Seco Tools, two-time recipient of the National Association for Business Resources “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” award, recently hosted a special event at its Troy facility to promote and help strengthen manufacturing in Southeast Michigan. The manufacturing-exclusive event called “Making Manufacturing a Priority” was Automation Alley’s inaugural manufacturing committee event held on January 8. It drew well over 100 attendees, including numerous representatives from leading manufacturing companies and industry experts from consulting firms and manufacturing associations such the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

The goal of the event was to provide Michigan manufacturers and their suppliers with a commercial-free forum to meet and discuss topics important to them. Developed to recognize, promote and support the region’s manufacturing, “Making Manufacturing a Priority” allowed attendees to share best practices, collaborate on local and global
competition and explore opportunities on both local and global levels. Representatives from General Motors, Ford Motor Co., IEEE SE Michigan Power and Energy, Johnson Controls, Dow Automotive and the Robert Bosch Corp. were among the attendees that collaborated together and gained useful knowledge to help overcome challenges they face and bolster their manufacturing competitive advantages.

Manufacturing and technology experts from Seco, CIM Solutions, Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc. (CEC) and De-Sta-Co were also on hand and conducted several attendee consultations and participated in group discussions. As part of the industry and manufacturing expert presentations, Jeff Metts, president of Dowding Industries/Astraeus Wind Energy gave a powerful talk on the importance of “thinking nothing is impossible” when it comes to manufacturing and that success is hinged on having a pioneering mentality when all others are doubtful. Additionally, Don Graham, manager of education and technical services at Seco Tools showed how the right tooling can lower costs per part and have a direct affect on a manufacturing company’s bottom line. The event also featured “Knowledge Bar” group discussions led by Seco, SME, CIM and CEC.