging times. GETTING TO KNOW THE PERSON BEHIND THE TITLE So, how do you go from India to Oklahoma, and then onto Michigan? MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS Winning this award is a testament to your commitment in this key area. Life lessons at work A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND ROBOTS COEXIST This cobot seems so full of personality that he’s even earned a nickname. TURNING AN ACCIDENT INTO AN ASSET The accident made me a better person. THE POWER OF OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE Keeping everyone upbeat and positive – attitudes that tend to be contagious. A RACE FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT If you get hurt, they will send a donkey to take you back up. Ways to be well THE FACES BEHIND THE MAGNA HOTLINE Listening is a really important piece of the job. It may be the most important part. LET'S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH The mental health burden is the unseen pandemic. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Experimenting with different hair color is something I’ve always enjoyed. FINDING A WAY TO SING TOGETHER People may not understand the words, but they can feel the emotion. MAGNA STRESSBUSTERS Performing with my band works, too. It is a physical and mental. Supporting our communities BUILDING A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY I’ve always had people who would advocate for me, starting with my first boss. COSMA CASTING POLAND: CHAMPIONS OF GIVING You need to be inspired to inspire people. ACTS OF KINDNESS FROM A ‘VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE’ It was the first time I ever spoke to a homeless person. BECOMING A ‘BLESSING’ TO OTHERS: A CANCER SURVIVOR’S STORY It gives me a warm feeling if I can be a blessing or an encouragement to someone. Spotlight on Sustainability A PASSION TO PROTECT THE PLANET I am making a difference because I focus on solutions, not the problems. MAGNA + FISKER: FROM THE CUSTOMER’S PERSPECTIVE This could be setting a golden standard for how you bring a new EV to market. RECYCLING LESSONS FROM FORMEX EMPLOYEES – AND EMILIO FERNANDO The most important thing is to take care of the planet that we are giving to our children. SEEKING A SUSTAINABLE PLANET – AND CAREER My dream came true – more than 100 percent. ISSUE 04/2020 Celebrating the Don Walker Effect THE DON WALKER EFFECT Like everyone in this issue, I have a Don Walker story. MAGNA MADE MESSAGE FROM FRANK STRONACH I was so impressed by him that I offered him a job. COMPANY A CEO FOR ALL SEASONS At the helm through calm and turbulent waters. COMPANY A TRIBUTE TO DON WALKER The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. PEOPLE IMPACT AND LEGACY High standards and a relentless focus. PEOPLE GLOBAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE You inspired our teams. PEOPLE DON WALKER Q&A: CHESS, STRATEGIC THINKING AND THE FUTURE OF MAGNA Anticipating what might happen and what needs to be done. MAGNA MADE BY THE NUMBERS A period of tremendous growth. COMPANY ISSUE 03/2020 Stories of how we have responded to and experienced the challenges and tragedies of the global COVID-19 pandemic. COVID AND CHARACTER They say conduct is the best proof of character and these times have given us many opportunities to show who we really are. MAGNA MADE A CAUTIONARY TALE ABOUT COVID-19 After losing eight family members to COVID-19 this spring, Bridgette Eddins has an urgent message for Magna employees. PEOPLE SAFETY PROTOCOLS THAT MAKE FAMILIES HAPPY After spending 23 days in bed due to COVID-19, Jose Angel Texca Gonzalez appreciated all of the precautions in place upon his return to work at Autotek Puebla in Mexico. PEOPLE SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE AFTER COVID-19 The coronavirus hasn’t gone away yet. Some people want things to get back to normal. I’m here to remind them to stick with it. PEOPLE SHOP-FLOOR PERSPECTIVE: KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE AND HAPPY Mark Stanley praises Magna’s “great job with communications” during the COVID-19 crisis. PEOPLE A REASSURING RETURN TO WORK AFTER COVID-19 I was afraid of rejection at work, but what I got was incredible emotional support. PEOPLE A WORLD-CLASS APPROACH TO FIGHTING COVID-19 Our ingenuity, innovation and best-in-class attitude allowed us to put a system in place that safeguards the health and wellbeing of our employees. MAGNA MADE FIGHTING COVID-19: THE VIRTUAL WAR ROOM As the pandemic began to spread around the world, Magna’s multi-disciplinary emergency COVID task force moved to a “war-room footing.” PEOPLE SMART START PLAYBOOK UPDATE: PREPARING FOR THE 'NEXT UNKOWN’ The challenge: how to best modify our workplace as we better understand the risks of infectious disease transmission. MAGNA MADE FIVE QUESTIONS FOR STEVE ROPER The global director of Health, Safety and Environmental, whose chief role in the COVID-19 crisis was being part of a Magna advisory team that created a response plan, said the pandemic “is still front and foremost, at least for the immediate future. COMPANY COVID-THEMED ATTACKS HIGHLIGHT NEW CYBERCRIME Since the pandemic began, Magna has detected a 20 percent increase in the volume of phishing attempts and other security incidents. COMPANY MAGNA IN ACTION Magna has always been known as the company to jump in to help our customers when needed. Through these trying times, there are no shortages to stories of human kindness. Magna and its employees have been willingly jumping in to help within our communities. MAGNA IN ACTION We've always been known as the company to jump in to help our customers when needed. Throughout this global time of crisis dealing with Coronavirus, we have been jumping in to help within our communities. PEOPLE GRACE NOTES IN A PANDEMIC Magna’s John Peterson has been piping his way through the pandemic. PEOPLE MAGNA INDIA: HELPING IN A TIME OF CRISIS Ankur Khanna’s 10-year-old son Avi gave up his August birthday party with family and friends and donated the money to support a needy family during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. PEOPLE ANSWERING AN EMERGENCY REQUEST All we could think about was how to finish this huge task in a short time. PEOPLE WHAT CAN WE GET, WHAT CAN WE MAKE Magna employees are problem-solvers by nature, and we are committed to supporting the communities where we work and live. With our technology, expertise, size and scale, we were able to quickly take action during the pandemic with a variety of production projects. THE WORLD NEEDED FACE SHIELDS, AND MAGNA RESPONDED Within days, production of the face shields by a volunteer workforce began in March at seven Magna divisions that usually build automotive fascias and modular assemblies. PEOPLE A SEAMLESS RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS Making medical gowns during the COVID-19 crisis was a collaborative effort among Magna, Dow, 3M and other companies – and an effort that tapped Magna talent and goodwill throughout North America. PEOPLE MAGNA-MADE MASKS PROTECT EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES In a record 10-weeks’ time, Magna put its operations prowess in action to prepare to produce up to two million procedure masks a week PEOPLE FROM HOCKEY TO HEALTH CARE “In light of the COVID crisis and knowing our ozone-generating product was proven to be effective against MRSA*, we wanted to see if we might have something that can help save lives,” PEOPLE MAKING AUTOMOTIVE AND MEDICAL PARTS UNDER ONE ROOF Magna’s body and chassis plant in Williamsburg, Iowa has added business to stamp and assemble ventilator carts for a leading health technology company. PEOPLE WORKING SMART Magna’s Smart Start Playbook provided a framework for restarting our facilities and office locations with a consistent response and strategy throughout the company. While continuing to respect our Employee’s Charter commitment to a safe and healthful workplace, Magna facilities and employees had to rapidly adjust to work in the midst of unique challenges. MAGNA IN MEXICO: FINDING THE SILVER LINING From superheroes to the Smart Start playbook, Magna’s Mexico facilities deployed a wide range of strategies to ensure a successful restart following the COVID-19 shutdown. PEOPLE MAGNA STEYR GRAZ STRATEGY: KEEP INFORMATION FLOWING After weeks of silence and shuttered plants, the contract manufacturer was the first auto plant in Europe to reopen. COMPANY WUHAN SMART START: LESSONS IN DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP It was a real sense of community. PEOPLE AUTOSYSTEMS AMERICA: A CHALLENGE TO “THINK DIFFERENTLY” The fear encompassed the entire workday, including such seemingly mundane things as “where do I put my lunch” to keep it from becoming contaminated. COMPANY ESTAMPADOS MAGNA DE MEXICO: LEARNING TO STEER IN UNCHARTED WATERS The main thing is to keep calm. We are able to steer the ship. COMPANY KARMAX: A TEST OF THE SMART START PLAYBOOK We created the safest place in a global pandemic. COMPANY MAGNA SEATING VIGO: CHANGING HABITS, KEEPING CALM All of the safe-practice protocols and processes found in the Smart Start playbook, and one unusual one: no hugging. COMPANY FORMET SMART START: ‘LEARN FROM EACH OTHER’ The lives and livelihood of the 1,500 Formet workers, who make truck frames and underbody structures for major automakers, were at stake. COMPANY MECHATRONICS MOTROL: KEEPING THE VISION ALIVE The “biggest crisis” ever faced by Magna Mechatronics Motrol in Livorno, Italy. COMPANY CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS DURING COVID The COVID crisis has not changed the need for us to bring new technologies to our customers in order to secure future business. COMPANY BE SMART, KNOW YOUR RISK Let’s all stay SMART to stop the spread and impact to our economy, industry, company and livelihood! COMPANY PROTECT YOURSELF, FAMILY & FRIENDS. GET A FLU SHOT. Every year, flu shots help prevent millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations. As we continue to face COVID-19, it's even more important that we fight the flu together. COMPANY ISSUE 2/2020 SUSTAINABILITY: IT'S PERSONAL Magna employees around the world have taken sustainability to heart and every day demonstrate their personal commitment to making an impact at work and at home. MAGNA MADE ROOTED IN SUSTAINABILITY Just as I learned from my parents when they were stewards of the land, every step we take towards sustainability counts. MAGNA MADE MAGNA IN ACTION Magna people help improve communities through environmental actions, volunteer efforts and donations of their time and money. PEOPLE MAGNA GREEN Magna people and facilities around the world are finding ways to be more environmentally conscious and sustainable. MAGNA GREEN:‘WHAT WE DO MATTERS’ “We must look at the big picture of climate change, keeping in mind how we behave locally to conserve resources,” de Meel said. “Ultimately, we’re just one planet and what we do matters.” PEOPLE GROWING GREENER OPERATIONS Employees at the Magna Cosma and Magna Seating divisions in Sanand, India are using recycled wastewater from treated sewage to grow guava, pomegranates, Indian gooseberry and eggplants in on-site gardens. PEOPLE SAVING THE PLANET, FAMILY STYLE Employees’ children, ages 6 to 12, are invited to an annual summer camp at the plant, where they learn how to compost, how to plant and care for trees, and why it’s important to take care of the planet. PEOPLE DECOSTAR INDUSTRIES: A MODEL OF SUSTAINABILITY We want to be benchmarked. We want to be a model of how a company can be sustainable. PEOPLE POLYCON’S POLICY: ‘LEAVE NO TRACE’ Not only has Polycon, which makes exterior components, saved thousands on utility bills, it has reduced hazardous and non-hazardous waste by 78 percent through the implementation of a plant-wide program. PEOPLE CULTIVATING A FASCINATION WITH BEES At the beginning, you have bees; but very soon, they have you. PEOPLE AN ENERGY-SAVINGS GAME PLAN The main focus of Magna’s Global Energy Team is saving cost which, in turn, reduces our emissions and aids in helping to save the environment. MAGNA MADE MIRRORS SHANGHAI: A FORMULA FOR SAVING ENERGY The team came up with an energy-efficient formula based on Mafact principles. PEOPLE LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE REAL ESTATE If a building doesn’t work in an efficient way, it could put the operations at an unnecessary disadvantage. COMPANY BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INTO EVERYTHING WE DO Our sustainable products touch nearly every part of the vehicle, from under the hood to the seats and the liftgate. At the same time, Magna people are committed to the planet 24/7 as they recycle, grow gardens, and teach the next generation about the importance of conservation. ELECTRIFYING: MAGNA TRANSMISSION INNOVATIONS A winning combination: smart products that are sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable, while providing additional value to OEM customers and consumers. MAGNA MADE A CULTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Our people are aware that we are facing the issue of climate change. We know it is important to do whatever you can to support the environment. PEOPLE SOLAR POWER + AUTOMOTIVE BEST PRACTICES = AXSUS People want to buy products that come from a sustainable company. That’s why they are turning to Magna. MAGNA MADE TURNING THROWAWAYS INTO DREAM PROJECTS At Magna Exteriors, the material science gurus are brainstorming ways to turn things like plastic bottles, paint sludge and unwanted tires into the building blocks of greener vehicles. PEOPLE SEEKERS OF SUSTAINABILITY – AND ADVENTURE This Cosma team team take exploration to the next level when it comes to products and processes that benefit the environment. PEOPLE MAGNA SEATING: CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY Magna Seating’s sustainability champion is helping divisions to work on decreasing their CO2 footprint, with a long-term goal of becoming CO2 neutral. MAGNA MADE CROSS-GROUP COLLABORATION: PREVIEWING A LIGHTWEIGHT FUTURE The LumiGrille offers car designers an unlimited canvas for their creativity, and the compact lighting package with its minimal power draw puts a premium on efficiency. MAGNA MADE CROSS-GROUP COLLABORATION: SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS We’re envisioning what the car of 2030 will be like, especially in terms of sustainability. MAGNA MADE SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY: MAGNA’S APPROACH TO TESTING Cutting down on waste means making sure everything we test will not fail, not the component or the car. MAGNA MADE ISSUE 1/2020 EDITORIAL It’s 2020 and Magna’s entrepreneurial-minded employees are ready for the future. MAGNA MADE SUSTAINABILITY Ensuring the health of our business with long-term product strategies while at the same time being mindful of our actions and how they can affect future generations. MAGNA MADE EOS STANDOUTS: COMFY SHOES, COFFEE TALKS AND CUTTING-EDGE TRAINING The Magna divisions that rise to the top of the ranks in the Employee Opinion Survey have different ways of keeping their people happy. Here are some of their secrets of success. PEOPLE INSIDE ‘THE VAULT’ WITH MAGNA’S COST-SAVINGS GURUS Meet the dedicated six-member team that is always on the hunt for potential opportunities for cost savings. PEOPLE NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES Magna heroes are serving people all around the world. Here are a couple of their stories. PEOPLE NEUENSTEIN 4.0 PLAYBOOK “If you want to ensure your future, prove you are smarter” former General Manager Aldo Cirilli established a process of gathering dozens of managers and employees in a conference room, throwing out the first ball, along with a challenge. PEOPLE ADVANCED ROBOTICS: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS An advanced robot that can lift up to 330 pounds and operate without any safety fences is previewing the future of manufacturing at Magna’s Lannach, Austria transmission facility. MAGNA MADE A CORPORATE CULTURE THAT FOSTERS TALENT Freedom to innovate and encouragement to think like an entrepreneur are just some of the reasons the people behind Magna technology enjoy working here. PEOPLE COMPOSITE SPACE FRAME: A DIFFERENT ANIMAL The Magna team had a nickname for the first prototype of their composite space frame, a groundbreaking thermoplastic liftgate technology that first debuted on the 2020 Toyota Supra. They called it the “Black Tiger”. MAGNA MADE THE MAGNA IRONMAN BEHIND GLOBAL 6K FOR WATER If you could write a letter to your future self, what would it say? This is the story behind Ironman Ryan Dwornik's incredible drive to bring clean water to communities in need. PEOPLE Magna People 2019 Privacy Privacy – California Privacy – EU ©2021 Magna Like many other websites, we need cookies to provide and improve our services. Set your cookie preferences here: functional statistics Accept all cookies Save Cookie Details