http://www.jacksonjama.org en brayl@enterprisegroup.org Copyright 2010 2010-04-25T14:58:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/694 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/jama-member-nex-solutions-chosen-as-a-2010-mi-top-50-company-to-watch/#When:14:58:00Z NEX Solutions has been recognized as one of the 2010 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch,” an award sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business at an awards ceremony during the sixth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, April 29 in Lansing, Mich. The company offers a unique customer-supplier relationship by integrating directly into customer project teams. NEX Solutions believes that early involvement results in more innovative solutions being discovered, smoother project implementations and additional cost savings that are identified even before the customer asks. “We have been extremely fortunate to experience double digit growth each of the past four years. Our customers have been patient with us and very loyal. We deeply value and appreciate their business.” stated Rod Norris, Technical Director at NEX Solutions. “Our goal is to become the premier steel fabrication, weld and powder coating facility in the mid-west” stated Kevin Grossman, General Manager at NEX Solutions. “We live by a simple statement that fosters innovation, better business practices, and exceptional customer service. It is: Every NEX employee looks for new ways to improve the customer experience. We try to instill this philosophy into the daily activities of each and every employee”. “Now 300 strong, the second-stage businesses that comprise the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch have not only persevered through challenging times, but also found opportunities to grow,” says Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship development at the Edward Lowe Foundation. “They continue to hire and develop new markets for their products and services. Some have attracted significant amounts of venture capital, while others have been awarded prestigious federal grants. They are making a substantial difference in their communities--and their industries. Our 2010 inductees are proof that entrepreneurs are, and always have been, the future of Michigan’s economy.” Companies making it to the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list are a remarkable group of second-stage companies. Defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants, these companies form the back-bone of Michigan’s economy. Representing all regions of the state and a diverse range of industries, companies like NEX Solutions are known for their exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, creation of innovation or use of innovation in creative ways, and their sustainable competitive advantage. Winners were selected by Michigan-based judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities. About NEX Solutions NEX Solutions is a leading provider of custom steel fabrication, welding and powder coating services--specializing in large components and assemblies that require a high degree of structural integrity. NEX Solutions is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company and has developed extensive Quality Systems and processes to better serve its customers. For more information, please visit their website at www.nexsolutions.com. Contact Information: Joe Chase, Sales & Marketing Manager, (517) 542-0105 ext 231, . About Michigan 50 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. PNC Bank is the lead underwriter for Michigan Celebrates Small Business, with additional underwriting support from Clark Hill PLC, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Certified Development Corporation, Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, Comcast Business Class, Comcast Spotlight, and Dynamic Edge. Michigan Celebrates Small Business is presented in association with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Small Business Association of Michigan, the U.S. Small Business Administration-Michigan, and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Information about the 2010 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch program can be found at companiestowatch.org. For information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business, visit www.michigancelebrates.biz. News 2010-04-25T14:58:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/693 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/tenneco-expansion-to-add-jobs/#When:14:48:00Z By Chris Gautz | Jackson Citizen Patriot Wednesday, April 21, 2010 Tenneco plans to invest $3.5 million into its Grass Lake engineering facility after receiving a Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credit Tuesday morning. The Illinois-based company, which manufacturers automotive emission and ride control products around the world, will invest a total of $15.6 million by the end of 2011 in Michigan as it expands to make components for gas and diesel pickups, SUVs and crossover vehicles at four of its plants. The tax credit is worth $1.8 million over seven years, and the state says it will lead to the creation of up to 185 jobs at its sites in Litchfield, Marshall, Monroe and Grass Lake. In order to receive the full amount of the credit, Tenneco has to create the 185 jobs by next year and maintain them through 2017. The majority of the jobs will go to the Litchfield and Marshall plants, where the company does the manufacturing of its emission control products, Tenneco Spokesman Jim Spangler said. “We will start hiring immediately,” he said. The sites in Monroe and Grass Lake are engineering facilities. Spangler said he did not know how many of the jobs will come to Grass Lake. Its secluded 208-acre campus in Grass Lake has about 300 employees at its 140,000-square-foot facility, which features high-tech acoustics testing and validation labs and an outdoor test track. Spangler said the investment in the Grass Lake facility will be used to purchase additional equipment to support technology development and the industrialization of the new diesel emission products. Spangler said they are proud of the work done in Grass Lake and will continue to invest in the facility. “It’s critically to our long-term success,” he said. Scott Fleming, president and CEO of The Enterprise Group, the county’s economic-development agency, said this is good news for the area, and it will likely lead to indirect jobs. “I’m always glad to celebrate these little victories here and there,” he said. According to the Enterprise Group, Grass Lake Township anticipates giving up $38,220 in taxes per year to support the project. Township Supervisor Jim Stormont said Tenneco has to file an application with the township for the tax abatement, and the board will look to determine whether it will qualify for the full 12-year, 50 percent abatement. The issue would likely come up at their next regular board meeting on May 11. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation said in a statement that the state tax credit was used to encourage Tenneco to bring the jobs to Michigan rather than to its facilities in either Nebraska or Tennessee.  News 2010-04-25T14:48:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/692 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/adco-products-will-expand-operations-in-jackson-county/#When:14:10:00Z By Chris Gautz/J. Scott Park Jackson Citizen Patriot March 17, 2010 In the next five years, more than 200 jobs will come to Michigan Center. ADCO Products President Glenn Frommer confirmed Wednesday the company chose to locate its expansion project at its plant here, rather than at an existing site in Evansville, Ind. On Tuesday, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a five-year, $1.2 million tax credit to make the deal happen. Frommer said the company made the decision after receiving approval of the tax credit from the state. Leoni Township has also approved a 12-year tax abatement on the company’s real and personal property, estimated at $557,000 in tax savings over a 15-year span. ADCO Products makes adhesives and sealants used in the automotive and construction industries and plans to make a $17.3 million investment in the photovoltaic panel adhesive market to further establish itself in the solar panel industry. As part of the deal, ADCO will consolidate its operations in Evansville, and employees there were notified of the plans Wednesday. Frommer said the consolidation will take place in a structured way throughout the year and will be completed by year’s end. Some employees in Indiana will be offered jobs here, he said. “We have a lot of very experienced capable people,” Frommer said. The union shop will be hiring locally to fill the rest of the jobs. He said ADCO chose Michigan Center over Evansville, because the area has a very capable workforce and access to young graduates. The work they will be doing in the solar panel market will require both blue and white collar workers, he said. “We see an opportunity to not only manufacture products, but develop new value-added technology,” he said. According to the MEGA, the average weekly wage for the new jobs is expected to be $577, along with health care benefits. The company has 158 employees now. ADCO’s facility in Leoni Township has centered on making products for the automotive, maritime and architectural industries. Frommer said the company is in the process of expanding and changing the footprint of its facility at 4401 Page Ave. to accommodate all the new workers and equipment. For more information, visit www.adcocorp.com. News 2010-04-25T14:10:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/657 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/jama-73rd-annual-dinner-report/#When:15:53:00Z by Chris Gautz | Jackson Citizen Patriot January 19, 2010 Contrary to popular belief, the automotive industry has not been in a recession these past few years. “This is an absolute depression,” said David Cole, chairman of the University of Michigan’s Center for Automotive Research. He said the level of sales last year was about 4 million units below what would be considered a recession, but he sees brighter days ahead. Cole was the guest speaker at the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association 73rd annual meeting Monday night at the Country Club of Jackson. He said because of the massive restructuring and the loss of so many businesses, he expects the suppliers that remain will become more profitable. “The pot of gold is bigger,” Cole said. “The issue is … can we get to the future where this opportunity is going to be so great?” In recognition of those struggles that local businesses faced last year, JAMA named all of its members that survived in 2009 as its Manufacturer of the Year during the awards ceremony earlier in the evening. The announcement of that award to the more than 300 in attendance was met with laughter followed by a standing ovation. Throughout his hour-long speech, Cole stressed the importance of knowledge and education and commended the young people who received awards and are planning for life-long careers in manufacturing. He said while manufacturing is not well understood by policymakers, it is the most significant industry in the economy and should be appreciated as such. “Anybody that ever tries to denigrate someone that uses their hands, tell them they are absolutely foolish,” he said. AWARD WINNERS The following winners were announced Monday at the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association awards dinner: Academy graduate journeypersons: Danny Grier, Joe Lienhart, Derrick Rowley, Don Gray, Matthew Howard, Steven Merrill, Nathen Hoard and Mark McDonnell Apprentice of the Year: Joe Lienhart JAMA Students of the Year: Ted Clark, Zach Andrews JAMA Educator of the Year: Kay Cagle Manufacturer of the Year: Every JAMA Member Manufacturer who survived 2009 Heritage Hall of Fame: Bob LaZebnik © 2010 MLive.com. All rights reserved. News 2010-01-19T15:53:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/643 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/new-michigan-emerging-markets-skill-alliance-for-tool-and-die-to-train-400-/#When:17:18:00Z November 24, 2009—Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the creation of the Michigan Emerging Markets Skill Alliance (MEMSA) for Tool and Die, a partnership of employers and educational institutions that together will provide training to help workers upgrade their skills and adapt to new technology and industry requirements for new jobs in the state’s transitioning economy. “A highly-skilled workforce is a critical part of our plan to create jobs and diversify the economy,” Granholm said.  “The Michigan Emerging Market Skills Alliance will help workers get the specialized skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.” The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) collaborated with employers from the tool and die and related industries in Genesee and Shiawassee counties to establish the alliance in conjunction with Granholm’s Green Jobs Initiative.  That initiative, part of the state’s No Worker Left Behind program, is a $6 million investment of federal dollars designed to help accelerate workers’ transition into new jobs and increase the number of green industries and businesses in Michigan.  “The skill development and training provided through MEMSA is in direct response to the employers’ specific knowledge and skill demands,” said DELEG Director Stanley “Skip” Pruss.  “We’re retooling our shops and our talent base by providing job training geared to the job needs of the region.  The alliance will not only promote the economic health and welfare of local business and workers, but help give Michigan a competitive advantage over other states as well.” MEMSA employers have projected a need to train approximately 400 workers for new energy-related jobs as tool and die makers, machinists, machine builders, machine repairers, industrial electricians and mold makers. The first-of-its-kind nontraditional curriculum designed by the alliance goes well beyond the classroom to give workers targeted training that emphasizes hands-on, practical experience in the shop. Workers can contact Michigan Works! Career Alliance located in Flint to start the eligibility and skills assessment process.  Participant eligibility qualifications are the same as those under the specifications of the No Worker Left Behind program.  Participants who complete the year-long training will have the option of entering an apprenticeship program with local employers.  Start-up funding of $150,000 for the Michigan Emerging Markets Skill Alliance for Tool and Die was provided under the Green Jobs Initiative using Workforce Investment Act dollars provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Funding for training is being made available to qualified participants through the No Worker Left Behind. The Green Jobs Initiative Website, www.michigan.gov/greenjobs, provides data and information on education, and training opportunities.  For more information about DELEG, please visit www.michigan.gov/deleg. Follow DELEG at http://twitter.com/MIDELEG or visit the “DELEG” page on Facebook and Become a Fan. News 2009-12-01T17:18:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/612 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/new-report-highlights-mis-need-for-middle-skill-jobs/#When:18:05:00Z The Workforce Alliance’s new Michigan Skills2Compete Report reveals that middle-skill jobs (which require more than a high school education but less than a four-year degree) make up over half of the jobs in Michigan’s labor market today and for the foreseeable future. Without greater investments in education and skills training, future growth in the supply of educated workers will likely fall short of the growth in labor market demand. For a copy of the report and press release, visit Skills2Compete.org. News 2009-10-13T18:05:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/585 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/jackson-area-manufacturers-convene-to-showcase-their-businesses-share-ideas/#When:15:51:00Z by Caitlin Schneider | Jackson Citizen Patriot Wednesday August 12, 2009, 2:43 PM Local manufacturers convened at Kopplin Controls, 881 Rosehill Road, Wednesday to showcase their businesses and gather information on what services their peers have to offer. Eleven companies set up tables with models and written information. Kopplin President Greg Hanna said the event had a basic premise: “Getting manufacturers to talk to other manufacturers.” As Lee Tharp and two coworkers surveyed T&T Services’ display booth, T&T owner Tim LeBel engaged them almost immediately. “You’re dying to ask questions, I know you are,” said LeBel. T&T Services is a company from Rochester Hills that connects manufacturers with potential customers. Their table was full of gadgets with flashing lights and a variety of small pieces of equipment. After talking with LeBel, Tharp said it’s important for his company, Scott Machine, 4025 Morrill Road, to communicate with other manufacturers, especially ones that are local. He said learning about the products and services of nearby companies is a convenient way to fulfill the many needs of a machining company. “We’ve been surprised by what we’ve seen here,” he said. Kopplin salesman Joe Phillips helped organized the event and said while all the participating manufacturers had a history with Kopplin, they were surprised to discover all the things they didn’t know about their business partners. Though surprised, Phillips said that was part of the point of the event. “We wanted to bring everybody we’ve done business with together and just see where it leads,” he said. Don Offerle of Kaman Industrial Technologies drove from Fort Wayne, Ind., to talk with Jackson manufacturers. He said Kaman’s business has dropped about 25 percent in the last year, and with the economy, networking is particularly vital. “Anytime you get a chance to talk with potential customers — show them your stuff and what you do — it’s always a good thing,” he said.  News 2009-08-21T15:51:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/566 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/jama-academy-first-in-state-to-register-apprentices-under-new-michigan-pilo/#When:17:51:00Z The Academy for Manufacturing Careers, in partnership with South Central Michigan Works!, is the first organization in the state to register an apprentice with The U.S. Department of Labor under the newly announced Michigan Registered Apprenticeship Program (MRAP), which took affect August 1, 2009.  In late June, the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth announced creation of the MRAP.  The program, which operates through the Michigan Works! agencies across the State and is funded by $1 million of the federal stimulus package, offers an incentive of $1,000 per new apprentice for employers who sponsor U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships. An organization of The Enterprise Group of Jackson, The Academy for Manufacturing Careers (AMC) is a certified U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program through the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association in partnership with South Central Michigan Works! Since its inception in 2005, there have been over 1,720 course registrations and approximately 100 apprentices enrolled in the program. The AMC offers classes taught by experienced professionals and industry leaders and delivered using flexible scheduling to meet the needs of both full-time students and adults already employed in the manufacturing industry. AMC’s compressed courses are completed within weeks, not months. Customized training is also available based upon individual company needs. Contact Annette Norris at 517-782-8268 or anorris@enterprisegroup.org for more information about the Academy for Manufacturing Careers. News 2009-08-07T17:51:00-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/565 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/problem-becomes-profit-for-clarklake-machine/#When:00:43:01Z by Chris Gautz | Jackson Citizen Patriot | August 02, 2009 A local precision parts manufacturer knows that when your machines aren’t running, customers don’t get their products on time, and you’re not making money. So when three computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines broke down at the same time several months ago at Clarklake Machine, workers there had had enough. The problem was with the carousel disk the firm was using on its Haas VF-series milling machines, which are used to produce parts for heavy-duty trucks and motorcycle transmissions. The solid disk can hold up to 20 interchangeable tools the computer-guided machine is able to use. Over time, the disk can start to crack and will sometimes snap. This forces the operator to remove the disk and each tool, a task that can take several hours, said Stephen DeKarske, sales manager for the company. “Down time is immeasurable in cost,” he said. So Matt DeKarske, the company’s tooling and process engineer, came up with a tool changer carousel disk with a modular design. Each of the 20 forks that hold the tools are independently assembled with roll pins. Instead of snapping in half, only the portion being weighed down will bend. If this happens, the operator can remove the fork that has been damaged and insert a replacement. A standard disk runs more than $600, Stephen DeKarske said, but they sell their modular disk for $525 on eBay. They also sell replacement forks. He said they not only use them in their machines, they manufacture the disks they sell on a CNC machine that has their disk installed in it. “This is what the American system is all about,” said Bill Rayl, executive director of the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association. “Making opportunities out of adversity.” News 2009-08-06T00:43:01-05:00 http://www.jacksonjama.org/news-story/564 http://www.jacksonjama.org/index.php/site/albions-caster-concepts-secures-contract-to-produce-casters-and-wheels-for-/#When:00:37:00Z By Caitlin Schneider, Jackson Citizen Patriot Thursday July 23, 2009, 2:22 PM Some Ford employees will soon experience a little more peace and quiet on the job thanks to products made in Albion. Caster Concepts was selected by Ford to produce casters and wheels for delivery carts at an assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico. The contract is worth just under $250,000. The CasterShoX line boasts a quieter performance and easy handling. The newly equipped carts are expected to reduce cart noise in the plant by 15 decibels, which is “very significant,” said Dr. Elmer Lee, the project manager for CasterShoX. “OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration) says 3 decibels is significant, and we’re doing five times that,” he said. Lee said the CasterShoX casters improve ergonomic pull tests on the carts by 20 percent, reducing strain for the workers moving them. He said manufacturers often attempt to achieve shock absorption with a softer wheel, but those are harder to pull. CasterShoX products, Lee said, are unique because the offer shock absorption while retaining qualities that make for easy mobility. They will be on carts used in every station in the plant. Ford Cuautitlan Assembly Plant, located near Mexico City, will produce the Ford Fiesta. The new model will appear in the U.S. in 2010. Caster Concepts has worked with the automaker before, and has also produced for Honda, Toyota and The Boeing Co.  News 2009-08-06T00:37:00-05:00