MODINEER: Driving Continuous Improvement Through Workforce Development
Our continued investment in our staff has made them key contributors to our success. Their professional growth and the positive impact they’ve had on our business have been greatly supported by our collaboration with MMTC.
-- Shelly Morris, HR Generalist
Modineer (www.modineer.com) is a premier manufacturer specializing in the fabrication of complex metal components and assemblies for the automotive, military, truck/trailer, and industrial sectors. Leveraging advanced capabilities in stamping, roll forming, welding, machining, painting, e-coating, and other specialty processes, Modineer consistently delivers high-quality, precision-engineered products at scale. Headquartered in Niles, Michigan, the company produces more than 35 million components annually and employs over 1,200 team members, including 745 in Michigan, while operating nine facilities across the United States and Mexico.
Challenge
Driven by a strong commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, Modineer’s Training Coordinator set out to create strategic training paths tailored for both new and existing employees. The goal was to equip staff with enhanced technological and soft skills to help them excel in the industry, while boosting Modineer’s overall operational efficiency.
Solution
Modineer partnered with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) for support. By leveraging the MEDC’s Going PRO Talent Fund grant, Modineer collaborated with MMTC to design and implement comprehensive training programs for employees across multiple departments, including engineering, welding, shipping, and supervision.To begin, Modineer conducted a detailed gap analysis to assess their current state and define their desired future state. Using the results, MMTC and Modineer jointly developed an action plan to close performance and skills gaps and move the organization toward its goals.Ultimately, Modineer provided training for more than 15% of its workforce, focusing on several key areas:• Soft Skills: Employees identified as potential future leaders participated in Supervisor Skills training, which emphasized behavioral awareness, effective communication, delegation, and standardized work practices. Key employees also completed Project Management training.• Lean & Quality: To enhance organizational efficiency, employees completed 5S & Visual Management training aimed at improving workplace organization and visual management. Shipping and receiving personnel received mistake-proofing training to improve accuracy and reduce process errors.• Blueprint Reading, GD&T, and Core Tools: Technical training strengthened welders’ understanding of blueprint reading, engineers’ proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and cross-functional collaboration through Core Tools education.Modineer introduced Modineer University, a new internal learning management system designed to track employee training and guide ongoing workforce development efforts, which are currently underway.
Results
- Investment: $87,429.80New Jobs: 5-10Retained Sales: 2-5%Decreased Department Process Time: 10%Decreased Direct Labor Percentage: 5-6%Decreased Quality Defects: 15%Cost Savings: $300,000 -$500, 000Reduced Lead-Time: 8%