Partnering with Mid-Michigan Industries to provide jobs and training for people with barriers to employment through business and human services.
ITHACA, Mich. – Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry, Inc., a manufacturing innovator and global leader in engineered shock, vibration and motion control solutions, found one solution to a growing labor shortage by committing itself to becoming a more inclusive employer. When its Ithaca location was struggling to hire workers, Hutchinson teamed up with Mid-Michigan Industries (MMI) to help train and employ individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, creating a more inclusive and enriching environment for current and new employees.
“Our partnership with MMI has been a win on all fronts, for the business, for Hutchinson employees and for the MMI people served,” said Bob Anderson, CEO of Hutchinson Aerospace and Industry, Inc.
In November, Hutchinson received a 2022 Apex Award as an “Outstanding Community Partner” for its work with MMI. This award recognizes an individual or organization that has dramatically improved the quality of services and support for people with disabilities and others facing barriers.
Hutchinson and MMI expressed mutual interest in working together in 2021, leading to a program that currently includes six employees across two different shifts. Darrell Cojocar, MMI’s onsite job coach, was immediately impressed with Hutchinson’s integration of these individuals.
“They are truly an inclusive factory; it’s not lip service,” said Cojocar about Hutchinson. “Our team is 100 percent incorporated into the facility processes. They are performing the same tasks as other Hutchinson employees like cleaning and inspecting parts, applying barcode labels, running presses and handling overload from other operators.”
MMI has been helping improve the quality of life for people with disabilities for more than 50 years. Partnering with businesses and organizations throughout central Michigan, they are committed to helping people make connections that lead them to meaningful employment, advanced skill enhancement and greater independence.
“We are truly proud of the partnership between MMI and Hutchinson, and we are grateful to have MMI as part of the Hutchinson Team,” continued Anderson. “The program has continued to expand and is more successful than we could have ever imagined.”
The MMI process is not one-size-fits-all. Each individualized program meets the person served at their current level and helps them take the next steps toward an improved quality of life. MMI meets annually with each person served, along with their guardians or case workers, to determine that person’s interests, needs and benchmarks. Every few months, the goals are reexamined as progress is made.
Employment specialists then work one-on-one with the individuals to find suitable community employment, whether in manufacturing or another industry of interest. Individuals receive help finding and applying for jobs, as well as interview training and job coaching.
“Employment partners like Hutchinson are a critical part of the process, providing the individuals with not just a paycheck, but a sense of fulfillment and purpose,” said Cojocar. “To be an important part of creating something, each and every day, is invaluable. This program breaks down the stigma that workers with differing abilities can’t be safe in a manufacturing plant—or any other setting for that matter.” Anderson added, “We are honored to receive the Apex Award and we look forward to building upon the success of our partnership with MMI.”
About Hutchinson
Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry, Inc., formerly Barry Controls, was founded in 1943 to solve shock and vibration problems for the U.S military. Acquired by Hutchinson in 2000 and serving wide range of diverse global customer applications with extensive materials expertise, today the company is recognized as a world leader in the development of unique and custom mounting solutions needing
shock attenuation and vibration isolation. Additionally, Hutchinson is now well recognized as specialists in custom system design and analysis, innovators in manufacturing, and engineering partners with their customers. To learn more about Hutchinson, visit, hutchinsonai.com.
