One Way Clutch - Means Industries, an Amsted Automotive Company - 2025 Export of the Year
This article will appear in the June 2026 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Find past issues online.
Saginaw-based Means Industries, an Amsted Automotive company, is known worldwide for its One-Way and Selectable One-Way Clutches. The unique clutches reduce packaging, torque losses and mass, improving efficiency and fuel economy.
In addition to North America, Amsted’s customers are found throughout Europe and Asia, primarily in China. Over the past five years, approximately 39 percent of their revenue was due to international shipments — an increase of over 500 percent in export revenue.
Through it all, Means remains dedicated to its Michigan roots. Eight components of the system are produced by Michigan companies, three of which are Amsted divisions. The final assembly of the product occurs in Michigan, and partnerships with local suppliers have led to hundreds of new jobs within the state.
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.
“Receiving the Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year Award is a tremendous honor for our entire team,” says Plant Manager Jamie Morse. “This award is recognition that our team can compete and succeed in the global market because of the team’s innovation and operational excellence rooted right here in Michigan.”
A History of Innovation
Means was founded in 1922 as a stamping supplier for the automotive industry and evolved over time into a world-class supplier of metal forming and metal joining.
In the 1990s, Means obtained the rights to a new style of mechanical clutch, which was being used in the drag race industry due to its high durability and performance. Means — which now has more than 150 various patents — refined that technology over time and commercialized it for mass markets, launching its first commercial clutch in 1997.
Featuring high torque density and very low drag when overrunning, the clutches are suited for multi-ratio transmissions typically used for combustion engine vehicles, as well as electrified propulsion systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. They combine the efficiency of a mechanical one-way clutch with the controllability of an actively actuated clutch, allowing transmissions to reduce drag, weight and component count while enabling smoother and more efficient gear shifts.
The optional selectable one-way clutch also adds a control element. When it is disabled, it acts as a one-way clutch; when enabled, it locks in both directions, providing more control over torque paths during shifts.
A Global Brand Dedicated to Michigan’s Economy
By providing customers worldwide with an outstanding automotive solution, Means Industries is helping to maintain and increase our country’s and Michigan’s status as a leader in manufacturing.
“Michigan is a very well-respected manufacturing, innovation and technology hub,” says Chad Workman, Vice President and General Manager. “It only made sense for us to start first in our own backyard.”
Jeffrey Prout, Vice President of Product Technology, adds that Michigan has a wealth of higher education institutions with comprehensive automotive programs, so the talent is exceptional.
“The vast majority of our staff was born and raised in Michigan, so this is home,” he says.
Due to Michigan’s deep automotive history, engineers, suppliers, production employees and other automotive professionals know what it takes
to be successful, they say.
“We tap into that supplier network here so that we can provide the highest level of quality product to our customers,” Prout says.
Morse adds that their reliable operations also give international customers confidence that orders will be produced to specifications and shipped on time.
“Customers prioritize partners who demonstrate consistent performance and not just competitive pricing,” she says.
And, according to Workman, Michigan will always be the home base for Means.
“While we support our customers globally, we acknowledge certain competencies, capabilities and know-how that we always want to retain here in Michigan and then deploy throughout the other regions of the world,” he says.
Not only has Means developed efficient, high-performing and unique clutch systems but it is also dedicated to building the U.S. economy while increasing Michigan’s status as a leading manufacturing hub around the world. These are among the many reasons why Means has been recognized with the Manufactured Export of the Year Award.
The Michigan Manufactured Export award is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.
The 2025 Michigan Manufactured Export award was sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Visit online: michiganbusiness.org.