MMA Blog

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• UAW Extends Strike Threatening the Strength and Vitality of our Domestic Auto Industry

  September 29, 2023    42

  The continuation and extension of the UAW’s strike negatively impacts the Big Three and the entire supply chain, with MMA members across the state already implementing layoffs as orders diminish.
  

• Michigan’s Manufacturers: Fortitude in the Face of Disruption

  September 26, 2023    79

  As the United Auto Workers union extends its strike on Detroit’s Big Three automakers, I take pause to consider the gravity of the situation for our automotive sector and legacy, our state and its communities, and families whose lives and livelihoods are tied to the Michigan's economically vital automotive industry.
  

• Fortitude in the Face of Disruption

  September 15, 2023    119

  As news breaks on the overnight developments in the labor negotiations between the UAW and the Big Three, MMA President & CEO John Walsh considers the gravity of the situation as well as confidence I have that Michigan manufacturers will weather this storm.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Vaughan Industries

  September 18, 2023    52

  Although Vaughan Industries remains a small business with 21 employees, it maintains a strong national presence — especially in support of STEM education. Learn more in this Industry Member Spotlight.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Real IT Solutions

  September 18, 2023    54

  Keeping your equipment up and running is vitally important for manufacturers and Matt Kahle, Founder and CEO of Real IT Solutions, understands the importance of safeguarding his clients from potential threats in order to protect their productivity.
  

• Making an Impact

  August 2, 2023    851

  Local involvement and stewardship illustrate positive energy of manufacturers in their communities. Meet two MMA members that are active and involved stewards of their communities.
  

• Canadian wildfires can't cloud truth about region's air quality success

  July 31, 2023    616

  We are proud of MMA's efforts with our members who have dramatically improved air quality in Michigan over several decades.
  

• Statement of MMA President & CEO John J. Walsh on the Michigan-Ontario Economic Agreement

  July 25, 2023    538

  The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) today released a statement in response to the Economic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed today between Michigan and Ontario.
  

• Interactive Training Systems - 2022 MFG Innovation Excellence

  July 14, 2023    583

  With their industry-leading solutions and continued growth, it’s no wonder ITS was selected as the 2022 MFG Innovation Excellence Award recipient. Displaying his signature style of humble leadership, Maguffee says he’s dumbfounded by the company’s nomination.
  

• Common Misconceptions About the Research & Development Tax Credit

  July 7, 2023    956

  The research and development (R&D) tax credit is a potentially lucrative government incentive designed to promote innovation and technological advancement across multiple U.S. industries, including manufacturing. — but manufacturers often have many questions and misconceptions about how this tax program can impact their operations.
  

• Digital Twin in Manufacturing

  June 26, 2023    865

  The hype around "Digital Twin" has been building over the last few years! Does it work? Are we ready to use such a technology? MN Engineering Solutions has provided a quick guide to digital twins, what they are and why they matter for your organization.
  

• Building a Total Rewards Strategy for 2023

  May 31, 2023    1886

  There is a real and volatile cost associated with attracting, engaging and retaining talent within an organization. MMA member Brown & Brown shares strategies to help enhance your employees’ experience and limit turnover.
  

• Deepview Advances Visual Inspection Technology through Neural Network Capabilities

  May 22, 2023    1000

  Automated cameras have been used within the manufacturing industry for years, but Deepview has enhanced the technology in ways you may not have expected.
  

• Solving Janitorial and Sanitation Challenges through Modern Technology

  May 22, 2023    1124

  Facility cleaning and maintenance are a must for any industry, and MMA’s new partnership with GDI Integrated Facility Services makes it easier for members to access a wide range of these services.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Midwest Recruiters

  May 22, 2023    1103

  Interview with Midwest Recruiters Founder and President Tony Dekker
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Magline, Inc.

  May 22, 2023    878

  Interview with Magline, Inc. Director of Marketing Paul Adler.
  

• Recognizing Workforce Solutions to Navigate Talent Challenges

  May 22, 2023    1653

  Read how members Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing and Cobra MOTO/Cobra AERO, LLC have recognized solutions and are navigating the challenges in a technology-driven, post-pandemic era beginning.
  

• PlaneWave Instruments - 2022 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan

  May 22, 2023    578

  PlaneWave’s success today is driven by the same shared passion that brought together a group of hobbyists more than 30 years ago. With market-leading technology, a mission of “Pursuit of the Perfect Telescope” and a future as bright as the stars, PlaneWave is a highly deserving recipient of the 2022 Coolest Thing Made in Michigan.
  

• Protecting Your Company’s Investment With a Training Reimbursement Agreement

  May 22, 2023    437

  Investing in employee training adds value to all levels of your operation. But how do you protect your bottom line if the investment walks away? Learn why it’s a risk you can’t afford not to take.
  

• Knowing Your Employees — The Importance of Employee Surveys

  May 22, 2023    342

  As an employer, you face two serious challenges in managing your talent — keeping employees from leaving for "greener pastures" and countering the impact of a disengaged workforce. The impact of these challenges typically doesn’t become apparent until it is too late — the employee quits, or they have been unproductive since their last performance review.
  

• Reduce Training Costs While Increasing Talent

  May 22, 2023    705

  If you’re like many other manufacturers in Michigan, finding and retaining new hourly workers has been a challenge. While we can’t control the talent pool, we can control how we think about training new employees. Here are three factors to consider that could help the effectiveness of your employee training efforts and lead to greater retention:
  

• The Manufacturing Facility Has Changed

  May 22, 2023    723

  Much has changed since J.S. Vig Construction was founded as an industrial contractor in southwest Detroit in 1965. Back then, blueprints were hand-drawn and estimates were prepared with an adding machine. Now, technology has changed the world and the rate of change continues to accelerate fast, so buckle up
  

• How Lean Can Attract & Retain Younger Members of the Workforce

  May 22, 2023    352

  You know, the unseen beast that snatches up new hires when they go outside for their break. For some reason, they disappear and never return. Why does this mystery monster seem to hang out in some parking lots? How can organizations make sure their new employees stop disappearing? The answer may lie inside the building.
  

• How to Win the Manufacturing Talent Game

  May 22, 2023    409

  Attracting and retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive market has become a hot topic for business leaders. Learn how prioritizing culture and leadership can help you win the manufacturing talent game.
  

• New Rules May Eliminate Your 401(k) Audit

  May 17, 2023    636

  Employers with less than 100 401(k) participating employees may be eligible for small plan reporting options with no audit required based on recent IRS changes. Learn more in this Dawda Mann Insight.
  

• Cybersecurity: Building Resilience in Michigan’s Manufacturing Industry

  April 20, 2023    1051

  While small to medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan recognize the growing threat of cyberattacks, many are not taking appropriate actions toward protecting their systems and data. Implementing cybersecurity best practices is crucial to minimize the risk of a successful cyberattack.
  

• Embracing Holistic Employee Care: The Secret to High Retention in the Manufacturing Industry

  April 20, 2023    2153

  Like other industries, the manufacturing sector is facing its fair share of challenges, from maintaining employee loyalty to drawing in new talent. To help companies understand these hurdles, MetLife conducted a study which sheds new light on employee satisfaction and its main contributors.
  

• Leading the Way in Manufacturing Sustainability

  March 16, 2023    2305

  For years, Michigan manufacturers have led the way on innovative sustainability programs and protecting the environment. From reducing landfill waste to conserving water, industry leaders have developed best practices to support sustainability and are willing to share their ideas to have a larger impact.
  

• Van Dam Continues the Legacy of Wooden Boat Craftsmanship as an Art Form

  March 16, 2023    1195

  Handcrafting boats exclusively from wood, Van Dam Custom Boats is ensuring that old-world craftsmanship lives on as an art form, all while incorporating modern technology, outstanding durability and innovative design into each boat they build.
  

• FCCI Offers Training Tools, Customized Insurance Solutions and More through Manufacturers Premier Program

  March 16, 2023    636

  To provide manufacturers with additional tools and solutions, insurance provider FCCI Insurance Group has partnered with MMA to offer a Manufacturers Premier Program.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

  March 16, 2023    918

  Interview with Michael Brady, executive partner at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP and co-chair of its large Automotive Industry Group.
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: BlueTriton Brands

  March 16, 2023    1039

  Interview with Arlene Anderson-Vincent, the Natural Resources Manager for the Midwest Region of BlueTriton Brands’ Ice Mountain water bottling company.
  

• Duo Form - 2022 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier)

  March 16, 2023    1388

  From Duo Form’s company culture to their dedication to customers and protecting the environment, they are a very deserving winner of the 2022 Large Tier John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award.
  

• Approaching Talent Challenges Through a Sustainability Lens

  March 16, 2023    467

  There’s a proven strategy designed to help employers build scalable, sustainable pipelines of talent that uses tools and methods already familiar to manufacturers. It’s called Talent Pipeline Management (TPM).
  

• Fighting for Michigan Manufacturers in All Three Branches of Government

  March 16, 2023    476

  For more than 35 years, the MMA Lawyers Committee has closely followed cases involving the misapplication of a law, rule or regulation that may affect Michigan manufacturing interests.
  

• What is Your Business Exit Strategy

  March 16, 2023    621

  If you have a business and you intend to retire or sell it at some point in your lifetime, you need to plan your exit strategy early on. Even if you plan to exit decades into the future, what you do now will set you and your business up for long-term success and avoid large challenges for a sale or transition later.
  

• 10 Things Every Manufacturer Should Do to Control Energy Costs - But Too Many Don’t

  March 16, 2023    517

  Virtually every manufacturer wants to cut its energy costs, optimize energy use and improve their sustainability footprint. This can be achieved by taking a few fundamental steps to control how energy is used and paid for.
  

• A 360° Leadership Approach

  March 16, 2023    589

  An authentic leader is someone who can lead in all directions — leading down to those you have authority over, leading laterally to those across the hierarchical structure, leading up to those who supervise over you and leading yourself before leading others. This concept is called 360° leadership.
  

• The Purpose of the Workplace Has Changed

  March 16, 2023    513

  For many businesses, a necessary step in attracting talent is making the workplace a space people want to come by offering flexibility, streamlined systems and employee-centered design. To maximize the potential of technological upgrades, it is essential to equally invest in training existing employees and attracting new talent.
  

• Creating Empowering Benefits Communication Beyond Open Enrollment

  March 10, 2023    1047

  With open enrollment now a distant memory for most employees, it is time to revisit your employee benefits communication plan. Taking a year-round communication approach ensures your employees are aware of and utilizing the entirety of your benefit offerings.
  

• Right-to-Work Repeal Will Hurt Michigan

  March 9, 2023    615

  If Michigan loses its decade-long status as a Right-To-Work state, the Great Lakes State will remove itself from the list of states for potential new investment for both companies outside of Michigan and those who are already here. Whether the new investment is related to electric vehicle and battery production, or based in the knowledge economy, semiconductors or green energy, Michigan will lose future investment and we will lose good-paying manufacturing jobs.
  

• House Committee Passes Right-to-Work Repeal

  March 8, 2023    716

  MMA is fighting to retain the core of the state’s economy by ensuring that we’re competitively positioned to attract and maintain manufacturing capital investment and talent. Please join us in this fight by making your voice heard to state representatives who are planning to advance this legislation this afternoon of Wednesday, 3/8/23.
  

• MMA and MCC Announce Formal Partnership

  March 1, 2023    1278

  MMA's formal relationship with the Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) is a brand new day of opportunity for both organizations with long histories of success that, together, can build upon Michigan’s manufacturing legacy.
  

• How Technology Can Help Manufacturers Maintain Economic Resiliency During a Recession

  February 9, 2023    1055

  As an industry that increasingly relies on technology, manufacturers have many things to consider when planning for the future. MMA Member Convergence Networks helps you evaluate the best use of your technology and current processes.
  

• 2023 Legislative Outlook

  February 2, 2023    1114

  MMA’s Government Affairs team engages at the Capitol to enact change for the greatest benefit of our members and the manufacturing industry. Learn about MMA’s 2023-2024 priorities.
  

• Online Training Courses Streamline Forklift Operator Standards and Safety Protocols

  January 27, 2023    839

  Proper training also reduces liability and the dramatic costs associated with damaged products, property and equipment, which is why MMA has partnered with TrainMOR to offer a 20 percent discount on all training programs.
  

• Addressing Global Food Waste Challenges with Local Technology

  January 27, 2023    975

  Two Michigan companies — MMA Member DISHER and GTF TEchnologies — have worked together to address these critical issues by developing the RENU™ Drying and Milling System
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: Fleetwood Electronics

  January 27, 2023    726

  MMA Industry Member Fleetwood Electronics' Angel Chavez talks about how they provide simple solutions to complex electronics challenges
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Rehmann

  January 27, 2023    1069

  MMA Premium Associate Member Rehmann's Tom Shemanski helps clients identify solutions through advisory, financial and consulting services.
  

• Commemorating 120 Years of Supporting and Advocating for Michigan Manufacturers

  January 27, 2023    791

  For more than a century, the manufacturing industry has propelled Michigan forward — through good times and in challenging times. A lot has changed from the introduction of the Model T or Michigan’s Arsenal of Democracy but one thing has remained steady: MMA has been the state’s unwavering advocate for the manufacturing industry for 12 decades.
  

• Maximize the Going PRO Talent Fund Application with an Industry-Led Collaborative

  January 27, 2023    991

  Locating, training and retaining talent remains a top business challenge for manufacturers and the Going PRO Talent Fund has been a critical tool since 2014. More than $55 million is available to Michigan employers for Fiscal Year 2023, which began 10/1/22 and significant changes have been announced to the award timeline, application and reporting requirements.
  

• What to Know About the CHIPS Act

  January 27, 2023    721

  The CHIPS Act will provide funding over five years to build, expand or modernize domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, advanced packing or research and development.
  

• The Evolution of Cyber Threats

  January 27, 2023    585

  The modern cyber security framework has changed immensely, traditional antivirus is just not enough to keep threats at bay. Cyber threats are always evolving, stay on top of your game and prevent yourself from becoming another unfortunate statistic.
  

• Is Your Business Prepared to Face a Supply Chain Disaster?

  January 27, 2023    597

  The key to ebbing potential supply chain threats, if not to avoid them altogether, is to consider supply chain management as a part of your business’ entire risk management plan. Whether your business is in the throes of a messy manufacturing and supply chain ordeal or worried about a future debacle, now is the time to build out a strong risk management plan that will help avoid supply chain shortages and de-escalate their effects.
  

• Compete to Succeed: Manufacturing Vision for Michigan 2023-2024

  January 25, 2023    688

  In January, we released to our members our priorities for the 102nd Michigan Legislature in Compete to Succeed: Manufacturing Vision for Michigan 2023-2024, an outline and call-to-action of the most significant challenges facing Michigan manufacturers.
  

• 3 Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers

  January 20, 2023    884

  The opportunity -- and expectation -- to work from home has become prevalent in the US, which adds another layer of cybersecurity considerations to your company's operations. MMA member SensCy offers cybersecurity tips for your remote workers.
  

• Bob Jacquart - Jacquart Fabric Products Home of Stormy Kromer - 2022 MFG Lifetime Achievement

  December 13, 2022    1960

  For all that he has done and all that he is, the MMA is proud to recognize Stormy Kromer's Bob Jacquart with the 2022 MFG Lifetime Achievement Award.
  

• Dave Yancho & Robin McConnell - Armor Protective Packaging - 2022 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year (Small Tier)

  December 13, 2022    1204

  The leadership 's recipe for success and culture of innovation and dedication makes Armor Protective Packaging the 2022 Small Tier John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award winner.
  

• Terri Datz-Siegel - Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC - 2022 MFG Woman of the Year

  December 13, 2022    1319

  With her passion for people, leadership and the impact she’s had both inside Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC and within the manufacturing community, Terri Datz-Siegel is certainly a deserving recipient of the 2022 MFG Woman of the Year Award.
  

• Steve Heethuis - NN Mobile Solutions - 2022 MFG Talent Champion

  December 13, 2022    1290

  Steve Heethuis’s dedication to improving the industry’s reputation and inspiring current and future manufacturing professionals makes him a well-deserved recipient of the 2022 MFG Talent Champion award