Community Partnerships Help Strengthen Michigan Manufacturing
This article appeared in the August 2026 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
At Amigo Manufacturing, our commitment goes beyond fabricating reliable materials for our customers. It’s about investing in student programs, strengthening our community and stepping up when support is needed most.
“Manufacturing’s future depends on the talent we help develop today,” said Samantha Taylor, Product Manager at Amigo and Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association board member. “By investing in STEM education, leadership programs like Youth Ambassadors and Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives, manufacturers gain the opportunity to inspire the next generation while strengthening the communities we serve.”
Across Michigan, manufacturers are partnering with schools, universities and community organizations to help develop the next generation of talent while strengthening the communities they serve.
CTE programs are one way manufacturers can support their communities while helping students prepare for future careers. These programs connect businesses and industry with high school students. While in these programs, students can earn high school and college credits, industry certifications and gain on-the-job experience to hone professional skills.
Amigo has had great experiences with manufacturing co-op students. Recently, Michael Baldwin, a local high school student, spent time at Amigo working as a machine operator in the morning learning valuable skills. He would attend school in the afternoon and graduated as Valedictorian of Saginaw United High School’s Class of 2025.
“Michael’s positive attitude and consistent work ethic were a great addition to our team. He showed up to work every day willing to get the job done with a positive mindset,” said Amigo Manufacturing Manager Michael Mammel.
Manufacturing co-ops can help students who want to go right into the workforce with a trade or those who want to go to college. This also builds a talent pool for businesses in the program to hire employees, which promotes workforce growth and retention within their communities.
Many manufacturers also participate in leadership development initiatives. Amigo is involved with the Youth Ambassadors Program through the Saginaw Intermediate School District. It’s a three-year leadership and personal development initiative for incoming high school sophomores, designed to mold them into community leaders. The second year is focused on exploring local resources, business and attractions, and Amigo always welcomes the students to gain an understanding of what Michigan manufacturers have to offer.
Partnerships with colleges and universities can provide valuable opportunities for both students and manufacturers. Amigo has partnered with Northwood University’s graduate students on field work consulting. Oftentimes, young business professionals or students studying marketing, HR, sales, administration, accounting and other fields don’t think of manufacturers as the first place to find a career. The more manufacturers get involved in their community to help shape that perception, the better the outcome is for attracting and retaining top talent within the community.
Amigo has also stepped in when a local school needed emergency assistance with a fabrication project. Tom Lockwood, with the Hemlock Public School District, reached out after some teeth were broken off a custom gear. This was just days before their robotics team was due to participate in a FIRST Robotics competition.
“One of the great experiences of being involved with STEM Education and FIRST Robotics is the ability to work with outstanding, generous companies like Amigo Manufacturing. When our robot was broke and we needed a hand, they came through big time. They got our machining project turned around in a few hours!” Lockwood stated.
Manufacturers play an important role in developing the next generation of professionals. Career and Technical Education programs, leadership development initiatives and STEM programs teach invaluable skills while exposing students to career opportunities available right in their own communities. By supporting these programs, manufacturers can help strengthen both the future workforce and the communities they serve. Amigo is proud to be part of the Great Lakes Bay community and committed to supporting its future.
About the Author
Emily Keinath is the Marketing Copywriter at Amigo Mobility International Inc., a family-owned, Michigan-based manufacturer that builds mobility solutions for the personal mobility, grocery/retail and material handling markets. She may be reached at 989-777-0910 or ekeinath@myamigo.com.
Amigo Mobility International Inc. is an MMA Industry Member and has been an MMA member company since April 2010. Visit online: myamigo.com.