AGS AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS has been in the automotive parts industry for more than 60 years. Until 2002, AGS Automotive Systems was known as A.G. Simpson Co. Ltd., Following a restructuring that occurred in 2001-2002, A.G. Simpson Co. Ltd. was acquired by J2 Management Corp. and shortly after that began to operate as AGS Automotive Systems. What began as a printing equipment repair business in 1947 in Scarborough, Ontario has grown to a manufacturing footprint of more than a million and a half square feet, comprised of six manufacturing locations; three of which are located in Canada – Oshawa, Cambridge and Windsor, Ontario and three of which are located in Michigan.

AGS is a full service supplier, with capabilities in stamping, plating, coating, welding, sequencing and assembly. A majority of AGS’s business is in the manufacture and supply of impact system assemblies/modules and the balance of its business is comprised of general stampings and complex welded assemblies. AGS supplies bumper systems and body-in-white structural modules to GM, Chrysler and several Tier 1 customers. AGS’s breadth of operations is quite extensive, and many of its programs span several locations in order to provide maximum service and optimal value-add to customers.

AGS is perhaps best known for its expertise in the design and manufacture of front and rear impact system assemblies. Of special note in this area is its distinctive competency in the chrome plating of bumpers, and AGS operates multiple lines in order to provide the marketplace with critical backup plating sources. AGS consistently exceeds appearance and corrosion resistance standards, even on high volume products and as a result, its bumpers have an excellent warranty record. AGS has expended significant resources in research and development in the area of chrome plating over the last several years. This research and development has borne fruit, enabling AGS to achieve further gains in the areas of quality, corrosion resistance and material reduction.

AGS also has a deep competency in the stamping of complex parts and this skill differentiates it from other “stamp and ship” manufacturers. AGS is both a Tier 1 and a Tier 2 supplier of stamped and welded parts. Its equipment and capabilities span a very wide range. AGS has more than 80 stamping presses in its facilities, with capacity up to 2500T, and many of these presses have bed sizes that allow them to accommodate large parts. AGS specializes in large tonnage equipment and a sampling of its stamped products includes: bumper shells, cross members, oil pans, control arms, wheelhouse and frame assemblies and bracketry.

In order to succeed, in 2002-2003 AGS’s new ownership embraced three fundamental pillars of “quality, technology and teamwork” for its business. Since then, AGS has focused in these areas with strong results. On the quality side, as noted previously, AGS has an excellent warranty record. In addition, all of AGS’s locations in Canada and the United States are TS16949-2009 and ISO14001 compliant. In the area of technology, AGS has made strategic investments in innovation and automation, including in partnership with the Ontario Government’s OASIS initiative. In addition, AGS’s team is very collaborative and all employees are encouraged to develop innovations as they do their jobs and to continuously enhance their skills.

The automotive industry in North America has gone through many challenges and fundamental changes in a few short years and it is obvious that the rate and pace of change are likely to only accelerate. AGS feels that it is well positioned to weather these changes and to be a key player in the North American automotive industry, in light of its dedication to quality, its use of innovative technologies and its commitment to teamwork and collaboration.