MMA Blog

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• Amsted Automotive - 2025 Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier)

  November 21, 2025    264

  With deep roots in Michigan, a far-reaching impact on the industry and a spirit of innovation and community stewardship, Amsted Automotive has earned the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Large Tier honor.
  

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

  November 21, 2025    187

  For his journey from physician to manufacturing titan, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the Albion community, reflect a lifetime of personal and professional success, William H. Dobbins is the 2025 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
  

• Lisa Renee Conn - Llink Technologies - 2025 Manufacturing Woman of the Year

  November 21, 2025    190

  Lisa Renee Conn is recognized as a 2025 Manufacturing Woman of the Year for her ability to leverage hands-on manufacturing experience and strategic vision to drive meaningful transformation for the industry and people who work in it.
  

• Laurie Harbour - Wipfli - 2025 Manufacturing Woman of the Year

  November 21, 2025    243

  Laurie Harbour is recognized as a 2025 Manufacturing Women of the Year for her steadfast advocacy for women in manufacturing and tireless work for the viability of manufacturing businesses throughout Michigan.
  

• Bekum America Apprenticeship Program - 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion

  November 21, 2025    386

  Bekum America is recognized as the 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion for trailblazing manufacturing talent for decades, developing a strong workforce for their own success and the long-term strength of Michigan’s manufacturing industry.
  

• Zackery Bishop - 4 Flutes Machining - 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader

  November 21, 2025    161

  Zackery Bishop is as a 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader for his leadership that inspires, action that delivers and heart for service that uplifts others.
  

• Olivia Ostrander - Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing LLC - 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader

  November 21, 2025    160

  Olivia Ostrander's commitment to the community, the viability of other manufacturing businesses and the education of future professionals earned her the 2025 Manufacturing Emerging Leader award.
  

• Avoid Bad Hires: A Proven 7-Step Hiring Roadmap

  October 22, 2025    636

  If you find it challenging to source and hire quality talent or are experiencing a trend where new employees are not the right fit for your culture, you are not alone. MMA member Clark Schaefer Hackett provides a seven-step process will help you identify candidates that are a better fit for the culture of your organization and will help you build a stronger team with higher retention.
  

• Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company: Workers’ Compensation and Safety

  October 10, 2025    1564

  MMA partner and workers' comp provider Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company (MTM) provides discounted coverage and services to MMA members to help reduce costs, increase worker safety and more.
  

• Total Security Solutions: Proactively Identifying Strengths and Skills in New Hires

  October 10, 2025    416

  Acclimating new employees into a company’s internal culture starts on the day they are hired — but recognizing candidates who have the passion to work with the team in such a manner starts long before that. Read how Total Security Solutions has taken this concept to a new level by formalizing and streamlining this talent acquisition process.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Human Element

  October 10, 2025    692

  Manufacturers have countless options for e-commerce platforms and marketing solutions there is much more involved in creating an optimal purchasing platform than meets the eye. The technology and ingenuity behind the scenes are what drive results and MMA member Human Element can help.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Hanson International

  October 10, 2025    451

  Throughout Hanson International’s nearly 60-year legacy, the team has helped manufacturers resolve a wide variety of issues and has developed the expertise to help solve them quickly. Read how Hanson provides manufacturers with solutions that reduce downtime, improve efficiency and enhance product quality.
  

• Working Side by Side to Advance Manufacturing Innovation

  October 10, 2025    523

  In Michigan’s vibrant manufacturing world, innovation is being accomplished every day through thousands of partnerships and supplier relationships that are essential to the industry. Read how Boxed Water, Formic, GTF Technologies and Mission Design & Automation are achieving their goals together.
  

• GTF Technologies - 2024 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence

  October 10, 2025    1493

  GTF Technologies earned the 2024 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award for its bold, transformative vision behind RENU™ which dries and micronizes food waste, excess foods or irregular foods within seconds. And the Ada-based company isn’t stopping there; they have been delving into using it to develop biodegradable packaging as well.
  

• Key Ballot Proposals Aimed at Michigan’s 2026 Election

  October 10, 2025    831

  Several potential ballot initiatives aiming for the 2026 election could have lasting effects on the state’s business climate. For manufacturers, the stakes are clear: the progressive income tax proposal and political contribution limits could both undermine competitiveness, restrict free speech and reduce Michigan’s appeal as a place to grow and invest.
  

• MMA’s Bill Rayl Honored as Race to Talent™ Champion

  October 10, 2025    796

  Bill Rayl, MMA Executive Director of Workforce Solutions, has been recognized as a Race to Talent™ Registered Apprenticeship Champion by the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.
  

• MMA-MetLife Insurance Connect

  October 10, 2025    514

  MMA, in partnership with MetLife, works to hold rates as low as possible through excellent program management and aggressive loss control initiatives. The new Employee Navigator is a simple and affordable integrated online enrollment plantform that automates your MetLife benefits enrollment process.
  

• Practical Strategies to Drive Operational Improvement

  October 10, 2025    593

  MMA member CoffeeTree Group provides four strategies for enabling increased output or if you are simply looking to drive efficiencies and improved cash flow with your current operations.
  

• Protecting Your Company from Avoidable Unemployment Costs

  October 10, 2025    386

  Employers must ensure that staff is prepared to put your company in a prime position to defend against an unemployment claim. It starts at the hiring process and continues throughout the employment term and, if necessary, through litigation. Work with your HR team or human resources provider to keep that money in your company’s ledger.
  

• Palisades Restart Marks Historic First for U.S. Nuclear Power

  October 9, 2025    1983

  In a milestone for the nation’s energy future, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved Holtec International’s licensing package to reauthorize power operations at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert Township.
  

• MiUI: New UIA System Launching in December

  September 22, 2025    1418

  The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is transitioning to a new Unemployment Insurance system. The new MiUI system represents a significant modernization that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Michigan’s unemployment insurance program.
  

• Building the Manufacturing Mind: Turning Curiosity Into Careers

  September 15, 2025    846

  Manufacturing today faces a challenge bigger than technology or supply chains — it’s about people. The future depends on how well we cultivate the mindsets of young learners who may one day become our technicians, trades workers and innovators
  

• Why Tech Talent and Manufacturing Need Each Other Right Now

  September 15, 2025    817

  Recent tech industry layoffs have left a deep pool of highly skilled professionals looking for their next opportunity. At the same time, manufacturers across the U.S. are striving to modernize their operations but struggling to find the talent to do it. This convergence creates a rare moment of mutual benefit.
  

• Health Care Affordability: A Growing Threat to Michigan Employers

  September 15, 2025    818

  For more than a century, Michigan’s manufacturing sector has been a driving force behind our state’s economy. Today, rising health care costs are slowing the gears of profit and progress, and making it harder for manufacturers and other businesses to stay competitive.
  

• Retaining Manufacturing Personnel with Practical Solutions

  September 15, 2025    906

  You can boost employee retention by focusing on three key areas: providing clarity, supporting managers and offering opportunities for growth. These are the things employees value most — reasons to stay with your company.
  

• Make Yourself Irreplaceable in a World Dominated by Artificial Intelligence!

  September 15, 2025    770

  AI has made knowledge a commodity. If you’re still sitting in classes trying to learn theories and models you’re falling behind. That was our parents’ world! Our world today requires you to be a strategic thinker who can confidently ask the questions needed to exploit the knowledge at your disposal.
  

• Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill: Implications for American Manufacturing

  August 28, 2025    1428

  The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), enacted on 7/4/25, represents a comprehensive legislative initiative that’s poised to influence the landscape of American manufacturing. This bill introduces a range of policies that aim to support domestic production, competitiveness and resilience of the U.S. industrial base. MMA member Rehmann highlights several key tax provisions expected to influence investment in American manufacturing.
  

• Agentic Commerce Is Coming to B2B: Are You Ready for the Shift?

  August 12, 2025    4271

  For distributors and manufacturers, this evolution to autonomous AI agents is both a challenge and a massive opportunity. If your systems and product data aren’t accessible to these new interfaces, you’ll be invisible. But if you get on board soon, you’ll gain first-mover advantages in speed, automation and discoverability across a new generation of intelligent buyer interfaces.
  

• Chelsea Milling Company: Evolving the Workplace into a Place of Personal and Professional Development

  August 11, 2025    1739

  “JIFFY” Mix, the iconic brand born from Chelsea Milling Company (CMC), is known for its beloved corn muffin mix in the “little blue box.” “JIFFY” Mix is often at the scene of birthdays and holiday celebrations — inciting memories of comfort, togetherness and joyful moments.. Born and bred in Chelsea, Chelsea Milling Company is not just a place to work — it has been cleverly designed as the place where people come to grow, personally and professionally.
  

• Prometis Partners: Exit Planning Strategies Capitalize on Long-Term Value

  August 11, 2025    1515

  Manufacturers who wish to retire, sell their businesses or transfer ownership should begin exit planning five years prior to the transition. MMA partner Prometis Partners helps MMA members ask the right questions and prepare.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: United States Gypsum

  August 11, 2025    1617

  Interview with Sarah Messa, Plant Manager at United States Gypsum (USG) River Rouge.
  

• Sustainable Solutions Contribute to More Than Efficient Processes

  August 11, 2025    1550

  Sustainability, alternative fuel, sustainable energy and net zero aren’t just buzzwords to MMA members Amrize, Consumers Energy and Nexteer Automotive. Read how these manufacturers are leading the way by integrating these principles into their operations.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

  July 21, 2025    1186

  After 25 years of work between Canada and the United States, Michigan will see a second international bridge crossing between Detroit and Windsor. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will have a major impact on Michigan manufacturers that transport goods to Canada by not only providing another access point but also incorporating advanced technology to impact commercial traffic flow.
  

• Q&A with MTM President Megan Brown

  August 11, 2025    2308

  Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company (MTM), MMA’s workers’ compensation partner, has been protecting workers and empowering manufacturers for 45+ years. Learn how they continue to evolve with the needs of Michigan’s manufacturers in this Q&A with MTM President Megan Brown.
  

• Next in Line: How Case Systems is Developing Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Leaders Today

  August 11, 2025    2177

  In an industry that relies heavily on skilled labor, knowledge transfer and operational excellence, workforce talent development is no longer optional — it’s mission-critical. Read how Case Systems and BOSTONtec is leading a transformative approach to preparing the next generation of talent.
  

• MMA Leads Push for Biodigester Expansion as Smart, Cost-Saving Solution for Michigan Manufacturers

  August 11, 2025    1515

  MMA is championing the expansion of anaerobic biodigesters as a powerful tool to cut costs, improve resource efficiency and strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing sector. As part of our ongoing leadership in promoting practical, market-driven innovations, we are calling for regulatory modernization that will help unlock the full potential of this proven technology.
  

• What Does Hospital Consolidation Mean for the Price of Your Health Insurance and Access?

  August 11, 2025    1955

  Consolidation of hospital systems is happening in Michigan. Nearly every study conducted around the country shows that when hospitals merge together, prices go up. BCBS shares concerns about that happening here in Michigan and how it will affect the price of health insurance here in our state.
  

• Why Michigan Manufacturers Should Embrace Exporting

  August 11, 2025    1351

  Michigan’s economy — rooted in world-class manufacturing, automotive innovation and advanced materials — is built for global reach. Yet many manufacturers haven’t explored the full potential of international markets. Learn what resources are available from EXIM to embrace exporting.
  

• Workplace Safey from the Top-Down A Change in Responsibility

  August 11, 2025    1620

  Understanding management’s role in a workplace safety program is crucial to upholding quality values from the top-down. Both employers and employees play a part to ensure compliance, but it is the employers’ responsibility to be knowledgeable safety representatives for the benefit of the entire company.
  

• How SMEs Are Leveraging ESG to Cut Costs and Win More Business

  August 11, 2025    1317

  Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is no longer just for big corporations. It’s now a proven tool for driving revenue, reducing costs and strengthening customer loyalty. MMA member True North shares six pillars of ESG and why it matters to small and mid-sized manufacturers.
  

• Amrize - 2024 Manufacturing Sustainability

  July 29, 2025    1360

  As a global leader in building solutions, Amrize is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improved living standards around the world and, for that, they were recognized with the inaugural 2024 Manufacturing Sustainability award.
  

• Solutions for Success: The Luminous Group

  June 29, 2025    1627

  Sometimes, businesses need an outside perspective to identify inefficiencies and rethink processes to enhance productivity and profitability. Read how The Luminous Group helped a manufacturing client address their challenger.
  

• Manufacturing Game Changer: LM Manufacturing

  June 29, 2025    1769

  From the first day a new employee is hired, the leadership team at LM Manufacturing in Detroit focuses on the whole person based on the company’s core values of Care, Commit, Connect, Communicate and Celebrate. Poring into employees’ well-being creates a positive culture that encourages them to stay for the long-term, says Jimmie Comer, Senior Leadership and Development Specialist.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Classy Llama

  June 29, 2025    1824

  MMA member Classy Llama customizes solutions for businesses’ challenges in operational efficiency, sales optimization and labor issues through AI applications, workflow automation and data management.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Amigo Mobility

  June 29, 2025    1555

  Amigo got its start in the health care industry but continued to innovate over the years to provide similar solutions for the grocery and retail, industrial, government and aviation sectors. Today, in addition to its original personal mobility devices, Amigo’s products include motorized shopping carts, cart pullers, cart retrievers, janitorial solutions, hospital escort chairs and patient mobility chairs.
  

• Helping Students Answer: “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”

  June 29, 2025    1011

  MMA is building sustainable and collaborative relationships between Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, like SME PRIME, and the Michigan manufacturing community, including exposing careers in manufacturing through schools, parents, counselors and industry professionals.
  

• The Role of Housing in Workforce Development and Manufacturing Expansion in Michigan

  June 29, 2025    1590

  The availability and location of workforce housing in Michigan are critical factors in the placement of manufacturing facilities — and equally vital to recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce. MMA member Innovo Development Group discusses the importance of addressing the housing crisis to ensure long-term economic growth for communities and the state as a whole.
  

• Maximizing Workforce Potential with Employee Engagement Surveys

  June 29, 2025    1901

  Many manufacturers still find themselves in a constant battle with high turnover and absenteeism, suboptimal production and performance, and cranky or even clashing staff. MMA member Rehmann discusses a powerful, often overlooked tool that’s proven to uncover employees’ unique needs and motivations: employee engagement surveys.
  

• Planning to Sell Your Michigan Manufacturing Business? Get The Best Price with These 5 Steps

  June 25, 2025    1649

  Whether you're planning for retirement, a strategic exit or a new venture, maximizing the value of your manufacturing business before listing it can dramatically impact your final sale price — and how fast the deal closes. The best time to start preparing your business for sale is one to two years before listing it. Whether your exit is near the horizon or a consideration, small steps today can lead to a much more profitable tomorrow. MMA member Michigan Business Brokers offer five steps you can take now.
  

• Fullerton Tool - 2024 Manufacturing Community Impact

  June 19, 2025    2911

  Educating students and professionals about the journeys and joys of working in the manufacturing industry is among the top goals of Saginaw-based Fullerton Tool Company. The team members do so by supporting FIRST robotics teams, offering hands-on educational opportunities, working with local schools and participating in CTE programs — all with a purpose of boosting interest in manufacturing careers.
  

• How to Start an Apprenticeship Program

  June 17, 2025    1975

  Apprenticeships are vital to develop a skilled talent pipeline for many manufacturers but far too many don’t consider apprenticeships as a viable alternative for talent development for a variety of reasons. Member Lakeview Consulting outlines how apprenticeship programs are far more accessible than ever and are a viable option for developing your talent pool.
  

• Gateway Industrial Center: A Detroit Turnaround Story

  June 11, 2025    2122

  The Gateway Industrial Center in Detroit has undergone a remarkable transformation since Innovo Development Group acquired the property in 2020. Once a largely vacant and deteriorating complex, the 69-acre site has been reimagined into a modern, high-performing industrial hub — catalyzing job creation and fueling Detroit’s economic resurgence.
  

• Manufacturing Operations Spring Cleaning

  May 8, 2025    2025

  As warmer weather ushers in the season of renewal, manufacturers have an opportunity to refresh not only their operations, but also their facilities. Just as households take part in spring cleaning to eliminate clutter, industrial and manufacturing businesses should leverage this time to assess, organize, and clear out excess equipment and inventory taking up valuable space and capital.
  

• AI Neural Network Transforms Quality Control Processes

  April 30, 2025    2529

  AI can be trained to recognize defects in products or divergence from normal processes — allowing handlers to address the issue before the faulty product or process proceeds down the line. In addition to accelerating quality assurance processes, having AI solutions in-house rather than through a third party can reduce security concerns, and the auto-mation often can be implemented without extensive programming or technical coding expertise.
  

• Forklift and MEWP Operator Training Programs Reinforce Safety Standards

  April 30, 2025    2366

  Based in Grand Rapids, TrainMOR provides industrial truck operator training and mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) training, both online and in person. The training helps businesses comply with ANSI and OSHA standards. In addition to the fact that training is required for safety, TrainMOR’s solutions supplement onboarding processes and boost, refresh and modernize operator training.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Kapnick Insurance Group

  April 30, 2025    1662

  In the manufacturing industry, where workplace safety regulations and cybersecurity are among many factors in determining necessary protections, insurance agencies that specialize in the industry can be a valuable resource.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Highland Copper

  April 30, 2025    1777

  Highland Copper is a junior mining company on a mission to supply significant quantities of copper for Michigan — and the nation with the Copperwood mining project and others in the Upper Peninsula.
  

• Enhancing Operational Efficiency While Boosting Morale

  April 30, 2025    2028

  Process improvements and skills training have led to eye-opening solutions for Fullerton Tool Company and i4.0 Accelerator.
  

• Trijicon’s ACOG - 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan

  April 30, 2025    4783

  Trijicon’s Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG®) Riflescope unique properties as well as the Wixom-based company’s impact on the state’s economy, the ACOG was voted the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” in a statewide, people’s choice contest.
  

• Don’t Let Your Energy Dollars Disappear into Thin Air

  April 30, 2025    2325

  It is estimated that up to 20-30 percent of the compressed air generated by industrial air compressors is lost due to leaks and inefficient usage. Learn how MMA member Enstar can help you detect and repair leaks to save your energy costs.