MMA Blog

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• Solutions for Success: MTM’s New Nurse Triage Service

  October 15, 2026    53

  MTM has been proudly protecting Michigan manufacturers for more than 50 years and has created a legacy of partnership, collaboration and trust with its policyholders. In 2025, MTM developed a new service through a partnership with Paradigm to offer 24/7 Nurse Triage services to policyholders.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: STACK Cybersecurity

  October 15, 2026    65

  STACK Cybersecurity has spent two decades helping manufacturers, treating cybersecurity as an operational function rather than a standalone IT problem. The company focuses on building visibility before an incident occurs through continuous monitoring, centralized logging, and defined incident response procedures.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: BASF

  October 15, 2026    54

  For more than 160 years, BASF has been evolving the role that chemistry plays in the world around us. Today, that legacy continues through materials and technologies that touch thousands of products people use every day — often without ever seeing the BASF name.
  

• AI and Automation: Progress Starts with the Process

  October 15, 2026    63

  Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the manufacturing industry, and indeed, many Michigan manufacturers are already seeing the benefits of adopting AI tools. But there are two important caveats: Sound processes and decisions must come first — and people who have a deep understanding of operations and workflows should form the foundation of your AI approach.
  

• How Manufacturers Can Develop Their Workforce from A to Z — and How MMA Can Help

  October 15, 2026    46

  Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) is built by business, for business. It applies supply chain thinking to workforce development, helping employers define demand, organize around shared needs, identify trusted talent providers and measure whether those partnerships are producing results
  

• Michigan’s Auto Suppliers Built the Industry. Now It’s Time to Build What Comes Next.

  October 15, 2026    58

  Led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and delivered through a network of trusted Michigan partners, MAST-P provides eligible small manufacturers with tailored support at no cost. The program helps companies evaluate their strengths, improve their business operations, prepare for capital and pursue opportunities in new industries.
  

• How Manufacturers Can Use AI to Drive Operational Results

  October 15, 2026    59

  Most manufacturers aren’t behind because they haven’t adopted AI. They’re behind because they haven’t landed on the problem they’re trying to solve and if their data is clean enough to let AI solve it. MMA member Clark Schaefer Consulting provides common starting points to drive operational results.
  

• From Reactive to Resilient: A New Approach to Cybersecurity in Manufacturing

  October 15, 2026    52

  Cybercriminals know that downtime is particularly dangerous to manufacturers, which makes plants big and small a frequent and high-value target. IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence 2026 reports that manufacturing remains the most targeted industry for cyberattacks, accounting for 27.7 percent of all observed security incidents. Equally as frightening: For a manufacturer, the average cost of a breach is $5.50 million, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, 2026.
  

• The Frontline is Missing from the AI Conversation

  October 15, 2026    48

  AI is not hard to find in manufacturing anymore. Plants are using it for predictive maintenance, machine vision, quality inspection and demand forecasting. The use cases are practical, the returns are measurable and manufacturers are already putting AI to work. What gets less attention is who all of it is built for. Most tools point in one of two directions. Toward the equipment or toward the people managing it from a desk. The hourly associate on the line is almost never the intended user.
  

• How Machine Monitoring Data Helps Maintenance Teams Save Costs

  October 12, 2026    78

  The financial case for condition-based monitoring comes from avoiding two kinds of waste: unnecessary service on equipment that doesn't need it and emergency repairs on equipment that failed without warning. Both cost more than a maintenance visit scheduled around actual need. When a machine breaks down without warning, the repair itself is often the smallest cost.
  

• Where AI Is Working Best for Manufacturers

  September 25, 2026    271

  The AI debate in manufacturing has already moved past the models. Context, process redesign and the discipline to get something into production are where the real competition is happening now, and the gap between leaders and laggards is widening fast.
  

• The Cost of Cybersecurity vs. the Cost of Downtime in Manufacturing

  September 14, 2026    302

  Every manufacturing leader eventually faces the same budget question. Cybersecurity shows up as a recurring line item with a clear price tag, while downtime is a risk that may or may not happen. It is tempting to treat security spending as a cost to minimize and downtime as a problem to deal with if it ever arrives. MMA member Convergence Networks breaks down both sides of that equation, what downtime actually costs when production stops, what a cyber incident adds on top of it, and how to think about security spending as a decision about uptime rather than an IT expense.
  

• Spearheading Advancements in the Circular Economy

  August 24, 2026    344

  Discover how Michigan manufacturers are advancing the circular economy, creating new value, reducing waste and unlocking growth opportunities.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Gallagher

  August 24, 2026    291

  A global brokerage and risk management firm with two distinct sides — risk management/property casualty and benefit services — MMA member Gallagher assists clients in business strategies and decision-making through its comprehensive slate of benefits, human resources and data solutions.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Wire Wizard® Welding Products

  August 24, 2026    318

  Founded in 1985, Jackson-based Wire Wizard has grown over the years to become a leading manufacturer of welding wire delivery products, high-performance torch products and weld cell support equipment for customers all around the world. Read how they create solutions that contribute to enhanced efficiency and productivity for manufacturers.
  

• Why Your Voice Matters in Michigan’s 2026 Election

  August 24, 2026    285

  The 2026 election will shape Michigan’s political landscape for years to come. Voters will select a new Governor and Legislature — along with statewide offices including Attorney General, Secretary of State and judicial candidates — all of whom will influence policies affecting manufacturing competitiveness, workforce development and economic growth.
  

• Building Michigan’s Manufacturing Talent Pipeline Through Education Partnerships

  August 24, 2026    929

  When manufacturers talk about workforce challenges, the conversation often focuses on hiring. But the reality is that a strong workforce pipeline begins long before a candidate submits an application. It starts in our K–12 schools, community colleges, career and technical education programs and adult education classrooms.
  

• Community Partnerships Help Strengthen Michigan Manufacturing

  August 21, 2026    290

  Amigo Manufacturing’s commitment goes beyond fabricating reliable materials for their customers. It’s about investing in student programs, strengthening our community and stepping up when support is needed most.
  

• Community Cannot Stop at the Fence Line

  August 21, 2026    249

  In manufacturing, “community” is often used to describe a company’s relationship with the world outside its doors. It shows up in philanthropic giving, local partnerships, workforce programs and employer brand messaging. Manufacturers are deeply connected to the towns and regions where they operate — but community cannot stop at the fence line.
  

• Creating a Sense of Community as a Retention Tool for Employers

  August 21, 2026    647

  Retention depends on more than pay and benefits. People stay where they feel connected, valued and part of something meaningful. When employees believe they belong, trust their coworkers and see how their work contributes to a shared purpose; they are more likely to stay engaged and less likely to look elsewhere.
  

• Affordability in Action: Building a Stronger, More Sustainable Michigan

  August 21, 2026    275

  As responsible stewards of members’ health care dollars, BCBS invests in solutions that improve health, expand access and strengthen communities statewide. When people can get preventive care, manage chronic conditions earlier and avoid unnecessary high-cost care, employees are healthier, employers face less disruption … and communities benefit.
  

• The Cascade Effect: How Empowered Leaders Build Empowered Factories

  August 21, 2026    274

  True empowerment is a deliberate, structural commitment to giving leaders authority, resources and trust required to make meaningful decisions. When companies get this right, the results cascade.
  

• Rethinking Pharmacy Benefits: A Strategic Opportunity for Michigan Manufacturers

  August 21, 2026    255

  For an industry built on precision, productivity and cost discipline, pharmacy benefits may seem like a back-office issue. They are not. Every avoidable dollar spent on inflated drug pricing is a dollar that cannot be invested in people, equipment, training or growth. That makes pharmacy benefit strategy a business issue, not just a benefits issue.
  

• The Turnover Hiding in the Attendance Policy

  August 21, 2026    243

  Rigid attendance policies can unintentionally drive away reliable employees. By identifying the root causes of absences, such as transportation, childcare, or workplace challenges, manufacturers can improve retention, reduce turnover, and strengthen workforce stability without lowering expectations.
  

• Upskilling from Within Begins with Leadership

  August 21, 2026    233

  Developing talent internally starts with leaders who prioritize learning, coaching and career growth. By investing in employee development, identifying skill gaps and creating clear advancement pathways, organizations can build stronger workforces, improve retention and meet future business needs.
  

• The Manager Effect: How Leadership Drives Engagement on the Shop Floor

  August 21, 2026    249

  Effective leaders build trust, communicate clearly, provide recognition and support development, creating a more motivated workforce. Strong management practices improve retention, productivity, performance and overall organizational success.
  

• When “Human-Centered” Requires Knowing What Human Actually Means

  August 21, 2026    245

  Truly human-centered leadership and workplace design require a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. Rather than focusing solely on efficiency or processes, organizations should consider people’s needs, behaviors, motivations and well-being to create environments where individuals and teams can thrive.
  

• Can Artificial Intelligence Help Lead People?

  August 21, 2026    244

  Artificial intelligence can help leaders improve communication, manage risk, strengthen recruitment and retention, and make data-driven decisions. However, effective leadership still centers on people. AI serves as a powerful tool to enhance human judgment, engagement, and decision-making rather than replace the human element of leadership.
  

• The Workaround is the Spec

  August 21, 2026    273

  The unofficial processes employees create to get work done often reveal how operations actually function. Rather than treating workarounds as exceptions, organizations should study them as valuable signals, using them to improve systems, refine requirements, and align processes with real-world needs.
  

• Five Questions to Ask Before You Put AI in Your Back Office

  August 17, 2026    589

  For the small manufacturer, the question isn't is not whether AI matters but where to start without wasting time and money. MMA member Galvant offers five questions to help you work through that question to get real value before before buying or building anything.
  

• Solutions for Success: WWEX Logistics Solutions

  July 30, 2026    529

  Billions in purchasing power can only mean deeper discounts for Michigan manufacturers. Because WWEX, also known as Worldwide Express, has been a powerhouse in the shipping industry for decades, WWEX Group can leverage its collective purchasing capabilities to provide MMA members with aggressive discounts.
  

• Hemlock Semiconductor LLC - 2025 Manufacturing Sustainability

  July 9, 2026    1146

  Honored with the 2025 Manufacturing Sustainability award, HSC leverages innovation, partnerships and process optimization to make lasting, regenerative impacts in the industry.
  

• Solutions for Success: Crystal Clean

  June 23, 2026    983

  Manufacturers are embracing closed-loop processes to boost efficiency and reduce waste. MMA endorsed artner, Crystal Clean, recovers antifreeze and fluids through advanced distillation, supporting sustainability and cost savings. MMA members save a minimum of 25% on Crystal Clean services — read more about this MMA member benefit.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: PhRMA

  June 23, 2026    742

  A lobbying and advocacy organization for large U.S. drug manufacturers, PhRMA focuses on supporting American-led manufacturing across the country and on shaping health care policy and public opinion. Read how they help create growth within the manufacturing industry in June’s Premium Associate Member Spotlight.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Armor Protective Packaging®

  June 23, 2026    1044

  Armor Protective Packaging in Howell puts people and relationships first, delivering clean, safe rust prevention solutions while supporting employees and the community through service and philanthropy. Read how their core value of “people and relationships first” lies within the foundation of everything they do and who they are in this month’s Industry Member Spotlight.
  

• Acclimating to Evolving Dynamics in the Workplace

  June 23, 2026    906

  Today’s careers blend flexibility, growth and personal fulfillment as younger generations prioritize working to live, not living to work. Learn how fostering adaptability, learning and opportunity can attract talent.
  

• It Takes a Village

  June 23, 2026    1348

  A coalition of partners is demonstrating what’s possible when systems align to tackle the talent pipeline. MMA, Iosco RESA Adult Education, MWTEC and Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium have come together to build a scalable, sustainable workforce solution rooted in partnership.
  

• From Gatekeeper to Lean Guide

  June 23, 2026    935

  In automotive manufacturing, Lean success requires active leadership, not just tools. Quality professionals, acting as facilitators, align tools, processes, and people, uncover risks during launches, and promote continuous improvement. Their role in connecting strategy to execution helps prevent issues, strengthen culture, and ensure operational excellence.
  

• The Retention Cost of Rigid Attendance Policies

  June 23, 2026    868

  Strict attendance policies can unintentionally drive out good employees by penalizing underlying issues like transportation, childcare, or fatigue. Companies that analyze attendance patterns, address root causes, and offer support can reduce turnover, improve performance, and retain talent—without lowering standards.
  

• Breakaway with the Gordie Howe International Bridge

  June 23, 2026    824

  For manufacturers across the state, reliability and efficiency at the border are essential. The Gordie Howe International Bridge addresses regional transportation needs, offering redundancy, capacity, system connectivity and improved border processing that improves the flow of traffic and goods through the Detroit-Windsor gateway.
  

• Observable Space - 2025 Manufacturer of the Year (Small Tier)

  June 22, 2026    1438

  Observable Space has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of science and manufacturing through cutting-edge optical technology designed for both Earth and space. Their leadership, vision and commitment recognized by the 2025 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier Award.
  

• Microsoft Edge Stores Your Passwords in Plaintext. What That Means.

  June 17, 2026    958

  If your team saves passwords in the Microsoft Edge browser, there's a security issue you need to know about right now. Edge loads every saved password into memory as readable text the moment the browser opens, and keeps them there for the entire session, and Microsoft says this is intentional.
  

• Elite Mold & Engineering Inc - 2025 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence

  June 2, 2026    1497

  Elite Mold and Engineering pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in moldmaking, combining innovation, craftsmanship and technology to drive the future of U.S. manufacturing.
  

• Helping Michigan Manufacturers Grow Through Exporting

  June 1, 2026    880

  Michigan manufacturers are recognized globally for quality, innovation and reliability. From advanced automotive systems to industrial machinery and precision components, companies across the state already produce goods that are well positioned for international markets. MMA member EXIM guides Michigan manufacturers through what they should know about exporting.
  

• When Experience Walks Out the Door: Rethinking Talent in Manufacturing

  May 27, 2026    957

  Across the manufacturing industry, a quiet but critical challenge is unfolding as experienced workers with decades of hands-on expertise are retiring and organizations struggle to attract and train new talent quickly enough to fill the gap. In addition, there is a significant loss of institutional knowledge. One approach gaining traction is the use of Agentic AI Assistants, systems that go beyond following instructions to actively observe, learn and assist.
  

• PF1000 Prime Focus System by Observable Space - 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan

  May 15, 2026    1411

  The PF1000 observatory-class telescope and direct-drive altazimuth mounting system is the world’s first tactically deployable, wide-field space observation platform. It is truly outstanding in the industry and, for that, Observable Space has been recognized with the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan award — a title that seems to have been written in the stars.
  

• MetLife + MMA

  May 10, 2026    977

  Administered by MMA and sold through independent brokers or agents, the MMA-MetLife employee benefits program includes options for life, vision, dental, long-term disability, short-term disability and accidental death or dismemberment insurance.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Alkuhme

  May 10, 2026    1190

  Alkuhme is behind 400 everyday products on store shelves throughout the country — but you wouldn’t know it. Read how they pair efficiency, scientific expertise, an innovative spirit and dedication to the health of consumers.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

  May 10, 2026    1081

  Manufacturing businesses have several needs in common: to adopt technology, better manage supply chains, boost operational efficiency and leverage leadership development opportunities for their teams. There are many avenues businesses can take to address these challenges and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (Center) can help.
  

• Resilience Amidst Uncertainty

  May 10, 2026    1039

  Being steps ahead of potential issues is key to minimizing disruptions in the face of a turbulent political and economic climate. Learn how to identify some of those issues from members Miller Canfield and Rehmann.
  

• Bridging Quality and Technology

  May 10, 2026    951

  Digital transformation doesn’t fail because of bad technology. It fails because it isn’t integrated into how the plant runs. When technology is grounded in real problems, supported by leadership and reinforced through process discipline, it delivers. That’s how manufacturers turn investment into performance.
  

• Brand Visibility for Manufacturers: Why PR Matters

  May 10, 2026    910

  Sales still matter but how you prime the market before sales enter the conversation is often the difference between growth and decline.
  

• Manufacturing Cost Intelligence in Action

  May 10, 2026    1162

  Cost intelligence moves beyond traditional spend reporting. Rather than simply showing what was spent and with whom, it connects spend visibility across plants and business units with category-level insight, supplier fragmentation analysis, internal buying behavior and external benchmarks. The result is a prioritized view of realistic savings opportunities and a clear roadmap for action.
  

• Goodwill Integrated Solutions - 2025 Manufacturing Community Impact

  April 21, 2026    1865

  With heart for the community and the ability to empower people that live in it, Goodwill Integrated Solutions is the epitome of a Manufacturing Community Impact Award winner.
  

• MMA Helps Members Maximize Use of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund

  April 14, 2026    1175

  MMA’s Workforce Solutions team has been helping Michigan manufacturers leverage Going PRO funds since MMA launched the division in April 2022. One of the key ways we’ve done this is through promotion of and assistance with applying for Going PRO Employer Led Collaborative (ELC) funding.
  

• Operations Is the Real Ecommerce Strategy

  March 13, 2026    1156

  Ecommerce success in manufacturing depends on operational clarity, not technology. Digital tools expose process gaps—unclear pricing, inconsistent workflows and manual exceptions. High‑performing firms define ownership, rules and repeat‑order flows before launching platforms. When leadership aligns processes first, ecommerce scales reliably; when it doesn’t, technology simply mirrors the confusion.
  

• One Big Beautiful Bill Act: International Tax Strategy

  March 27, 2026    1328

  U.S. businesses operating globally have long wrestled with the complexities of cross-border taxation. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, brings clarity and permanence to several key international tax provisions originally introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). For CFOs, tax directors, and executive leaders, the changes represent both a stabilizing force in international tax planning and a new baseline for long-term compliance.
  

• Treat AI as a Team Member, Not a Tool

  March 26, 2026    1223

  Manufacturers gain far more value when AI is treated as an integrated team member rather than a standalone tool. Research shows role-based, cross-functional AI that reshapes workflows and organizational design delivers compounding, transformative results, while isolated pilots produce only incremental gains.
  

• One Way Clutch - Means Industries, an Amsted Automotive Company - 2025 Export of the Year

  March 24, 2026    1814

  Saginaw-based Means Industries, an Amsted Automotive company, is known worldwide for its One-Way and Selectable One-Way Clutches. Because it is bringing worldwide attention to Michigan’s automotive expertise — all while contributing to the local economy — Means Industries has been awarded the 2025 Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year Award in recognition of its innovative clutch assembly.
  

• Airborne Monitoring Programs: Ensuring Compliance with OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits

  March 16, 2026    1711

  Industrial workplaces generate airborne hazards requiring personal exposure monitoring to meet OSHA PELs. Recent lead and silica cases show severe health, legal, and financial consequences of poor controls. Comprehensive monitoring identifies high-risk tasks, verifies engineering controls, protects worker health, ensures compliance, and reduces liability while supporting safer, resilient manufacturing operations.