MMA Blog

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

  September 19, 2024    24

  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    749

  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    797

  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    774

  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    678

  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    691

  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    573

  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    417

  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    482

  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    600

  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    746

  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    1652

  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    1232

  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    1076

  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    1454

  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    1241

  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    1327

  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    1818

  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    1178

  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    1418

  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    1562

  Interview with Barron Industries President and CEO Bruce Barron
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Radian Compliance

  April 9, 2024    994

  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    1095

  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    1088

  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    1098

  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    887

  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    1010

  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    1009

  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    1447

  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    1294

  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    1221

  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    1209

  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    1354

  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    1096

  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    1085

  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    1813

  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    1513

  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    1389

  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    1318

  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    1241

  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    1230

  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    1212

  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    2362

  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    1406

  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    1338

  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    1179

  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    2237

  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.
  

• Overview of Select Industrial Real Estate Markets: Q4 2023

  February 23, 2024    1672

  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 Can Digital Marketing Propel Michigan’s Manufacturers Ahead in 2024?

  February 1, 2024    2008

  MMA member Manufacture Grow demystifies digital marketing and explains why it is crucial for your manufacturing business in Michigan.
  

• The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024

  February 1, 2024    1695

  MMA Premium Associate Member Acena Consulting provides a short recap of the provisions agreed to by US Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith, R-Missouri regarding the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.
  

• Creative Strategies to Generate Value and Increase Profit in 2024

  January 31, 2024    1518

  Following another challenging year, manufacturers can take some specific steps to capitalize on bright spots by prioritizing new KPIs and focusing on key elements such as cash flow, people, culture and technology. Find out more in this on-demand video Q&A with MMA and Mike Devereux, partner with Wipfli, a top 20 advisory and accounting firm.
  

• Engage Your Manufacturing Voice

  January 25, 2024    1336

  Supporting pro-manufacturing legislators promotes pro-manufacturing solutions.
  

• Revenue and Sustainability Support with Member-Exclusive Energy Reduction Program

  January 25, 2024    1341

  MMA members can now earn revenue by agreeing to reduce energy usage through a new partnership between CPower, Enstar Energy and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which operates the Midwest and South Central power grid.
  

• Specialized On-Demand Labor Solution Augments and Defines Workforce Needs

  January 25, 2024    1910

  Veryable helps manufacturing and warehousing businesses augment their teams and navigate these fluctuations while ensuring that qualified workers are available when needed.
  

• Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Acena Consulting

  January 25, 2024    1432

  Interview with Acena Consulting Senior Manager-Business Development Dan Osterland
  

• Industry Member Spotlight: MFP Automation Engineering

  January 25, 2024    1213

  Interview with MFP's Engineering Manager Jake DeRooy
  

• Making an Impact for Industry at the Capitol

  January 25, 2024    1091

  Despite legislative challenges, there were still many wins for manufacturers in 2023. Learn more and find out why MMA remains optimistic going into 2024.
  

• 2024 Outlook Report Reveals Why Manufacturers Are Optimistic About 2024

  January 24, 2024    1404

  Supply chain issues, employee retention and data security are big concerns shaping leaders’ decisions according to a survey of more than 330 manufacturing executives across the country. However, according to a survey by MMA member Wipfli, most manufacturers remain optimistic about the future of the industry and are ready to tackle these obstacles head-on.
  

• Case Systems and BOSTONtec - 2023 Manufacturing Community Impact

  January 10, 2024    1802

  Giving back to the community through local philanthropy and engagement is fundamental to the culture that drives Midland-based Case Systems, Inc and its subsidiary company, BOSTONtec and is why they were recognized with the 2023 Manufacturing Community Impact award.
  

• Industry Collaboration & Community Celebrated at 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards

  November 30, 2023    1364

  The 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards was a night of collaboration, community and celebration as a sold-out crowd gathered in East Lansing to recognize the best of the best in Michigan’s most vital industry.