Question

We've devised a comprehensive system of automotive aftermarket accessories for pickup trucks. However, we need to design and engineer a prototype. Can you help us to identify a facility that could provide such capabilities? –Jerry Puchkoff, New York, N.Y.

Answer

When it comes to locating a facility to build an automotive prototype, heading to Detroit is still your best bet, says David Gingrich, president of All Star Advisors, a manufacturing consultancy in South Lyon, Mich. Detroit's Economic Growth Corporation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging economic development, for instance, maintains a database with several thousand names of manufacturing and product design contacts. For other leads, attend design and manufacturing trade shows such as the Atlantic Design and Manufacturing Show, which is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York on June 9 through 11. There's also the International Plastics Show taking place at Chicago's McCormick Place later this month.

Also, seek out help from design-focused universities such as the College for Creative Studies (LINK: /) in Detroit or the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., suggests Gingrich. While having a pro whip up a prototype for you can cost $5,000 to $25,000, a group of students could potentially do the job for a fraction of cost, he says.