16
MiMfg Magazine
April 2017
Continental Dairy Facilities
Steve Cooper
Location
Coopersville
Business Type
Agricultural manufacturer
of dairy products
Attribute for Success
Unique culture
Self-Classification
Small- to mid-sized
”
“
The Continental Dairy team inspects their
facility to ensure cleanliness and regulatory
standards always remain a top priority.
Sandra Anson: If you aren’t looking
forward, you’ll be left behind! Stay in
touch with your customers to learn what
they need and what they see on the
horizon. Customer feedback is extreme-
ly valuable, and they’ll tell you, directly
or through other sources, what they
need and want.
Q: What is one message you would like
to share with Michigan manufacturers?
Dan Craig: The economy is rebounding
and manufacturing is coming back
bigger and stronger than ever. Michigan
manufacturers are in the forefront of
this rebound. With this economic rebirth,
various industries across the globe are
looking to Michigan manufacturers for
leadership. Be willing and eager to lead!
Dick Sarns: Change is inevitable and
technology is changing at such a rapid
pace. You need to be aware of what is
happening out there, adapt to changes
and have a willingness to move with
the times.
Chris Waltz: Business is a human
endeavor. You can have great products
and invest in your company, but if you
don’t have the right people you simply
won’t succeed.
John Foote: We need to be more than
manufacturers, more than companies
that build something. Focus on your
customers, focus on your employees
and focus on helping them succeed.
There are no shortcuts to successful
processes. If you build your company
right, your equipment right and your
relationships right, success will follow.
Daryl Adams: We believe manufacturing
is the lifeblood of our nation, and we
are fortunate to be part of a state with a
legacy of manufacturing excellence.
Together, everyone achieves more.
Sandra Anson: Believe it or not, the
manufacturing industry is a team!
Support each other, buy local for
everything you can, and share your
successes and failures so we can all
learn from each other’s experience.
6
Everyone here moves in
the same direction. Our
management team works
very closely together. We
meet regularly and make
sure every person is aware
of the happenings of every
part of the business. We
help each other succeed.
”
— Steve Cooper
Continental Dairy Facilities