Industry Member Spotlight: Hanson International

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

The Hanson International team may be described as die casting and plastic injection molding production partners — but they’re really problem solvers at heart.

Manufacturers who have conceptual ideas for parts or who have models in hand often find themselves with complex problems, such as flashing on the die, cooling problems or a part sticking in the die. They’re likely looking for solutions on how to work more efficiently and how to reduce scrap.

Throughout Hanson’s nearly 60-year legacy, the team has been contacted to resolve a wide variety of issues — from the common to the unusual — and has developed the expertise to help manufacturers solve them quickly. With an emphasis on the automotive industry, the Hanson team provides manufacturers with solutions that reduce downtime, improve efficiency and enhance product quality, says Julie LaVanway, President of the St. Joseph-based tooling company.

“We definitely jump in feet first to make sure we can solve customers’ problems, which often requires innovative solutions,” she says. “When the shift went from internal combustion engines (ICE) to EV, that was a change for everyone. Being able to be responsive enough to help develop those EV hybrid parts for our customers and do it efficiently and on time has been an exciting challenge.”

“Now, we’re seeing the shift from EV back to ICE,” she adds. “We are making modifications to make sure those parts are running efficiently and that our customers have the best engineering and modifications.”

Best Part of My Job

Investing in my teammates and helping them grow both personally and professionally.

How We’re Innovating

By fostering an environment where new ideas are encouraged, collaboration is valued, and we’re willing to experiment and adapt.

My Key to Success

Being persistent and maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the challenges.

LaVanway says they build long-term relationships with their customers by providing high-quality parts, reliable quality assurance processes, expert engineering solutions and helpful insights. Some of their customers’ projects last two to three years, and Hanson associates can assist them from concept to completion while helping them to resolve any issues that arise along the way.

Consisting of nearly 100 team members, the multi-generational family owned business regularly invests in machinery upgrades and provides team members with continuous training. As a result, they provide high-quality parts while ensuring that the right team members are in the right places to provide customers with the most helpful and constructive solutions.

LaVanway refers to Hanson’s mission statement to illustrate the depth of their partnerships with customers: “Our mission is simple — to help manufacturers achieve their goals through world-class tooling solutions. Every tool we make carries the Hanson International promise: Built to Perform, Built to Last.”

“We work hard on building our internal culture and training people to make sure they have the Hanson Way built into them,” she says.

How I Motivate My Team

By building a culture of appreciation where each teammate feels valued, recognized and empowered to do their best work.

The Best Advice I Ever Got

“Tomorrow is another day — don’t let a bad day hold you back.”

LaVanway adds that this dedication extends into the community and its schools, where many associates donate their time, money and efforts to notable causes. She, for example, is a member of the National Skills Coalition and the Childcare Coalition, which enable her to support the manufacturing industry and help existing and future talent embrace opportunities.

With its ability to maintain long-term partnerships with customers while giving back to the St. Joseph community, Hanson International is poised to continue its legacy of providing high-quality die casting and injection molding support.

Our Next Goal

Driving growth and expanding Hanson’s impact in our industry.

One Skill Everyone Should Have

The ability to solve problems creatively and effectively.

Hanson International is an MMA Industry Member and has been an MMA member company since June 2024. Visit online: hansoninternational.com.