Where Mid-Michigan Manufacturers
Come Together

The Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association brings manufacturers together to collaborate, develop talent, and drive regional growth.

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How We Impact Manufacturing
in Mid-Michigan

Through collaboration, advocacy, and workforce development, M3A
strengthens manufacturers and the region they power.

Impact Areas
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Strengthening Workforce & Talent Pipelines

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Connecting Manufacturers for Shared Learning

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Advancing Leadership & Professional Development

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Elevating the Industry’s Voice

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Delivering Cost-Saving Resources

160+

MEMBERS

500+

PEOPLE TRAINED

$1.5 Million+

GRANT FUNDS DISTRIBUTED

Our Unified Regional Voice

mission

Our Mission

The Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association is the trusted regional organization focusing on the economic prosperity of our members. We are the united voice for manufacturing – fostering connections that fuel collaboration, education, talent training and development, retention and growth.

vision

Our Vision

The premier resource ensures a prosperous future for manufacturing - driving collaboration, innovation, and economic success across the region.

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Our Evolution

2025–Present

Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association (M3A) Established

The Central Michigan Manufacturers Association (CMMA) and the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association (GLBMA) unite to form the Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association (M3A).

The merger strengthens collaboration across the region, creating a unified organization focused on:

  • Manufacturing advocacy
  • Workforce development
  • Talent pipeline initiatives
  • Peer learning and operational excellence

By combining resources and networks, M3A expands its ability to support manufacturers across Mid-Michigan and the Great Lakes Bay region.

2015

Central Michigan Manufacturers Association (CMMA) Formed

Manufacturers across Central Michigan began organizing through the Central Michigan Manufacturers Association to connect companies, share best practices, and support workforce development. CMMA served manufacturers in Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, and Isabella counties, and key activities included:

  • Manufacturing facility tours
  • Peer networking
  • Industry collaboration
  • Workforce and education partnerships

CMMA built a strong regional community centered around knowledge sharing and operational improvement.

2012

Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association (GLBMA) Established

The organization transitioned to the Saginaw County Business & Education Partnership and adopted the name Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association.

GLBMA expanded its regional focus, serving manufacturers in:

  • Saginaw County
  • Bay County
  • Midland County
  • Arenac County

The association focused on collaboration between manufacturers, education partners, and workforce initiatives.

1989

Saginaw Valley Manufacturers' Association Created

Under the leadership of Grant A. Schaefer of Schaefer Technologies, the organization evolved from the Saginaw Manufacturers Association into the Saginaw Valley Manufacturers’ Association.

The organization adopted a broader regional focus and relocated to the Saginaw Valley Business & Industrial Development Institute at Saginaw Valley State University.

1912

Saginaw Manufacturers Association Founded

On September 19, the Saginaw Manufacturers Association was officially formed.
Founding members included leaders from major regional industries such as:

  • Wickes Boiler Company
  • Heavenrich Clothing
  • Lufkin Rule
  • Wilcox Steering Company
  • Regional salt, coal, and milling operations

The association operated from the Saginaw Board of Trade, now the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce.

Guided by Industry Leaders

Staff

M3A is led by a dedicated team committed to advancing manufacturing across Mid-Michigan.

Elizabeth Taylor

Executive Director

Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association

Alex Brandel

Marketing & Program Coordinator

Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association

Board of Directors - Executive Comittee

Our Board of Directors is composed of manufacturing and industry leaders who provide strategic oversight and ensure alignment with member priorities.

Bill Henderson

President

Aircraft Precision Products, Inc

Justin Lipscomb

President

Moltus Building Group

Tom Hagarty

President (Retired)

PF Markey

Paul Aultman

President

Vantage Plastics

Kelly Wehner

President

Case Systems

Brent Hardman

Chief Executive Officer

Powell

Andy Stewart Emeritus

Executive Director (Retired)

Nexteer Automotive

Amy Cole

Team & Development Manager

Fullerton Tool Company

In Partnership With

What is Next for M3A

M3A is entering a new phase of regional growth and expanded member value. As we
continue aligning resources and strengthening partnerships, our focus remains clear:
Deliver measurable impact for manufacturers across Mid-Michigan.

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Our strategic priorities include

  • icon Expanded networking and roundtable programming
  • icon Enhanced workforce and education partnerships
  • icon Launching a premier Mid-Michigan Manufacturing Summit
  • icon Increasing sponsorship and partnership opportunities
  • icon Building data-driven tools to support smarter business decisions