MiMfg Magazine May 2019 | Page 25

May 2019 prudently to deliver value creating growth, higher returns and enhanced shareholder value.” The new company will be referred to by the brand name “Dow,” and introduce a new tagline — “Seek Together” — which, according to the company’s release, is a call to action that highlights the value of collaboration to deliver innovation and solutions to our customers and value chains. “Today we celebrate this milestone with our customers, communities, investors and Team Dow,” said Howard Ungerleider, president and chief financial officer. “With our focused portfolio, streamlined cost structure, disciplined approach to capital allocation, and shareholder friendly capital return framework, the new Dow has the right capabilities and team to drive best-in-class operating and financial performance.” Small Manufacturers Energy Waste Reduction Program The Michigan Energy Office (MEO) announced last month that its Small Manufacturers Energy Waste Reduction Incentive Pilot is now available statewide. The program offers eligible manufac- turing facilities rebates up to $15,000 for projects that lead to onsite energy savings. “We’re pleased to make this rebate program available to small manufacturers throughout Michigan,” said Robert Jackson, MEO director. “It will help jump-start a variety of energy waste reduction activities at small manufacturers, who face many challenges. Energy waste reduction projects will help them reduce their energy use and lower their costs, making them more competitive.” Proposed activities must be directed at achieving onsite energy savings at a company’s manufacturing facility, provide a minimum one-to- one match, and involve no equipment costing $5,000 or more. Energy waste reduction activities that are eligible include insulation, Energy Star-qualified windows and doors, variable frequency drives, advanced lighting, motor and operational controls, and Level II and Level III American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers energy audits. Renewable energy, fuel switching, and activities involving new construction, ground breaking, new and/or modified environmental permits and modification of any historical building are ineligible. LED lights without advanced energy waste reduction controls are additionally ineligible. Companies eligible for the program must be small manufac- turers in Michigan with 50 or fewer full-time employees worldwide. Learn more online at www.michigan.gov/energy. MMA Panel Event on USMCA Features Vice President A vibrant manufacturing industry in Michigan relies on strong relations with Canada and Mexico, purchasers of more than $34 billion in Michigan- manufactured goods and more than the rest of the world combined. MMA was proud to co-host a statewide event on MiMfg Magazine Got Good News? Send your photos, press releases and good news to MMA’s Brett Gerrish at [email protected]. 4/24/19 with Michigan business leaders, and special guest Vice President Mike Pence, to discuss the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its role in strengthening trade efforts between the three countries. “The USMCA will impact more than 2 million American manufacturing jobs that depend on exports to Canada & Mexico,” said Vice President Pence. “Automakers, their suppliers, their dealerships, and the local businesses that support them employ more than 7.25 million Americans every year — more than any other manufacturing sector in our country. And the USMCA is a win for the auto industry!” The event also featured a panel discussion between representatives from Magna International, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Dana Inc. and TAG Holdings, LLC For more information on the impact of the USMCA on Michigan manufacturers and your business, reach out to Mike Johnston, MMA vice president of government affairs, at 517-487- 8554 or [email protected]. Vice President Mike Pence addressed a standing-room-only crowd of manufacturers and industry leaders during a tailored event on 4/24/19. 6 25