Amsted Automotive - 2025 Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier)
This article appeared in the December 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
With over 800 patents to its name and 21 facilities across North America, Europe and Asia, Amsted Automotive’s impact on its employees, customers, community and the industryies cannot be overstated.
Amsted produces over 200 million components and assemblies annually, with a focus on the automotive, off-highway, construction and mining industries. Solutions include advanced metal-forming, cold-forming, powder metallurgy technologies and torque management solutions for electrified, hybrid and internal combustion engine powertrain systems.
In Michigan alone, Amsted Automotive operates nine facilities (three in Saginaw, two in Belleville, and one each in Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Munith and Taylor), where more than 800 individuals are employed. The business has been a key part of Michigan’s manufacturing history, for over 100 years. It was formed in 2021 through the integration of Burgess-Norton, established in 1903, Means Industries, established in 1922, Transform Automotive, established in 1997, and SMW Manufacturing, established in 2004.
Amsted fosters a workplace culture that is rooted in pride, accountability and a shared “Spirit of Ownership.” The company and its team members have been recognized with numerous accolades over the years, and they have been stewards of their communities through financial support, volunteerism, environmental sustainability initiatives, community events and participation on boards with various civic and community organizations.
Amsted Automotive’s successes and contributions are far too many to list, but they are all encompassed in the reasons for their recognition as the 2025 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier Award Winner.
“We’re honored to receive this Award, recognizing our commitment to safety, quality and innovation,” says Amsted President Bill Kerfin. “Our ability to adapt to evolving market requirements is driven by investing in our people, enabling us to deliver superior performance and reliability to every customer.”
Innovative Foundation
As exemplified by its 800 patents, each team member is encouraged to have innovation in mind every day, says Thomas Meier, Vice President of Process Engineering at Amsted.
After they receive a customer’s idea or concept, they value-engineer it and put it into a framework, ensuring that the end product is a high-performing, efficient component for each specific application, Kerfin explains.
Shannon Schneider, Quality and Operational Excellence Director, says Amsted adds value and drives innovation through what they refer to as six “Ideal Behaviors” — Performance Driven, Passion for Innovation, Customer Focused, Energizing People, Think Team/Live Team, and Uphold Trust and Integrity.
“These principles are woven into the organization’s DNA and guide decisions at every level,” Schneider says. “A strong emphasis is placed on the safety and well-being of employees and visitors, with robust training programs ensuring that safety practices are deeply ingrained in the culture.”
Spirit of Ownership
The fact that Amsted is employee-owned helps create a cooperative, innovative environment, as its Spirit of Ownership mentality is instilled in every employee.
“Every person has the opportunity to develop, grow, learn and further themselves for the personal aspect of their career, but also as it plays into and contributes to the larger success of our business here in Michigan,” says Chad Workman, Vice President and General Manager of Means Propulsion Systems. “It’s a company of doers, not delegators, and that shows up in the day-to-day in every single person and every single action — and ultimately in every single result that we achieve.”
Kerfin says their Spirit of Ownership is visible at every one of their manufacturing sites and offices.
“With each of our employees, pre-dominantly as owners of the company, there’s a second-to-none level of enthusiasm and pride in terms of serving our customers each and every day,” he says.
Schneider notes that having open lines of communication also is an essential factor for success at Amsted, paired with its parent company Amsted Industries, has the fourth-largest Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in the United States.
“We share all news across the organization, good or bad,” Schneider says. “That definitely helps foster a team commitment and aligns all of us to the same goals as an organization.”
Responsible Actions and Grateful Acts
Giving back to their communities and protecting the planet are among Amsted’s top priorities.
“Being responsible citizens is definitely on the forefront of our operations, whether it’s regulatory compliance and certifications or even how we design our different processes to have the least amount of impact on the environment as possible,” Schneider says, adding that the company focuses on reducing fuel consumption, saving energy and recycling scrap metal.
Their team members are also dedicated to making a positive impact on the region in countless ways, including offering support or volunteering their time to charitable organizations, senior living communities and families in need.
With deep roots in Michigan, a far-reaching impact on the industry and a spirit of innovation and community stewardship, Amsted Automotive demonstrates all the values entailed in the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year honor.
The John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.
The 2025 The John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier was sponsored by WKU Contingency. Visit online: wkuconsultancy.com.