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MiMfg Magazine
November 2018
2018 John G. Thodis • Large Tier
Michigan Manufacturer of the Year
Eagle Alloy
There probably is no modern manufacturing
industry without foundries. With centuries of history
behind them, foundries remain as relevant today as
at any point. While not what they once were, foundries
have adapted to changing times, capitalized on new
technologies, become more efficient through lean
methods and focused on instilling a family-like
culture from the C-suite to the facility floor.
“You learn real quick whether foundry work is
for you — it’s hard work, but it’s exciting and every
day is different,” said John Workman, co-chair of
Eagle Alloy, a leading foundry creating castings for
over a dozen unique industries and now at the forefront
of attracting a youth movement into one of the
industry’s oldest sectors. “I think there’s an honor to
what we do; there’s something to take pride in and
those who do it almost always love it for life.”
Despite the dark and dangerous myth attached
to manufacturing, new technologies have greatly
reduced the trial and error once identified with the
work. What was once highly mechanized labor has
become managed as much by the computers, scanners
and 3D modeling as by the workers pouring 3000-
degree liquid metal into molds.
“The mix of new tech and old methods is something
I think that appeals to young people,” says Mark
Fazakerley, co-chair of Eagle Alloy. “If you like working
with your hands, there’s something for you. If you are
looking to engage with some of the most sophisticated
technology, that’s available here also. Plus, because
of the stake our workers have here, as they grow in
their careers, there’s opportunities to move into a
role that suits them best.”
Eagle Alloy follows an employee stock ownership
plan (ESOP) with 53 percent of the business currently
being employee-owned. Already with a succession
plan in mind, Mark and John anticipate the eventual
selling of the business to the men and women who
have helped ensure its current success.
“This business is built on trust. The trust John and
I have in each other, the trust between us and the
employees, and the trust each employee has toward
their brothers and sisters on the floor,” Mark says. “We
provide a great entry level system and a family culture;
one of the first things people who work here talk
about is how much Eagle Alloy can feel like home.”
Foundries are transformative places for many of
the workers, as well as Mark and John. Eagle Alloy
representatives routinely demonstrate metal casting
techniques in grade schools and engage with local
high schools at career day events. Internship programs
also exist to allow tomorrow’s talent to explore how
foundries might be for them.
The combination of science and art brings
excitement to young people still deciding where
their career passions lie. The fact that the work is
not for everyone also provides the added incentive
of upward mobility and a lifelong path for those
with a calling for it.
“This ain’t your father’s foundry but it can be
yours,” Workman says with satisfaction. “We’re
creating products of higher quality, faster and safer
than ever before and our work ethic doesn’t stop at
the facility doors, we’re out in the community because
that’s where we grew up. We love this area and it’s
our responsibility to give back.”
Since its founding in 1979, Eagle Alloy approaches
corporate responsibility in a comprehensive manner.
In addition to improving employee health care and
reducing consumption and cost associated with daily
operations, the company shows its social responsibility
through economic support and volunteerism. Included
among the over 40 charitable organizations are
American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hackley
Community Care Center, Junior Achievement,
Lakeshore Youth for Christ, Love INC, Mercy Health
Partners, Muskegon Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon
Community Foundation, Muskegon Museum of Art,
Muskegon YMCA, Salvation Army, Sportsmen for
Youth, United Way, USS Silversides Museum,
West Michigan Symphony and Wings of Mercy.
“To be honored with the John G. Thodis Michigan
Manufacturer of the Year Award — we’re kind of
speechless,” Fazakerley admits. “It represents a team
effort and the pride and hard work everyone puts in
each day. I’ve had a love for manufacturing for as
long as I can remember and John and I are both
closer to the end of our careers than the beginning.
Seeing what we’ve accomplished, receiving this
honor — its evidence that we’re doing it right and
have the right team ready to take over.”
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