Meet the THINKERS Behind Shape’s Innovation

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 and we want to formally recognize these significant contributions,” said Jeff. Innovation is key to the growth of Shape. Jeff further explained that for these awards, everyone is eligible, “These are the folks that have been part of awarded patents or have contributed to a significant innovation at Shape,” said Jeff. The team members that […]

Shape Partners with SME’s PRIME Program

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 a manufacturing-based curriculum into Grand Haven High School. This new partnership will offer students a chance to gain the skills and the tools necessary to start a career in engineering and manufacturing, while allowing Shape to grow its talent pool. The funding that will be provided by Shape will allow administrators to train faculty and […]

Shape Teams Up with Honda and St. Patricks

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 to volunteer at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church in Grand Haven, participating in Love Incorporated’s Feeding America initiative by volunteering at the church. The team members unloaded trucks full of vegetables and helped disabled individuals navigate through the line, get them their food, and take their food to their vehicles. Honda’s second week […]

Shape featured in Composites World Magazine

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 article, Shape’s relationship and work are prominently covered. You can read the full article here. Shape remains on track to install our first curved pultrusion machine this year, in preparation for 2019 model year production. Be on the lookout for future updates as we bring this new innovative process to Shape.

Shape Helps Build New Playground

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 in December to decide how to move forward with a new play structure. The community goal was to create a playground that offered appeal to children of all ages, and to make it safe. After hearing community members’ suggestions, the Village of Spring Lake Parks and Recreation Board designed a playground with various structures for […]

Czech Shape Named “Employer of the Year” Third Time

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 State round for the 2017 awards will take place in June, and Shape Czech is hoping to take home the gold. Congratulations to the Shape Czech team.

Auto Magazine Commends Shape’s Balance of Innovation and Customer Support

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, Mark White, was interviewed by APSM’s Simon Duval, and described Shape’s global presence. The two discussed the demand for lightweight components, Shape’s unique multi-material approach and our global footprint. Mark spoke with great pride regarding Shape’s global mindset. This article is a great testament to Shape’s continuous growth and ability to innovate. Read the full […]

Shape Named Best Manufacturing Employer

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. 809 people voted in the Best Manufacturing Company to Work For category and Shape took home the title with 364 votes, 100 more votes than the runner-up. Thank you to all who voted. We appreciate your pride in the Shape Family.

Grand Opening in Guangzou

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 Tanbu town, as well as all associates from the Shape Guangzhou plant. Before the ceremony, Mark White, president, shared our vision to build a unique and special company which improves and enhances the lives of our associates, our customers and the communities in which we live and work. Patrick Sullivan, general manager, shared Shape’s commitment to delivering […]

Shape China Earns Government Award

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 government. This is another example of Shape’s THINKERS, BELIEVERS and DOERS making a difference in our company, our communities and the industries we serve. Congratulations Shape China!