24 MiMfg Magazine January 2017
MFG Work
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New Acquisition Makes Spartan Motors Fourth Largest in Sector
Spartan Motors Inc . announced the acquisition of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co ., a Nebraska-based company that will make Spartan North America the fourth largest manufacturer of fire trucks and components . The deal will enable Lansing-based Spartan Motors to strengthen its Emergency Response business and build on the company ’ s recent business reinvention .
“ We look forward to adding Smeal ’ s industry-leading product portfolio and manufacturing expertise to Spartan ’ s , while expanding on a decades-long successful partnership ,” said Daryl Adams , president and CEO of Spartan Motors .
The acquisition increases Spartan ’ s shared technology , product innovation and manufacturing best practices .
“ We are pleased that Smeal chose Spartan Motors as their partner to carry on their brand ’ s legacy , as we take our supplier relationship to the next level ,” said Adams . “ Spartan Motors is prepared to lead the consolidation charge in the fire apparatus market as strategic opportunities present themselves , and this acquisition represents a deliberate and strategic decision to accelerate the turnaround of Spartan ’ s Emergency Response business unit .
Mott Community College Added to Pipeline of Future FCA Talent
FCA US LLC added a new local automotive technology program to the growing network of Fiat Chrysler certified technical training school sites . Mott Community College ( MCC ) offers classes this semester .
Go to the online version of the magazine and hear more about Spartan Motors ’ partnership with Smeal Fire Apparatus Co . in a video with Spartan CEO Daryl Adams : http :// mag . mimfg . org .
FCA US LLC began the Mopar Career Automotive Program ( CAP ) to train approximately 1,000 students each year , developing a talent pipeline of certified automotive technicians across the country .
“ Qualifying as a Mopar Career Automotive Program gives our students more access to career opportunities , and a competitive edge when applying for these high-demand careers ,” said Matt Roda , coordinator and MCC associate professor of automotive technology .
Mopar CAP trains people to become level 1 technicians upon graduation from certified two-year training institutions .
“ This serves as another example of how leading manufacturers , like FCA , are building partnerships with Michigan ’ s incredible network of community colleges to provide new avenues for job seekers to get the skills and training to access the thousands of available careers in manufacturing ,” said Chuck Hadden , MMA president & CEO .
Dow Chemical Adds New R & D Center , New Jobs
Dow Chemical Co . announced the creation of a new research and development center in Midland , an effort expected to add 100 new jobs .
“ This innovation center will add to Dow ’ s world-class R & D engine , and could have been located anywhere in the world ,” said Andrew Liveris , Dow Chemical CEO . “ We chose Michigan , our home for more than 119 years , because of the highly skilled workforce in the state and because we believe the incoming presidential administration understands the importance of R & D investment and its multiplier impact on U . S . manufacturing jobs .”
Of the 200 jobs being brought in , half will be new hires while the other half will be moved from other Dow Chemical locations .
The R & D center will take advantage of the Dow Corning silicone works and advancing technology surrounding home and personal care products . The center will also boost efforts to develop