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The Summer 2017 Edition of Shape on the Roll is Here
The latest edition of Shape on the Roll has been released. The Summer 2017 edition includes a message from president, Mark White, information on Shape’s new business pursuits, veteran’s programs, and the future of Shape. You can view an online version of Shape on the Roll here.
Czech Shape Named “Employer of the Year” Third Time
On Tuesday May 23, Shape Czech was recognized for the third consecutive year in the Sodexo Employer Awards. In 2015, Shape Czech was named first in the region and fifth in the state at the Sodexo awards. The following year, Shape Czech was named the 2016 Employer of the Year for the Pilsen region. The […]
Shape China awarded GM Supplier Quality Award
Shape China was awarded the General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award for the 2016 calendar year. This is the second time that Shape China has been recognized with this award; the previous time being in 2014. This award speaks to Shape’s strong performance from our manufacturing and quality organization and further solidifies us as a […]
Meet the THINKERS Behind Shape’s Innovation
Shape inventors were recently awarded for their brilliant innovation and constant forward-thinking. Engineers were given awards in front of leadership in late March and mid-April. Jeff Piper, vice president of strategy and innovation, described the importance of innovation and why these members deserve recognition, “These contributions to innovation are a critical part of our future […]
Shape Partners with SME’s PRIME Program
Shape’s new partnership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineer’s PRIME program and Grand Haven High School has been making headlines all across West Michigan. Last Monday, June 19, Shape announced alongside Grand Haven Area Public Schools, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, their collaboration through SME’s Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME). The PRIME initiative will instill […]
Shape Teams Up with Honda and St. Patricks
Honda North America partnered with more than 20,000 volunteers in over 43 states, as well as Canada and Mexico, to volunteer during their second annual Week of Services. From June 9 to 18, Shape and others dealers and suppliers participated in new or existing volunteer services of their own choosing within their communities. Shape chose […]
Shape featured in Composites World Magazine
Shape’s bright future and the innovative radius-pultrusion system are featured in the June edition of Composites World, the world’s leading composites publication. The center fold article profiles Thomas Technik’s curved pultrusion process and features details regarding Shape licensing the technology for use in the automotive industry. While a number of licensees were highlighted in the […]
Shape Helps Build New Playground
As part of the Shape tradition of giving back, members of the Shape Family volunteered to aid in the restoration of Whistle Stop Park by installing new play structure equipment. Due to its wear and tear, the old playground at Whistle Stop Park was removed. After the playground’s removal, a community engagement meeting was held […]
Czech Shape Named “Employer of the Year” Third Time
On Tuesday May 23, Shape Czech was recognized for the third consecutive year in the Sodexo Employer Awards. In 2015, Shape Czech was named first in the region and fifth in the state at the Sodexo awards. The following year, Shape Czech was named the 2016 Employer of the Year for the Pilsen region. The […]
Auto Magazine Commends Shape’s Balance of Innovation and Customer Support
Due to our impressive innovation and growing global footprint, Shape was recently featured in the April issue of Automotive Purchasing and Supply Chain Magazine, an automotive magazine produced in the United Kingdom. The magazine is known for its unique interviews with executives from many of the major international car manufacturers, suppliers and more. Shape’s president, […]
Shape Named Best Manufacturing Employer
Thanks to votes from our team members and community, Shape was voted the Best Manufacturing Company to Work For in the 2017 Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice awards. After a month-long nomination process, the top five nominees are presented and move on to the voting stage. There were more than 100 categories for people to vote on. […]
Grand Opening in Guangzou
The celebration was one for the books. The greatly anticipated Shape Guangzhou grand opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 21. This was an incredible milestone for Shape and the event was a huge success. Around 70 people attended the event from Shape US, Shape China, our customers DFL, NCIC and Toyota, and local government in […]
Shape China Earns Government Award
With the pace of industry changes and improvements occurring in Kunshan, the local government recognized 10 companies who contributed to technological transformation and upgrades. Shape is one of the companies to receive the honorable award. Shape’s investments in robot welding to increase productivity was one of the key areas that aligned with the needs of […]
Shape Wows at BAMA Bi-annual Conference
The Bluegrass Automotive Manufacturing Association (BAMA) bi-annual Learning Conference brought together executive level leaders from numerous tier-one Toyota suppliers. The conference highlights each region’s development and training packages over the last two years. Organizations can then adopt the new content, share it within their organizations and leverage the learnings to help to build momentum. Daric […]
Shape Explores SME PRIME Lab
We came. We saw. We benchmarked. On Monday February 6, Doug Peterson, vice president of human resources; Julie Davidson, talent acquisition,, manager; Mike Johnston, vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Manufacturing Association; Mike Roberson, assistant principle at Grand Haven High School, and Jeremy Case, technical education teacher at Grand Haven High School, traveled […]
Shape China Wins Training Award
After completing the challenging course design and development workshop in November, Shape China conducted delivery skills training for new trainers by master trainer Jerry Zuo. The training focused on adult learning theory, teaching skills (including verbal and non-verbal skills), as well as presentation and feedback skills to help the participants deeply understand how to be […]
Shape Achieves Veteran-Friendly Employer Status
We are pleased to announce that Shape has been selected as a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency bronze-level status Veteran-Friendly Employer. This certification demonstrates that Shape Corp. has made a commitment to help better recognize and support veterans and the valuable skills and experiences they bring to the workplace. Thank you to all veterans who registered […]
Shape Takes Steps Toward Innovation
With the automotive industry heavily focusing on lightweighting for improving fuel economy, Shape as always, is eager to support our customers with innovative, lighter weight components. For years we’ve been developing bumper solutions that are some of the best in the industry, utilizing ultra-high strength steels, unique aluminum alloys, and patented cross section designs. Still […]
Shape Shocks Toyota at SPS Checkpoint
It is not often that Toyota finds a supplier who actively pursues their mentoring. Shape was one of the unique companies who reached out for Toyota’s support nearly 18 months ago. After a few phone conferences and a formal meeting at Shape, Toyota took the plunge to help us continue our lean journey. Through intense […]
Shape Wows Nissan at Tech Show
Last Wednesday 65 engineering and purchasing professionals attended our Tech Show at the Nissan Mexico Technical Center. Shape’s Nissan business unit intrigued the attendees with banners, videos highlighting our plastic capabilities, roll forming and pultrusion technologies, as well as a selection of parts on display. Nissan engineers and purchasing members were eager to learn more […]
SPE Innovation Award
Society of Plastics Engineer’s (SPE) Automotive Innovation Awards program is the world’s oldest and largest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries. Each year the combined ingenuity and creativity of the automotive engineers, designers, and their suppliers yield the latest and best results of the dynamic nature of the automotive industry. Many teams submit nominations describing […]
Committed to Ethical Practices: Introducing Ethics Point
Shape is committed to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards. As an organization, we hold high expectations for ourselves, as do our customers, communities and team members. We hold an open door policy, and want to ensure that there are appropriate channels available for our team members, suppliers and customers to securely, […]
Hard Work and Dedication Earn 1835 and 1820 Honorable Award
They came into work each day producing quality parts, solving problems and never missing a shipment. Last week the team members at 1835 and 1820 celebrated after receiving the General Motors (GM) Supplier Quality Excellence Award. With hard work and determination, these teams each earned the recognition that is limited to GM’s top 2.5% of […]
Talking Talent at #MfgTalentSummit
Across the country, the unemployment rate is at 4.9%. In the state of Michigan it’s at 3.7% and Ottawa County sits at bottom with 3.1% – the lowest in the state. Low unemployment rates, as we know, makes it very challenging to recruit talent for a growing company. Impressed with our recent recruitment efforts in […]
Inspiration from U of M: Autonomous Vehicles, Robots and Engineering Students
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) career opportunities are on the rise, while the qualified workforce is projected to decline. Last week a team visited the University of Michigan to explore the different options to partner with the elite university and tap into the talent of the next generation of workers. Gary Verplank, CEO, Jeff […]
Becoming a Strategic Partner with Toyota
Open. Honest. Humble. Transparent. “We’ve only strengthened Toyota’s opinion of us as a strategic partner,” said Daric Morell, director of manufacturing, as he talked about his recent presentation at Toyota’s Fall Supplier Event. “Our philosophies regarding people, production and products align closely.” After impressing attendees and Toyota at Bluegrass Automotive Manufactures Association’s (BAMA) annual conference […]
Shape Corp. Announces New President
We are pleased to announce that Mark White will take over as the company’s president, effective October 1, following the retirement of former president, Bob Currier. “I want to thank Bob for his 35 years of service to Shape. His professionalism and support has been outstanding. He will be missed, and we wish him the […]
Celebrating 4 Years Injury-Free, Tech Center
Accountability, awareness and dedication helped the Tech Center team celebrate four years of being injury-free on Saturday, September 10. This accomplish takes a lot of diligence both in the prototype shop and testing lab where many different associates and guests visit throughout the year. Wearing the correct PPE, being aware of your surroundings and being […]
Comstock Facility Goes for Gold
Congratulations Comstock Facility! In August 2016 the Shape Corp. Comstock Facility was awarded the MIOSHA Gold award from the Consultation Education and Training (CET) division. The Gold Award is the highest award in the MIOSHA CET awards. Awards are given to companies who have implemented an effective safety & health management system (SHMS), and who […]
Technology, Tesla and More: MIBiz Roundtable
Technology, autonomous vehicles, Tesla and more were brought up at MiBiz’s automotive roundtable with local executives. Read more about what Mark White, incoming Shape president, has to say about the future of the automotive industry.
Connecting with the Next Workforce: FuturePrep’D
Seven middle school students arrived at Shape last week, most unaware of what we produce, but ready to take on a challenge. FuturePrep’D is a program ran through Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, that challenges students to get out into the “real-world” and solve problems. Students from the area have the opportunity to learn more […]
Celebrating 10 Years of Giving Back at Coast Guard’s Kids Day
Shape associates headed out to the Coast Guard Festival on Tuesday, August 2 to help volunteer. The purchasing and packaging departments took the day to volunteer at Kid’s Day. This event is held every year for the children during Coast Guard week. There are games, jump houses, crafts and more – all free. It was […]
We are Thinkers, Believers and Doers
We are Thinkers. From the very beginning of Shape, we had to think outside of the box to obtain customers. We were first in the industry to utilize 1700 martensitic steel. Others said it was too strong to stamp or roll form, but we did it and continue to do it today. We are Believers. […]
Stampings Earns Distinctive Community Award
Shape’s Stampings facility includes: 110 associates, 80,000 square feet of manufacturing space, 10 stamping presses, 18 welders and produces more than 400 different parts. On June 15, they added the 2016 Business Recognition Award to their identity, in acknowledgement of having a significant impact in the Spring Lake community. “Shape is a great asset to […]
Showcasing our Innovation to the University of Michigan
We’re known for our innovation, complex designs and flawless execution. Recently, University of Michigan’s Alec Gallimore, dean of engineering, came to visit and was impressed with what we had to present. Shape’s relationship with U of M began more than 60 years ago with Midge Verplank, CEO of Verplank Trucking and co-found of Shape, completing […]
Leading the Pack: Shape China Earns Three Customer Awards
400+ suppliers. 32 recognized. 3 awards given to Shape. At Nissan China Investment Co.’s annual supplier award ceremony, Shape China walked away with three awards, more than any other supplier on April 26. • Quality Improvement • One Time Delivery • 333 Activity Improvement Associates at our China facility have greatly improved their quality by […]
Unanimous Vote: Shape is the Most Innovative
“When we put everyone on the table and asked, ‘Who was the most innovative?’ Shape was the unanimous vote”, said Jimmy Seacrist, director of quality at Futuris Automotive. We currently make seven products for Futuris, a leader in automotive seating components. These products are components to structures on Tesla’s Model X second row seating. This […]
Shape’s FuturePrep’D Students Take Home Scholarships
After 14 weeks of deep problem solving, students from Grand Haven and Spring Lake High School presented their findings at the annual FuturePrep’d Academy final event. In January, 11 students came to Shape to learn more about what we do, the manufacturing industry, and career opportunities that fit their interests. Throughout the 16 weeks, students […]
Sharing for Global Success
“There’s been so much pull from the other regions to learn about the processes,” said Jay Blanchard, continuous improvement manager. “Before the week was done, I had leaders from other regions asking when I could come to their facilities to teach more of their team members.” Eager to start learning and applying the Toyota Production […]
MIOSHA Takes Notice of Our Best Safety Practices
2015 was our safest years to date, and even MIOSHA took notice. Safety is our top priority here, and we have many resources to make sure everyone goes home in the same condition that they came into work. One of the resources we have available are GroPros, compact video cameras, used to look at issues […]
Living United: The Verplank Family
When Gary and Midge Verplank started their companies, they made a promise to give back to the community where they were founded. Over the years, Gary and Midge have helped give back to different causes in the West Michigan area, including United Way. “We are not the singular reason for the success of our companies,” […]
Leadership is Everywhere
“Leadership is right here in this room,” explained Mark White, executive vice president of Asian and European operations. “You don’t need to have direct reports to have leadership skills – you can lead yourself to success.” There are tens of thousands of books, programs, classes, articles, speeches, and videos that discuss leadership. It’s an important […]
Breaking Ground in Athens
Southern hospitality is alive and well, just ask Shape CEO Gary Verplank and President Bob Currier. Both were on-hand for Friday’s dedication ceremony in Athens, Alabama to recognize Shape’s newest manufacturing facility. Representatives with the City of Athens, Tennessee Valley Authority, Limestone County Commission, Alabama Department of Commerce, Limestone County Economic Development Association and JESCO […]
Global Leadership Development Program
Last month we achieved a Training Top 125 award, coming in at #12 on the list. People are the biggest asset to Shape and our efforts on employee development and training are a critical part to our continued success. Recently, our global training and development program was featured in Training Magazine. Read more about our Global […]
Higher than Ever Before
Getting onto Training Top 125 list is no easy feat. Companies are graded on training programs, metrics, human resources, training infrastructure and more. This year, Shape beat out some tough competition and was ranked #12 – the highest in our history. Training Top 125 is a worldwide ranking of organizations that excel at training and […]
Sharing the SPS Journey
The room was packed with fellow Toyota suppliers at the annual Bluegrass Automotive Manufacturers Association (BAMA), sponsored by Toyota, conference last week. Daric Morell, director of manufacturing, walked up to the stage to speak in front of hundreds of people about Shape’s journey with the Toyota Production System. BAMA reached out to Daric, Jay Blanchard, […]
Toyota Shares our “Work Safe, Have Fun” Campaign Nation-wide
What started out as an internal campaign to raise awareness about safety, has turned into an opportunity to share our best practices with the entire Toyota supply base. Our “Work Safe, Have Fun” campaign focuses on being safe so you can enjoy your favorite activities outside of work. The iconic logos and tag-lines have been […]
Inspiring the Future Workforce
Shape is partnering with FuturePrep’D again, to inspire and educate students about the manufacturing industry. Students received the opportunity to learn more about Shape, the manufacturing industry, career opportunities that fit their interests. During this program, they will also obtain more confidence going into secondary education and workforce. The program allows students to explore different […]
Shape China: Coming Out on Top
More than 600 suppliers make products for Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL), and Shape China just topped their list, earning an honorable supplier award. DFL is a joint venture between Japan Nissan and China DongFeng Group. On December 22, on behalf of Shape China, Michael Wang, sales director and Lee Li, sales account manager, traveled to […]
Shape Earns Honorable Nissan Award
Nissan held their 2015 Annual Supplier Conference on October 28 and 29 in Franklin, Tennessee. Rebecca Vest, vice president of Nissan Purchasing for North America, presented Shape Corp. with the prestigious Nissan Monozukuri Spirit Award. Shape was one of only three suppliers that achieved this high recognition of Monozukuri Spirit for 2015. In Japanese, Monozukuri is a compound […]
Diversified Business Unit Goes for Gold
Out of 103 suppliers at Herman Miller’s Supplier Day event, only eight were recognized as a Gold Supplier and Shape was one of them. During the event held on September 24, Herman Miller wanted to properly recognize suppliers who went above and beyond. Shape was recognized as a Gold Supplier for our performance in quality, […]
Celebrating Two Years Injury Free
When Ryan DeBoer, Comstock plant manager, started at Shape just three years ago, the Comstock facility had the worst safety incident rate in the company. Since then, Comstock has turned their safety incident rate around and have now gone two years without an injury. It wasn’t easy getting there. It took an entire team to […]
Hitting a Milestone
If there’s trash in your yard, you probably pick it up and dispose of it. However, picking up trash on the side of the highway is a little different and much more dangerous. You need reflective safety vests, reaching tools, appropriate highway pick up bags and gloves-because you don’t know what you might find. Last […]
Cleaning For Good
The Robinson Township Park is a beautiful place to take the family for an afternoon of fun. Many residents use this area year-round for walks, football games, family gatherings and much more. On September 11, the electrical engineering group headed over to the park for a day of giving back. The park was in need […]