William H. Dobbins - Caster Concepts - 2025 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement

This article appeared in the December 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

A mentor and trusted voice throughout the Albion area, President and Owner of Caster Concepts Dr. William H. Dobbins has been instrumental in making the business a global powerhouse in the industry.

Through his innovative leadership, his dedication to developing talent and his business growth and community impact philosophies, Bill Dobbins has been an influential presence in Calhoun County for generations.

Since he took on a leadership role at Caster Concepts in the early 2000s, Dobbins has made a remarkable impact in numerous ways, and MMA is proud to recognize him with this year’s Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award.

From Medicine to Manufacturing

In an interesting and rather unusual career combination, Dobbins spent more than two decades as a physician before joining his father’s manufacturing business — so he has not only contributed to people’s professional growth but also their personal health and wellness.

“I spent 25 years practicing medicine as a family physician, doing everything from delivering babies to taking care of nursing home patients,” he says.

During a time in his life when Dobbins was ready for a career change, his father and his father’s business partners opened Caster Concepts near Dobbins’ medical office — creating the perfect avenue for him to transition into manufacturing. Dobbins was 52 years old when he began working with his father, Richard Dobbins, and he has made a significant impact on the business and community since then.

Industry Leadership

Dobbins has influenced numerous lives through his innovative and strategic solutions for the business and its employees’ personal and professional growth. He has mentored peers, students and young adults, supported scholarship programs and provided interns with valuable workplace experiences.

Dobbins is also committed to “Conscious Capitalism” — a business philosophy that combines profit-making with a sense of purpose and social responsibility that benefits employees, customers, suppliers, the community and the environment.

“Bill’s dedication to his family owned business goes far beyond financial success,” says Theodore Brown, President/Owner of Thriveon Consulting. “Bill has always understood that his company’s longevity is tied to the well-being of its employees and the economic vitality of the community.”

Dobbins recently led the expansion of Caster Concepts’ facility by adding 16,000 square-feet to enhance engineering, testing and employee well-being, illustrating his ability to scale operations while prioritizing workplace culture. Founded in 1987 in a 6,000-square-foot building with only three employees, more than 100 people are employed at Caster Concepts today.

“Remarkably, in the company’s history, there has never been a layoff,” Brown says. “Even during slower times, Bill and his team have found meaningful ways to keep employees working — a testament to his unwavering commitment to providing generational employment and stability.”

Caster Concepts truly is a family business. Bill’s son, Andrew Dobbins, is Vice President of Manufacturing and a third-generation leader at Caster Concepts. Andrew reflects his father’s and grandfather’s leadership skills and their ability to push team members to excel. He says his father regularly encourages employees to not settle for good but aim for great.

S. Brian Jurasek, Managing Principal at the Willis & Jurasek CPA/consulting firm, adds that Caster Concepts has thrived in this competitive market by developing new and diverse techniques and products.

“By simultaneously focusing on customer needs, customer safety, cost effectiveness, on-time delivery and quality, Caster Concepts has the best reputation in the industry,” Jurasek says.

Community Stewardship

In addition to growing the business, Dobbins has been a longtime advocate for the local community.

He and his wife founded the William H. and Karen K. Dobbins Family Foundation to benefit education, youth development, community improvement and the arts. The Foundation has supported programs and initiatives, including:

• Swingin’ at the Shell Concert Series
• Victory Park Band Shell renovation
• Manufacturing Education Fund for STEM and manufacturing career education
• Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum

He also developed the Caster Cares initiative, which represents the conscious and compassionate impact that Caster Concepts creates through sustainable educational, economic and community engagement. As part of the Conscious Capitalism movement, its purpose is to “manufacture greatness” within employees to positively impact families, communities and customers.

Dobbins also has been instrumental in transforming Albion’s downtown via historic renovations and other endeavors, and he has assisted individuals hoping to open new businesses there.

Kurtis Myers, Sales Specialist at Caster Concepts, recalls that there wasn’t much going on in downtown Albion back when he was a college student but the transformation since then has been impressive.

“[This] has been great for [Albion],” Myers says. “If I were to go back to college, I’d definitely have more things to do downtown.”

With such an inspirational life story, Bill Dobbins embodies the values of the Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award. His journey from physician to manufacturing titan, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the Albion community, reflect a lifetime of personal and professional success.

The Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement award 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 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement award was sponsored by PTM Corporation. Visit online: www.ptmcorporation.com.