MMA Blog

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• Celebrating Michigan Manufacturing During October’s Manufacturing Month

  October 22, 2024    170

  For Michigan manufacturers, exporting offers a pathway to long-term success and resilience. Michigan’s exports have grown from $44.9 billion in 2020 to $64.9 billion in 2023 — an increase of 45 percent. With financial support, from sources like EXIM, companies can take on larger projects, win more bids and increase their global competitiveness.
  

• Cybersecurity in the Age of Industry 4.0

  October 18, 2024    138

  As the manufacturing sector continues to embrace the hyper-connected era of Smart Manufacturing, more and more organizations are integrating advanced automation for unprecedented levels of efficiency — but these advancements comes a significant increase in cybersecurity risks. MMA member Foley & Lardner LLP explores some of these risks and how to address them.
  

• MFG Game Changers: Airmaster Fan

  October 4, 2024    161

  One of the most used products throughout the manufacturing industry — one that can be found in virtually every building — was invented by a company that is now located right here in Michigan. Airmaster, inventor of the industrial ceiling fan motor, is running at full throttle, albeit under a different name and in a new location.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Maner Costerisan

  October 4, 2024    232

  Interview with Maner Costerisan Principal Dave Nielsen
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Sigma P&THE Manufacturing Solutions Company (SPC Global Manufacturing Company)

  October 4, 2024    162

  Interview with Sigma P&THE Manufacturing Solutions Company (SPC Global Manufacturing Company)’s CEO and Managing Partner Pancho Hall
  

• Industry 5.0: Human-Centric Industry 4.0

  October 4, 2024    194

  Computers cannot replace people — but they can provide relief for your team to focus on other aspects of your business. Learn how MMA members like P&THE Manufacturing and Total Security Solutions are implementing Human-Centric Industry 4.0.
  

• The Impact of AI and Advanced Analytics in Manufacturing

  October 4, 2024    282

  The manufacturing space is growing increasingly dynamic, and with those changes comes a need to apply innovation. MMA member Wipfli gives you aspects of synergistic relationships to consider when implementing AI and advanced analytics in manufacturing.
  

• Understanding How to Maximize Employee Care within the Manufacturing Industry

  October 4, 2024    149

  For more than two decades, MetLife’s annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS) has tracked important shifts in the workplace, employment relationships, workers’ holistic well-being and best practices for benefits programs. In 2023, MetLife’s EBTS study noted the concept of Employee Care, a holistic approach to care that prioritizes the wellbeing of employees across the whole employee experience.
  

• Twin Health’s Diabetes Remission Program

  October 4, 2024    136

  In an era where technology is transforming health care, Twin Health stands at the forefront with its innovative Whole Body Digital Twin™ technology. Twin Health is a medical research and technology solutions developer founded in 2018. The organization has demonstrated success in diabetes remission and Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan is involved in the pilot to find innovative ways to reduce pharmacy costs and deliver long-term positive results for members managing diabetes.
  

• AI-Enhanced Social Engineering: Beware of the “Friendly” Voice of Fraud

  October 4, 2024    127

  What better way to demonstrate the reality of AI — its capabilities and limitations, boundless potential and risk — than in an article about AI-powered social engineering that OpenAI “wrote.” Generated from specific input parameters entered by MMA member Rehmann, this article is an unedited product of OpenAI’s take on the subject.
  

• The Continued Regulation of Geolocation Data

  October 2, 2024    155

  Whether helping users navigate unknown locations or facilitating public safety personnel reaching stranded motorists, certain geolocation use-cases in mobility and automotive applications provide valuable and immediate benefits to consumers and can be safely deployed with risk mitigation strategies. MMA member Clark Hill focuses on the use-cases where geolocation data is collected after the point of sale for purposes directly benefiting the user.
  

• Overview of Select Industrial Real Estate Markets: Q2 2024

  September 30, 2024    318

  By offering MMA members quarterly updates on industrial real estate markets, we hope to educate and inform our Michigan manufacturers about their local real estate market and thereby assist them in improving their real estate decision-making processes.
  

• Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company: Workers’ Compensation and Consulting Services

  September 25, 2024    525

  As a member and policyholder, MTM has provided Lincoln Park Boring with loss control services, yearly inspections featuring detailed reports and guidance about issues that should be remediated, like it does with all of its customers.
  

• Looking to Employ Highly Qualified and Talented People? Hire Veterans!

  September 19, 2024    278

  Veterans have a proven track record of performance under pressure and sometimes in very challenging circumstances. They’ve received world-class technical and “soft skills” training and used that training in real-world situations. Highly valued skills like problem solving, teamwork and communication — along with strong work ethics, attention to detail and adaptability — are par for the course.
  

• Boost Your Michigan Manufacturing Exports with EXIM’s New Financing Program

  August 14, 2024    967

  To help manufacturers of all sizes take advantage of this opportunity and enhance their global competitiveness, EXIM offers a new financing tool designed to unlock funds and encourage domestic manufacturing by making EXIM’s medium- and long-term loans, loan guarantees and insurance available for export-oriented projects.
  

• Trailblazing & Groundbreaking Solutions for Sustainability

  July 26, 2024    1077

  Industry professionals have been looking in every direction for solutions that will lead to a more sustainable future for manufacturing, and many have employed new and fresh ideas into their products and services. Learn how Holcim US and Lambda Energy Resources have led to innovations that may positively impact processes as well as enhance and meet businesses’ conservation goals.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Michigan Sugar Company

  July 26, 2024    1005

  Michigan Sugar Company is pulling every bit of sweetness possible out of sugar beets for sugar processing and distribution, and it’s doing a significant portion of it through environmentally friendly and sustainable processes. Interview with Michigan Sugar Company CEO Neil Juhnke.
  

• Crystal Clean: Parts Cleaning and Waste Services

  July 26, 2024    933

  Every manufacturing business needs environmental services, such as waste disposal, oil collection, drain cleaning, incidental cleanup and more. Taking the time to find multiple vendors to address each need can be time-consuming and costly— especially for small businesses. MMA partner Crystal Clean has supported Michigan manufacturers for more than 25 years with comprehensive environmental solutions — for which members receive an exclusive 25 percent discount.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Butzel

  July 26, 2024    880

  Butzel has played a prominent role in the development and growth of several major industries. Butzel, a 16-year member of the MMA, includes a strong environmental energy and sustainability practice. Interview with Butzel Shareholder Beth Gotthelf.
  

• MFG Game Changers: Saint-Gobain

  July 26, 2024    742

  Saint-Gobain, a global company that designs and develops materials for buildings, transportation, infrastructure and manufacturing, has pursued advanced solutions for responsible industry growth. These solutions are intended to help customers streamline or enhance their own processes for potential savings, increased efficiencies and conservation of energy.
  

• Public-Private Partnerships Addressing Michigan’s Manufacturing Crisis

  July 26, 2024    595

  For manufacturers across Michigan’s vital automotive, aerospace and defense and semiconductor industries, the need for a robust talent pipeline is clearer than ever. The baby boomer generation marked a significant increase in population growth, but a key milestone for this group of more than 75 million has been an uphill battle for employers for more than a decade: retirement. Manufacturers need to look to their communities and stakeholders to find a sustainable path forward.
  

• Is Now a Good Time to Sell Your Manufacturing Business?

  July 26, 2024    681

  After several years of robust mergers & acquisitions (M&A) activity, manufacturing company owners may be considering whether it’s a good time to sell. However, the decision isn’t straightforward. MMA member NuVescor helps you understand the current M&A market trends and evaluating personal circumstances are essential to make an informed choice.
  

• Ready To Help – Be Present in Your Community

  July 26, 2024    740

  Blue Cross Blue Shield's corporate giving and community projects focus on increasing access to health care and encouraging healthy people and healthy communities. Being present in the community is what brings the spark, plants the seed, conceives the dream, creates impact and makes the big difference. Being ready to help is Blue Cross’ commitment.
  

• Designing Your Plant for Employee Retention

  July 22, 2024    922

  Not all plant improvements need to be capital-intensive to make a real impact! MMA member C2AE has compiled some ways you can design your plant environment to increase employee quality of life and improve retention.
  

• Storch Products - 2023 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence

  May 28, 2024    1913

  Storch Products fosters a culture of innovation through visionary leadership, employee empowerment and a relentless pursuit of excellence and was recognized for those efforts with the 2023 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence award.
  

• Overview of Select Industrial Real Estate Markets: Q1 2024

  May 23, 2024    1416

  By offering MMA members quarterly updates on industrial real estate markets, we hope to educate and inform our Michigan manufacturers about their local real estate market and thereby assist them in improving their real estate decision-making processes.
  

• How to Avoid Cyberattacks Taking Down Your Manufacturing Organization

  May 14, 2024    1209

  In the time-sensitive manufacturing industry, you can’t afford to have any weaknesses in your cybersecurity. Just one malfunction can derail the entire supply chain at a significant cost to your business, let alone the time-consuming process of recovering from a cyberattack. MMA member CNWR offers essential moves to protect your manufacturing business.
  

• Armstrong International - 2023 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier)

  May 13, 2024    1603

  Founded in 1900, Armstrong International is a private, fifth-generation family-owned thermal utility focused on developing products that are vital to create a sustainable energy future and was recognized for their efforts with the 2023 Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Large Tier.
  

• Why Go Global

  May 2, 2024    1431

  While the upside of going global is tremendous, it is not without its challenges. MMA member Exim outlines a few items your company needs to consider when they decide to go global.
  

• Michigan Manufacturing Labor Market Update

  April 26, 2024    1579

  The manufacturing labor market in Michigan is a critical sector that significantly contributes to the state’s economy, with a particular focus on the automotive industry. A Cushman & Wakefield and US Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis of recent demographics offers insights into current trends and future projections in key metropolitan areas, including Detroit, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
  

• Getman Corporation - 2023 Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year

  April 24, 2024    1975

  The A64 HD Water Cannon from Getman Corporation represents significant improvements in safety for the underground mining industry, as well as an expansion into export markets across the globe. The Water Cannon was awarded the inaugural Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year at the 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
  

• Simple Steps to Combat Selling’s Three Deadly Cs

  April 12, 2024    1301

  The Three Deadly Cs — Commoditization, Compressed selling time and Consensus decision making — are eroding margins and rendering traditional selling strategies obsolete. MMA member Blue Salesfly outlines simple steps to help you prepare for the new battleground.
  

• Building Businesses, Strengthening Communities

  April 9, 2024    1541

  People are the foundation of manufacturing growth and the recent MMA Operations Conference provided solutions to enhance team morale and promote business growth. A selection of Conference speakers provide insights to help members.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Barron Industries

  April 9, 2024    1764

  Interview with Barron Industries President and CEO Bruce Barron
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Radian Compliance

  April 9, 2024    1124

  Interview with Radian Compliance Managing Partners Sally Smoczynski and Lisa DuBrock
  

• MMA Solutions for Success: Dale Carnegie Training Offered by Ralph Nichols Group

  April 9, 2024    1233

  MMA members can access discounted training through “Dale Carnegie Training Offered by Ralph Nichols Group.” Dale Carnegie is ISO 9001 certified, providing manufacturing teams with the greatest quality leadership training in the world.
  

• MFG Game Changers: M R Products Inc. - Home of Mr. Chain

  April 9, 2024    1266

  Manufacturers have a critical need to keep people safe by creating barriers around the shop floor. For more than 64 years, a small business in a small town has made a global impact on safety by making reusable, safe and lightweight chain barriers.
  

• Using Wage Data to Maintain a Leadership Position in Your Region

  April 9, 2024    1271

  The best companies are always benchmarking themselves against their competitors and other employers in their region and beyond. MMA's Bill Rayl walks you through an easy way to get wage info for every area of the state on a timely basis.
  

• Strategies for Increasing Retention in Plants

  April 9, 2024    988

  The financial cost of turnover has resulted in this being cited as a main priority for 2024. Instead of continuing to engage in wage wars and accepting the high cost of replacing employees, MMA member Career Growth offers proven solutions for investing in your people.
  

• The Power of Mentorship in Manufacturing

  April 9, 2024    1136

  Mentorship holds diverse meanings across various industries, including manufacturing. At its core, mentoring conveys a powerful message to your team — a message of care, commitment and a willingness to invest in their growth.
  

• Export Your Michigan Products Worldwide — A Strategic Opportunity to Grow Revenue

  April 9, 2024    1151

  International trade represents a key opportunity for Michigan manufacturers to find new markets, expand sales, and increase profits. The EXIM can equip businesses with the financial tools they need to capitalize on potential markets worldwide.
  

• The Roadmap to Industry 4.0’s Global Future Unveiled

  March 28, 2024    1559

  MMA member Wipfli covers the three pivotal global trends manufacturers must grasp to navigate the future of Industry 4.0 successfully.
  

• Positive First Impression for Your Facility

  March 28, 2024    1410

  Automating your entrance with a digital visitor management system is the best way to ensure a positive first impression and show guests that your safety and security standards are paramount. Think about the first impression a visitor has when they enter your facility.
  

• Core Values Can Evolve With Your Business

  March 28, 2024    1385

  MMA member Amigo Mobility International presents a case study of that demonstrates how their core values helped evolve their business.
  

• Getting Started with eCommerce

  March 28, 2024    1348

  With B2B buyers expecting a B2C-like shopping experience, the bar is set high for manufacturers and distributors who want to provide an efficient and easy-to-use website for their customers. MMA member Human Element gives you things to consider before getting started with an eCommerce site build.
  

• Energy Management Should Be a Priority for Every Manufacturer

  March 28, 2024    1476

  If Michigan manufacturers are to remain competitive with manufacturers in other states and around the world, energy cost must be kept at a minimum. MMA member EnStar discusses how energy management needs to become a priority in the planning and decision-making process of every firm.
  

• How Artificial Intelligence Fits in a Human’s World

  March 28, 2024    1209

  Dale Carnegie, the “father” of the Self-Help Movement, began his formal work and research in human behavior in 1912. He pondered the questions of what differentiated happy, successful people from those that were not happy or successfully fulfilled.
  

• Digital Health Tools Aren’t Just Good for Employees — Employers Benefit, Too

  March 28, 2024    1197

  Even common health issues, like strep throat or a bout of poison ivy can be quickly resolved with a virtual health visit. With digital solutions, patients have access to advice, vetted resources, and real-time data about their health at their fingertips. MMA member Blue Cross shares how digital tools offer in-depth, in-the-moment support.
  

• Navigating Modern Workforce Development Trends in Manufacturing

  March 28, 2024    1948

  As technology advances and global markets evolve, companies are constantly adapting to meet the demands of the modern era. MMA member Chatfield helps you navigate modern workforce development trends in manufacturing.
  

• 5 Ways Your Blue Cross Plan Can Help You Practice Self-Care

  March 19, 2024    1650

  Self-Care The World Health Organization defines health as, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Work, school and family life seem to always take first priority, but self-care is crucial to your own well-being. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has multiple tools that will help you practice self-care.
  

• 6 Essentials Every Organization’s AI Policy Must Include

  March 19, 2024    1528

  To ensure your organization and its people navigate the AI landscape successfully and safely, it’s imperative to establish a comprehensive policy. MMA member Rehmann covers how such a policy will serve as your team’s roadmap to leveraging AI technologies while ensuring ethical, secure and effective use.
  

• Achieving True Employee Engagement through Process-Based Leadership and Open-Book Management

  March 14, 2024    1440

  Many aspects of a company impact employee engagement. It starts with having a business philosophy and set of company values with which the employees can identify. Combine this with an excellent work environment, great pay and benefits, and you are on your way to creating an environment where engagement can flourish.
  

• Creating a Sustainable Culture of Innovation

  March 14, 2024    1365

  Innovation is not a word meant only for the greatest and brightest minds nor is it reserved for job titles and departments. Innovation is something that lives and breathes within each of us. It’s time to recognize and bring to light that the “soft” and “empathic” skills we have historically suppressed in the manufacturing industry are, indeed, what fuels innovation.
  

• Driving Profitability: Understanding Your Costs & Operational Performance

  March 14, 2024    1348

  Many small and mid-size manufacturers struggle with profitability for the same reason: They haven’t fully captured their total cost of production and its impact on operating performance. Understanding the total cost to manufacture and the ability to monitor operating performance are key to driving profitability.
  

• Adopting a Human Learning Model that Complements Lean Manufacturing

  March 14, 2024    1354

  The benefits of Lean Manufacturing and its associated methods and tools are undeniable. Lean Manufacturing has proven its value and is rightfully here to stay; but it does have its limitations. Where Lean Manufacturing falls short is in the skill development of humans.
  

• Kirlin Lighting - 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan

  March 7, 2024    2560

  Kirlin Lighting’s INFRALED PRO Motorized Exam Lights provide a safe, easy-to-operate alternative to boom-mounted exam lighting systems. A people’s choice vote determined that the recessed, remote-aimable motorized exam lighting system was the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan.
  

• The Complete Cycle and Impact of an Automotive Strike

  March 5, 2024    1564

  Every industry and business has their ups and downs. MMA member Veryable aims to dissect the stages of a full cycle so that manufacturers can understand where they are at, the impact(s) on their business and what they can do about it.
  

• Expand Your Employee Attraction, Preparation and Retention Efforts by Leveraging Industry 4.0 Technologies

  March 5, 2024    1500

  MMA has partnered with Automation Alley to present Navigating the Future: Global Industry 4.0 Trends, Standards & Policy. Read insights from MMA on expanding employee attraction, retention and more.
  

• Navigating Industry 4.0 Challenges: The Imperative of Collaboration and Connectivity

  March 4, 2024    1294

  MMA has partnered with Automation Alley to present Navigating the Future: Global Industry 4.0 Trends, Standards & Policy. Read insights from MMA on navigating Industry 4.0 and more.
  

• The Power of Thought Leadership: Engaging Employees and Shaping Company Culture

  February 26, 2024    2440

  In the complex landscape of modern business, the concept of thought leadership has emerged as a vital tool for leaders across industries. MMA member Walker Publicity outlines key ways in which being a thought leader helps leaders connect with their companies.