Spotlights & Successes
Fostering Cross-industry Camaraderie and Shared Expertise
After three decades in the automotive industry, David H. Fuhrwerk is no stranger to complex challenges, evolving standards, and the critical role suppliers play in quality. But as a new volunteer with AIAG, he has discovered a broader way to contribute — one rooted in partnership, learning, and giving back.
Fuhrwerk, a supplier quality engineering specialist, exterior — chrome and plastics, at Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga plant, stepped into his volunteer role with AIAG last fall.
With a career that began in aerospace and evolved through supplier and OEM roles, Fuhrwerk sees AIAG as an opportunity to share and gain knowledge. His early exposure to standardized systems shaped his appreciation for the organization’s mission.
“I saw the benefit of that from my aerospace background — the fact that there was one common standard for all the suppliers to follow,” he says.
His decision to get involved with AIAG came through a personal connection. Darrick Gula, a professional acquaintance, invited Fuhrwerk to join a plating-focused initiative, and Fuhrwerk saw the chance to apply his expertise to an industry-wide effort.
"I had positive vibes with AIAG early on," he says. "I enjoy my job and the technical aspects of chrome plating as part of my job, so I thought it would be fun to jump into volunteering and be a part of the team.”
While still early in his volunteer journey, Fuhrwerk points to connecting with peers across the industry as the most rewarding aspect of the experience.
“Being able to converse and meet with other chrome plating suppliers, chemical suppliers, and other OEMs — doing some collaboration — that’s exciting to be a part of,” he says.
Beyond his technical contributions, he emphasizes the importance of stepping outside familiar environments to broaden perspectives.
“It's something for professional growth — building a network of people inside your specialty and the camaraderie that we share dealing with suppliers and in the OEM world and trying to make the company and the supply base better,” he says. “I get personal satisfaction from building relationships with others outside my normal bubble within my own supplier group of engineers.”
As a new volunteer, Fuhrwerk’s enthusiasm reflects the impact AIAG can have — even early on. He encourages others to volunteer with AIAG so they, too, can contribute and reap the rewards.
