The original item was published from October 19, 2016 12:06 PM to November 21, 2016 2:42 PM
An inside look at the D-M Tool and Fabrication Machine shop. Photo courtesy of www.dmtoolfab.com
D-M Tool and Fabrication, Inc. Invests for Growth
D-M Tool and Fabrication, Inc. started its business in Sterling Heights in 1989. It currently employs 85 people in Sterling Heights at its location on 18 ½ Mile Road. Its manufactures items such as aluminum, invar (nickel alloy) and steel fabrications as well as manufacturing metal prototype tooling, molds, and offer custom painting and packaging, plate burning, and waterjet cutting. It manufactures all these for aerospace, automotive, and military industries. Some of its customers are Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Corporations.
D-M Tool and Fabrication is investing $1.8 million for a 22,000 square foot addition since its current building has reached capacity. With this new addition, it will be able to bid on larger OEM aerospace projects with the new area being three feet higher than their existing building. This new addition to D-M Tool and Fabrication will bring 30 new jobs including 10 engineering jobs.
Opportunities in Aerospace Manufacturing in Macomb County
In 2016, Michigan was ranked at number eight for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness, according to Price Waterhouse Cooper. There are currently over 100 companies in Macomb County alone that are involved in the defense and commercial aerospace industries. Examples in Sterling Heights include KUKA Flexible Production Systems, Chardam Gear Co, Ultimate Hydroforming Inc., MB Aerospace, RAVE Computer, Threadcraft, AG Davis, Acument, Experi-Metal, and Fitzpatrick.
These companies are growing, which in turn means a growth in jobs and need for skilled employees, for both the present and future. There is a tremendous opportunity for the community to have a partnership with aerospace companies and the local schools, community colleges, and technical centers to train for these types of industries for long-term success.