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 his MBA from U of M in 1955 and Gary Verplank, CEO and chairman of the board, graduating from U of M’s engineering school in 1963. On Thursday, May 19, Gallimore and two associates from the Development Office, Allison Effler and Joe Gagliardi, came to learn more about Shape’s engineering capabilities. Their visit began at […]

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 improving their touch point effectiveness, reducing rust and improving the location and information found on labels to reduce the number of miss-shipped parts. During the 333 activity they were able to investigate the root cause of some issues and create an action plan to change where they were getting some of their materials, as well […]

“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 complex piece has received rave reviews from Tesla and even the owner, Elon Musk himself. Jimmy Seacrist, Allan Yageman, senior project manager, and John Wehrenberg, chief operating officer of Futuris Automotive, made a special trip from California two weeks ago to present associates with an award in innovation. “You are the only one ruling the […]

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 met with their Shape mentors to discuss a chosen problem and possible solutions. “It was fun working with the high school kids,” said Amy King, engineering technician – process. “I enjoyed sharing with them what we do at Shape, and helping them develop solutions to the problem they were trying to resolve.” Students Isabella and […]