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MiMfg Magazine
November 2018
Balance your family and work life. The higher you
go in any organization, the more of your time gets
spent on that organization. Finally, find ways to
help with the recruiting and nurturing of our future
workforce and to be a mentor to those around you.”
Leaver continued, saying that “the tagline at CMMA
is that business is better when we work together —
that resonates with our members. People want to be
able to get engaged and find ways we can work
together to better all of our lives.”
Read more about Harry and how, even after half
a century in manufacturing, he still finds special
“aha” moments in every tour he takes on page 30.
Taking Talent to the Next Level
For many companies, the greatest challenge facing
manufacturing over the next decade will be locating
and retaining talent. Ready to help employers take on
this challenge are outside resources, dedicated future
leaders and company-wide efforts to create a youth
movement in manufacturing.
MFG Emerging Leader
With resource-sharing a top priority for effective
statewide growth, Jeremy Bockelman’s recognition
as an industry leader worth watching stems from his
ability to put 100 percent of his passion and energy
into benefitting regional manufacturing throughout
northeast Michigan and taking every opportunity to
support the industry.
“My father lived by the motto that challenges are
inevitable and defeat is optional. I too live by this
motto and I’ve learned that Michigan manufacturers
do too,” said Bockelman. “Every day I have the great
fortune to serve the many manufacturers across the
state and strive to help them as they transform raw
materials into products that have a positive impact
on our community. Again, I am beyond honored
and look forward to working with you all.”
Learn more about why Jeremy is considered one
of manufacturing’s “go-to leaders” on page 18.
MFG Talent Champion
When manufacturing leaders understand the
importance of workforce diversity and have a willingness
to educate Michigan’s future workforce on existing
career opportunities, the talent challenge for all
manufacturers becomes easier. John Tucker, human
resources director for PTM Corporation, is placing
an emphasis on talent and getting great results.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child
and when we are bringing young people into
manufacturing, that’s exactly what we’re doing —
we’re raising them up,” said Tucker. “The support of
manufacturers, the work they do in the community
and their willingness to come together with educators
like those at St. Clair Community College, Macomb
Community College and the St. Clair County Tech
Center…all makes my job so much easier and, let’s
be honest, so much more enjoyable. As Lt. Governor
Brian Calley once said, ‘manufacturing is not a second
place career choice, it’s a first place career choice.’”
John is making talent the top talking point for
manufacturers in and around Ira Township. Learn
why this is a critical step in addressing the talent
challenge on page 22.
John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer
of the Year (Large Tier)
Eagle Alloy, a Muskegon-based foundry, began
with two men cutting down trees in Muskegon
County to clear the space necessary to build the
3,000-square-foot facility that would become Eagle
Alloy. Today, the business is a leading employer in
the county and is showing how one of manufacturing’s
oldest sub-sectors can captivate everyone from Baby
Boomers to Millennials.
“The Eagle Alloy team, from its executives to its
shop floor, represents the very best of manufacturing
and places a high emphasis on integrity, teamwork,
respect, continuous improvement and accountability,”
said Chuck Hadden, MMA president & CEO. “With
a tradition of social responsibility and innovative
products, Eagle Alloy belongs in the John G. Thodis
Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award lineage.”
“If you’re growing like us, you’re undoubtedly
feeling the pain of not being able to find enough
people with the right soft skills; we need to work on
dispelling a few myths that are hurting manufacturing,”
said John Workman, co-chair of Eagle Alloy. “We
can work with educators and graduating students to
help current students learn the advantages of careers
in manufacturing. We can work with local school
districts and elected officials to increase the importance
of career exploration. We can invite schools into our
facility. Finally, we can do more for the high school
graduates who move directly into the workforce.
This is a population underserved by K-12 education
and we must find a way to do more.”
Discover how the employees at Eagle Alloy are
taking on a leadership role to secure the company’s
long-term future on page 28.
Making a Mark Through Innovation
Manufacturing has always represented the
highest level of innovation. From simple parts
to complex systems transforming society,
manufacturers do amazing things every day
Get More!
Check out MMA’s Facebook album for more
highlights from the 2018 MFG Excellence
Awards: facebook.com/MIManufacturers