Today ’ s manufacturer has limited time and unlimited responsibilities . Whether you are a business of thousands or three people in a garage , every executive juggles the challenges of day-to-day operations and you all need a community of support .
The operations side of manufacturers , regardless of their current size , can look pretty similar when compared over time . Look around your town . How many businesses have been where you are ? How many are trying to get to where you are ? More than you think and each one has valuable advice they want to share . You just have to ask .
We recently reached out to Michigan ’ s most respected manufacturers . The companies they run come in all shapes , sizes and locations , but they are each successful MMA member companies and they all want Michigan ’ s most vibrant industry to prosper .
We asked them about secrets to success , challenges they face , methods for locating talent , and advice they ’ d give to a fellow , growing manufacturer . Here ’ s what they had to say :
Q : What would you attribute your company ’ s success to ?
Steve Cooper : Everyone here moves in the same direction . Our management team works very closely together . We
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Innovation is the cornerstone of manufacturing . Customers look to us for our experience and depth of knowledge and in turn the innovations necessary to support them . You have to make innovation a priority ”.
— Dan Craig Hatch Stamping
meet regularly and make sure every person is aware of the happenings of every part of the business . We help each other succeed .
John Foote : Without a doubt , Morbark ’ s most valuable asset is our people . We began as a family company , and through the years we have maintained that family feeling of camaraderie ; we work together , we debate together , we laugh together , we get things done together for the good of the company .
Sandra Anson : Definitely the people . They share our commitment , they promote the business because the business is them . Also , the increasingly supportive recycling community . Over the years , recycling has taken on greater meaning and importance . As recycling awareness grows so does the desire to have products that are environmentally friendly .
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Q : What are some of the resources or organizations that help you to be successful ?
Dick Sarns : We interact closely with the University of Michigan ’ s kinesiology department and are developing a strong partnership with Washtenaw Community College which has an excellent welding program . Developing relationships with local educators is vital to today ’ s manufacturer , regardless of size . We are also active and supportive of local community groups .
Chris Waltz : The MMA keeps us up-to-date on the regulatory and legislative issues affecting Michigan businesses . Their attention to advocacy allows companies like Dart to remain focused on the development of new , innovative products , without feeling like we ’ re out of the loop on key issues . The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has also been very supportive of our growth and our efforts to bring new jobs to Michigan .
Sandra Anson : The public desire for higher emphasis on recycling and pro-environmental business practices . The MMA and other state organizations support us with everything from legislative advocacy to networking
Hatch Stamping Dan Craig
Location Chelsea
Business Type Metal stampings and assemblies
Attribute for Success Focus , innovation , customer relations
Self-Classification Small- to mid-sized
Hatch Stamping ’ s Chelsea facility is the model of what 21st century manufacturing should be — bright , safe , clean and full of high-tech machinery .