NORTHERN INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING: Committed to Driving Quality and Efficiency
The value that MMTC has brought to Northern Industrial Manufacturing has been evident in every aspect of our organization since nearly the very beginning. MMTC was there at the dawn of automotive quality standards, supporting our journey toward fully documented and comprehensive quality systems. Over the years, they have guided us through certifications including Spears Quality for Excellence, QS-9000, TS900, and IATF 16949.
-- Jeff Hohlfeldt, Vice President
Northern Industrial Manufacturing (www.northernindmfg.com), based in Harrison Township, Michigan, is a leading Tier 1, 2, and 3 automotive supplier. Since its founding in 1978, the company has built a strong reputation for product quality, supply chain excellence, process innovation, and technical expertise. Specializing in metal stamping and grinding, Northern Industrial Manufacturing delivers precision-engineered automotive components, including shims, thrust washers, and spacers. The company employs 48 team members.
Challenge
Northern Industrial processes a large volume of parts through its deburring
department, where operations once depended heavily on manual labor to move
components between machines. This created bottlenecks that lengthened lead times, increased labor needs, and affected handling efficiency. Committed to continuous improvement, the
Northern Industrial sought a technological solution to optimize workflow and uphold high quality standards.
As part of its ongoing commitment to quality and environmental responsibility, Northern Industrial maintains a self-certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management Program. With the recertification deadline approaching, and a key client requiring certification to continue their partnership, the company took proactive steps to confirm full compliance and ensure a smooth review.
Solution
Northern Industrial Manufacturing partnered with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) for expert guidance. Through an Industry 4.0 Technology Assessment, MMTC recommended an automation project that introduced a continuous part flow system and an automated deburring process. This advancement significantly reduced lead times and direct labor, enhanced safety, and created additional capacity for increased production.
To uphold top quality standards and maintain environmental compliance, MMTC also performed a conformance assessment of Northern Industrial’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS).
Results
- Retained Business: $6M
- New Business: $350,000
- Decreased department process time by 40%
- Improved safety by eliminating 2 cumbersome steps
- Retained Jobs:3