MiMfg Magazine
INDUSTRY
22
January 2020
Member
Spotlight
Bud Haver
President
Peninsular Cylinder Co.
Member since August 2015 • Employs 83 Michigan workers • Learn more at www.peninsularcylinders.com
The search for the “Coolest
Thing Made in Michigan”
included a variety of captivating
products — a twin-engine
pontoon, a next-generation
mirror, the world’s top-of-line
personal mobility vehicle — and
thousands of votes were cast.
The winning product, the
Custom Booster Cylinder by
Peninsular Cylinder Co., was
announced live on-stage at the
2019 MFG Excellence Awards
in November and demonstrates
how “cool” can take many forms.
“We know that it’s a cool
product because we designed it
and we are faced with these type
of challenges on a daily basis,”
said Bud Haver, president of
Peninsular Cylinder Co. “To
people in and outside of this
industry, it’s cryptic.”
Hydraulic cylinders are an
essential component for products
in nearly every imaginable
industry from automotive and
aerospace to pharmaceuticals and
mining. Before they can be used,
pressure testing occurs to gauge
product reliability, maximum
capacity and the potential for
leaks. That’s where Peninsular’s
coolness excels.
We’re always looking at our
products with fresh eyes.
The more we can customize
to specific customer needs,
the greater advantage their
products can have over
their competition.
“By boosting the pressure,
greater force is achieved which
can accelerate product pressure
testing. Through our booster, our
clients can accomplish their needs
at much lower costs,” Haver
explained. “We’re always looking
at our products with fresh eyes.
The more we can customize to
specific customer needs, the
greater advantage their products
can have over their competition.”
Looking back, Haver shared a
few essential thoughts that have
kept Peninsular at the top of its
game — a company worthy of
being Michigan’s coolest:
• Take pride in what you do
— every part matters
• Don’t cut corners — make
quality something paramount
to everyone employed
• Invest in the systems that will
move you forward
• Promote your company’s cool
factor — don’t be shy about
telling your story
“I’ll admit, when we first
entered the contest, we weren’t
sure what would happen. Then
we made it to the Top 10 and it
was like ‘okay, we could win this’.
The end result is a testament to
all of the people who believe in
us,” Haver said. “They didn’t just
say ‘yeah, you’re cool’ — they
said it with their votes and that
inspires us to be even better
tomorrow.”
In an industry where everyone
works hard but the rewards can
often feel few and far between,
recognition as Michigan’s coolest
product makes a lasting impression.
“Winning this award means
that we have an opportunity to
tell our story, showcase what we
do and expand Peninsular’s brand
recognition,” said Haver. “It’s
kind of ironic; the success of our
Booster gave us a boost — in
pride and credibility. That’s
pretty cool.”
6
Get More!
Read more MFG Excellence Award
winner spotlights at mimfg.org .
Peninsular Cylinder Co.’s status as the maker
of the 2019 “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan”
was announced live on-stage at the MFG
Excellence Awards in November.