AES MICHIGAN: Building a Safer, Stronger Manufacturing Operation
Partnering with MMTC has been a transformative experience for AES Michigan. As a company committed to the highest levels of quality, safety, and efficiency, we needed a partner who could help elevate our operations in meaningful and measurable ways.
-- Tom Gucciardi, Plant Manager
AES Michigan (www.axiomplastics.com) is a manufacturer specializing in thermoplastic injection molding, producing custom and complex plastic components and assemblies for the automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Canada, with additional operations in Mexico. Its U.S. facility, located in Capac, Michigan, employs 65 people and is a growing automotive manufacturing plant focused on delivering high-quality plastic parts through advanced engineering and production capabilities.
Challenge
AES Michigan is deeply committed to delivering the highest levels of quality and efficiency. To support their continued growth and long-term stability, they sought to implement a comprehensive, facility-wide safety system. In addition, AES Michigan aimed to strengthen product quality and minimize rework by equipping their operators with a deeper understanding of GD&T and blueprint reading.
Solution
AES Michigan reached out to Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) for assistance and training. MMTC worked with AES Michigan to install and maintain an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), which would continually improve, establish and document occupational health and safety management system requirements and demonstrate that they meet all OHSMS standards. The OHSMS implementation will ensure safety system optimization, annual cost savings and a favorable staging for reduced workers compensation costs.
MMTC also developed a training plan for key AES Michigan staff. More than 30 employees engaged in onsite GD&T and Blueprint Reading training, which focused on improving their ability to accurately interpret engineering drawings, strengthening communication across engineering, production, and quality teams. With a clearer understanding of design intent, the manufacturer reduced errors, scrap, and rework while improving inspection accuracy and overall product quality. The training also increased workforce confidence and positioned the company to meet tighter customer requirements and pursue more complex work.
Results
- Investment: $70,000
- Jobs Retained: 15
- Efficiency increased 25%