Winter 2011 – Shape on the Roll (, 3mb)

ISSUE 69 WINTER 2011
Notes About H
GROWT
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Planting th
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Update from the President
Business Unit Updates
Shape Heroes
After Hours
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LEADING GROWTH
As I look at where we were
10 years ago . . .
CONTENTS WINTER 2011
I think about the global vision we created
and how it’s driven Shape’s growth. Moving
forward from a regional to a global supplier
required us to strategically plan the process
for the future.
Cover: Newspaper article focusing on Shape’s growth since Tom DeVoursney
joined Shape Corp. See President’s Letter for details.
Shape Corp. World headquarters
1900 Hayes St.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
616.846.8700
www.shapecorp.com
EXECUTIVE CONTRIBUTORS
contents
3
18
20
22
23
4
President's Letter
Growing in the Community
mike smith
Vice President
Asian Operations/Hyundai
Jim Rosasco
Vice President
Diversified Business Unit
Jeff Piper
Vice President
International Business Unit
Jack Russell
Vice President
Toyota Business Unit
Rand Stille
Vice President
Mexico Operations
In 1992 Shape had 225 employees
ROB WEYKAMP
Vice President
General Motors Business Unit
Tony Verplank
President
Pliant Plastics
In 2011 Shape now has 1,300 employees
After Hours
443 and Counting
Shape Heroes
Business Unit Updates
10
Planting the Seeds of
editor / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTORS
WELLNESS
Danni Schertzing
[email protected]
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Shape 3Gs
ASSOCIATE editorS
Notes About GROWTH
Ashley Ingle
[email protected]
14
Product Development
Sarah Heins
[email protected]
Brian Karabelski, Char Vanderstel,
Chuck Michele, Darin Evans,
Darla Crouse, Doug Peterson,
Gary Verplank, Holly Kalsbeek,
Jason Bricker, Jennie Haughn,
Kyle Verplank, Lenzy Petty,
Sandy Charon, Steve Hailstone,
Tom Johnson, Tom Morden,
Tony Verplank, Valerie Williams
16
In 10 more years, I see Shape having
manufacturing plants in all regions of the
world, then satellite plants to support our
customers. So what’s the next “boom?”
Safety products. We understand safety
requirements and we need to focus on
products based around safety systems.
We already do this by designing products
with our families in mind. Bottom line, we
need to unite our Global teams in order to
utilize our Shape team's expertise in safety
systems and products.
Dan Partenio
Vice President
Ford/Mazda Business Unit
Chrysler Business Unit
EXPANDING HORIZONS
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
2
MARK WHITE
Vice President
European Operations
PRESIDENT'S LETTER winter 2011
But it’s not as much about past growth
as it is future growth. While it’s smart to
look back to see how far we’ve come, it’s
always about looking ahead and finding
the focal point on the horizon.
contacts
TOM DEVOURSNEY
President
It’s the team that made this plan a reality
and without them, we wouldn’t have been
able to expand Shape at the global level.
Trust, Dedication and Pride
growing shape japan
Sherry Bone
[email protected]
In 2001 Shape had grown to 1,000 people
When meeting with the Japanese customers,
Tom vowed to frame and hang the design in his
office. Keeping his promise, here is a view of
the sketch.
Strategic planning finds that point on the horizon
and unites our teams to go after that point.
3
General Motors
FORD/MAZDA
growth in many ways
If you’re not moving forward, then you’re quickly falling behind
The GM business unit is growing…in sales, in capability and
as individuals.
Such is the importance of growth in today’s
automotive marketplace.
General Motors has awarded Shape our
first aluminum bumper programs for North
America. Our customer chose us because
of our long-standing relationship and our
capabilities. This business award represents
a big change for us. Our strategy to offer
energy management solutions in any
material is happening. Long term, we know
that there will be a need for both steel
roll form solutions and aluminum extruded
solutions. We want to supply both materials
as a full service supplier to GM.
With North American vehicle production
down approximately 30 percent from the
decade’s peak years, growth must come
from increased content and new products,
a larger market share of our core products
or new business in global markets. Shape’s
Ford business unit is pursuing all three
avenues to grow our business with Ford
Motor Company.
As individuals, we will learn
many new skills and grow in
our impact system knowledge.
We will begin to work on additional
programs and future vehicles with a focus
on the best solution, whether it be steel or
aluminum. We will generate new product
ideas and system solutions to support our
plastics business as well.
The breadth of our capability will grow. The
capability to execute aluminum bumper
systems is different than with steel roll form
systems. The resulting bumper designs are
very different because the manufacturing
process is extrusion.
Product development and virtual
analysis is different with aluminum due
to material properties and behaviors.
Manufacturing processes including
extrusion, welding, machining, bending
and aging are different when compared
with steel.
Our launch and manufacturing teams
will be learning new processes. As
Cadillac XTS concept car
individuals, we will master many new
skills and grow in our impact system
knowledge. Our extrusion suppliers will
become a very integral part of our design
and manufacturing teams.
Everyone on the GM team at Shape will
be touched by these programs and will
learn. From sales to shipping, everyone
will see and feel the difference. We
may even bring new associates in from
aluminum industries to be part of our
team. As we move forward in the global
environment, we will need to have
skills and experience in both steel and
aluminum. This is what our customer
expects. This is what will differentiate us.
We thank General Motors for the
opportunity and continued confidence.
We thank our Shape associates for their
support and dedication to our customer.
Shape is focused on developing robust
integrated hitches, pedestrian impact
protection solutions and radiator support
components to further expand our
product offerings.
As for our core products, impact bumper
assemblies and energy absorbers, Shape
launched products on the new B and C,
Finally, increasing our business leads
us to new markets, such as the
CD4 platform in Europe and China.
We’ve produced the North American
bumpers and energy absorbers for
these vehicles for years, but will begin
to launch the new version bumper
systems in Europe, working with our
Kirchhoff alliance partner, in late 2012.
Shortly after the European launch, the
China launch will follow. As we move
toward a more stable level of global
vehicle production in the future, Shape
Corp. will be well positioned for even
more growth.
2010 Ford Fusion
Growth must come from
increased content and new
products, a larger market
share or new business in
global markets.
CHRYSLER
Collaborate, Predict, Innovate and React
For the Chrysler business unit, 2010 has been the year
of the “launch.”
The Chrysler team’s efforts have brought
a tremendous amount of new growth
for the business unit, in particular on the
plastics side of the equation. Aside from
numerous bumper beam launches, 2010
has seen 14 plastic products launched
across eight different platforms. The
Chrysler team’s ability to design, develop,
test, manufacture and launch each of
these products on time and defect free has
reinforced the value proposition we bring as
a full service supplier.
A customer centric approach fuels our
growth at Chrysler and hinges on our ability
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CD and D platforms. Both the B and
C segments represent market share
growth in our core product area.
BUSINESS UNIT UPDATE winter 2011
BUSINESS UNIT UPDATE WINTER 2011
Dan Partenio
Vice President
Ford/Mazda Business Unit
Rob Weykamp
Vice President
General Motors Business Unit
to continuously innovate and develop
cutting-edge products that keep us
relevant and world-class. Our advanced
engineering and commercial teams
have spent considerable time listening,
learning and collaborating with Chrysler
engineers to understand their needs
and develop solutions
emerging market for active grille shutters,
front end module carriers and grille outer
reinforcement brackets. This list highlights
a few key areas for future development,
which complement and expand our core
competencies.
Future strategies include increased
product integration of energy
absorbers and bumper beams—
resulting in additional component,
cost and mass reduction. Included
within this integration strategy is the
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International
toyota
HONDA: working outside our comfort zone as we grow
Continuous growth leads to success
Our Shape Honda team has been actively working on
several new projects highlighting our growth.
"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement,
and success have no meaning.” - Benjamin Franklin
The Honda Odyssey rear bumper was
launched in July 2010 by Ron Charles
and team.
By using Shape roll formed product and
shipping it from Grand Haven to partner
affiliate, Ridgeview Industries, much closer
to Honda's Lincoln Alabama facility, we
experienced growth in our supplier
alliance model.
We are experiencing expansion of product
capability as we continue to work through
design and process learning of our new
variable swept beam that will support the
next Honda Civic, led by Tom Shreeve.
We are also working on the next
CRV with a full front and rear bumper
system. While interacting directly with
Honda to optimize our production
flow and layout, we've seen great
progress within our team. Advanced
roll forming studies, that started in our
Honda team, have provided significant
benefits to how we roll form across
the company using simulation tools
that support our tooling strategy.
Thanks to all of our global Honda
team—we appreciate your vote of
confidence and for allowing us to
grow together.
Life is not about achievement, it is about
learning and growth, developing qualities
like compassion, patience, perseverance,
love and joy. Our goals should stretch us.
We’ve seen success in our associates
as we push ourselves to provide the
best possible weight, performance
and cost advantages to Honda.
Honda Odyssey
NISSAN: Growing in several areas
As Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “The great thing in the world is not so much
where we stand but in what direction we are headed."
For our Nissan account at Shape that
direction is clearly growth. It’s the growth
of our business, associates and regions
around the world.
We've been fortunate to have tremendous
business growth as several new platforms
have recently been sourced to Shape. We
provided a common global cross section
using our Power-B technology and Nissan
has been able to take advantage of the
weight and performance features of this
product, making this a "staple" on several
of their vehicles. We are starting to make
some great strides in France and look
forward to being able to provide these
same benefits to Renault on their
vehicle architecture.
We’ve been able to expand the
diversification of our products as we have
been sourced a cowl and underbody cover,
both of which complement our strategy for
pedestrian impact expertise and
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As Benjamin Franklin so eloquently stated,
companies and people must continue to
grow if we are to survive the world we live
in today. I am a big believer in growth in
both business and personal life.
product offerings, including a multilobe energy absorber.
Regarding the growth of our most
important asset at Shape, our
associates, we’ve been able to add
some great resources to our team
over the past several months. Several
of them have taken on additional
responsibility as we continue to support
our global efforts. For example, Jeff
Nissan Juke
McMartin will be taking on global
program management responsibility
plant that will be opening over next
for a new vehicle that Shape will be
supporting for Nissan in Europe, North several months.
America and Asia.
Thanks to all the Renault Nissan
personnel around the world that we
On the regional side we’ve been able
interact with for your continued trust
to see tremendous growth for Nissan
in our China plant with great products, in Shape, and allowing us to evolve
and continue to meet your energy
such as the new Nissan Juke that
management needs.
opened back in 2008 and anticipate
Growth is never by mere
chance; it is the result of
forces working together.
Shape is growing and stretching globally.
We have expanded into China and Mexico
successfully, and our first plant in Europe
is set to open in the next few months. We
must continue to focus on our service to
our customers to ensure that our growth
is successful and meaningful.
During a Toyota visit, Darin Evans (vice president of R&D) and Steve Hailstone (Business
Development Leader of the Toyota Business Unit) showed Mr. Koichiro Ueno (幸一郎 上野) of
Toyota the latest advances in pedestrian impact protection testing at the Shape Corp. Tech Center
in Grand Haven, Mich.
Our customer is the most important visitor
on our premises. He is not dependent on
us. We are dependent on him. He is not an
interruption in our work. He is the purpose
of it. He is not an outsider in our business.
He is part of it. We are not doing him a
Remember the old Chinese proverb... "To
open shop is easy; to keep it open is an art.”
favor by serving him. He is doing us a
favor by giving us an opportunity to do
so. We must remain focused on our
mission to serve our customers globally
as we grow.
BUSINESS UNIT UPDATE winter 2011
BUSINESS UNIT UPDATE WINTER 2011
Jack Russell
Vice President
Toyota Business Unit
Jeff Piper
Vice President
International Business Unit
We must all work together as a team to
ensure the ultimate success of pleasing our
customers in the markets they serve.
Growth is never by mere chance; it is
the result of forces working together.
this same level of growth in our new
Mexico plant and soon in our European
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Diversified Products
Plastics GROUP
Overcoming economic obstacles to grow
Keeping the focus on growth
As the market continues to be competitive, we must focus on
innovation to continue Shape's growth.
To brighten our future in plastics we must focus on growth and
associate development.
It is nice to see the rebound in business after
such a tough year in 2009. Shape, along with
every other supplier in our industry, felt the
impact of a 30 percent drop in volume last
year. Once 2010 hit, it was like someone
turned the lights back on.
That said, the market continues to be very
competitive. I would have thought that once
the low cost suppliers went out of business,
as many of them did, margins would rise to
a more normal level. In fact, we are seeing
just the opposite.
One of the things that sets Shape apart from
other suppliers is our ability to adapt in almost
any economic climate. Shape remained
profitable and continued to expand globally
while other companies were filing Chapter
11. The diversified products business unit did
better than most in 2009 due to the diverse
customer base we maintained. Sales have
recovered well in 2010 and we are up 25
percent from last year.
One of the things that sets
Shape apart from other suppliers
is our ability to adapt in almost
any economic climate.
new products and processes.
Together these will bring our
customers the highest value at the
lowest delivered cost. Diversified
has been awarded several jobs this
past year, two of which are ramping
up as we speak; we are very
optimistic about the future.
Thanks to all for your hard work.
Remember what Franky [Frank
Tobin, plant manager] says, “If it’s
not great, it’s not Shape!”
Companies are hungrier than ever. It is
imperative that we increase our focus on
our up time and most importantly, innovate
Many of you may remember the famous
line from the movie, "The Graduate,"
“The future is plastics.” Well, the future
is here and Shape is playing its part.
Shape Corp. is well-known for its metal
forming and engineering capabilities,
but it's a full service plastic injection
molding supplier, as well. With a diverse
set of manufacturing competencies
we’re capable of servicing any industry
and bring over fifty years of molding
experience to the marketplace.
BUSINESS UNIT UPDATE winter 2011
BUSINESS UNIT UPDATE WINTER 2011
Tony Verplank
President
Pliant Plastics
Jim Rosasco
Vice President
Diversified Business Unit
Shape Corp. is well-known
for metal forming and
engineering, but it's a full
service plastic injection
molding supplier, as well.
With injection molding capabilities ranging
from 17 tons to twenty-two hundred
tons, we’re able to offer our customers
a one-stop-shop for all of their plastics
needs. Insert molding, two-shot molding,
compression injection molding, tape
application and clean room assembly are
some of the areas we specialize in. These
capabilities coupled with our Moldex3D®
software analysis and rapid prototyping
capability give us a unique offering in a
very competitive marketplace.
Our molding is split between two fully
staffed and dedicated manufacturing
facilities, which allows us to focus and
differentiate between small and large
tonnage molding. NetShape covers
the large tonnage and produces parts
such as energy absorbers and molded
in-color seats. Pliant Plastics covers the
smaller tonnage and produces parts for
the inside of gear shifters and medical
cassettes for dialysis. The difference
between the two companies provides
for a unique synergy that gives each
one access to resources and talent
that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
This enhances our opportunities for
growth on the business end and
more importantly, from the associate
development standpoint. Our associates
have been and will continue to be our
greatest asset and provide us with the
engine to power our growth.
Our continued focus on growth and
associate development will keep us
primed and ready for an even brighter
future in plastics.
Pictured above from left to right: Scott Collins, Al Sheldon, Joe Rotunda, Jeremy Wollen, Paula Day, John Carr, John McCann, Jim Madraba, Amy
Kolkema, Jamie Ohlendorf, Jim Rosasco.
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PLANTING
THE SEEDS OF
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF WELLNESS winter 2011
Wellness
From its origination in 1993, the
Fitness Factory has grown into
more than just an exercise facility.
Today, it is the center of wellness
for the Shape Family of Companies.
From group exercise classes to
health management, the Fitness
Factory offers all Shape Family
associates and their families a wide
range of wellness opportunities that
encourage people to make the
right choices.
Each milestone of the Fitness
Factory, including the number of
users, people who quit smoking,
pounds lost and health care savings,
has contributed to strengthening its
roots and enables continuous growth.
2010
“Our innovative and compassionate wellness programming significantly impacts
the health of our associates and their families, and allows them to take
charge of their health and make changes necessary to live a better life.”
Gary Verplank, Shape Corp. CEO
“In the early years of the Fitness Factory, the only busy times
were the first two weeks of January, when everyone was trying
to actually work on a New Year’s resolution. In recent times,
the day-to-day activity has been incredible, as hundreds of
our associates have made the choice to lead a healthy
lifestyle throughout the year! I salute everyone who has
worked so hard to grow the Fitness Factory and make it
a huge success story for
our organization!”
Brad Davis, Light Corp. President
500 Fitness Factory users
7,000 pounds lost
5,000 insured
1,800 associates enrolled
Shape Family Wellness
program recognized at the
National Wellness Conference
Gary Verplank featured
in “Leading by Example”
a national CEO to CEO
workplace publication
2009
75 quit tobacco
Cost avoidance of $2.5 million
is reached
2008
Shape Family Wellness
program expands to include
spouses
2007
Shape becomes a
smoke-free campus
2006
Tobacco policy put in place
2004
Health by Choice program is
established in collaboration
with Priority Health
1993
Fitness Factory opens
1st Fitness Factory Manager:
Carla Hatton
“ When I first started
going to the
Fitness Factory, it
was mostly just
getting in good
workouts.
It was great to have
somewhere to go.
Now with all the
classes and coaches,
you can still get the
good workouts
and learn more
about your overall
health and well-being.”
“The opening of
the Fitness Factory
helped me get
back into exercising
and prevented me
from making excuses
to workout.
“The success and
growth of our
company is the
cultivation of our
collective minds,
bodies and overall
good spirit.
Before the opening,
I would go home to
grab what I needed
to go to the gym, and
eventually come up
with reasons not to
go (like the couch
is calling me).
As a company we are
only as healthy as
the least healthiest
person—just as we
are only as efficient on
the floor as the least
efficient machine.
For me, the Fitness
Factory is a great
social release,
and I may workout
a little too.”
Tim Tyrell, electrician machine
trouble shoot R.F. 1900
Ed Pippel, electrician
diversified business unit
In the end, the growth
of the Fitness Factory
plays an unmistakable
value-add role to the
growth of Shape.”
Karl Lanka, program manager
international business unit
Health Care UPDATE
Doug Peterson, vice president of human resources
We were faced with a crisis of rising health care costs
that threatened the financial well-being of our company.
Our solution was the Health by Choice (HBC) wellness
initiative. We asked everyone to take responsibility for
their own health by participating in the HBC program
and those with specific conditions to participate in a
managed program.
The results have been overwhelming. What started out
as a financial issue has evolved into a strategic issue.
The health and wellness of our associates at all levels
within our company has had, and will continue to have,
a direct impact on our success. Healthy, sharp, creative
minds and strong, fit bodies enable us to successfully
compete in the global marketplace.
It has been my privilege to tell our story at local, midwest and national best practice health care conferences.
The response is always amazement at what we’ve
accomplished. So to everyone who has participated, you
are inspiring people across the country to look at wellness
in a whole new way, and inspiring companies to invest in
resources and programs to help their employees get and
stay well!
11
I remember when Shape 1900
west and the parking lot were
trees, two Horseshoe pits, a court.
basketball court and a volleyball
I remember when the bumper 6
mills were on railroad ties about
to 8 feet in the air.
GLOBAL | GROWTH | GREATNESS winter 2011
I remem
was whereber when our lunc h
room is to the 1900 men's room
that eas day. It had a p wash
workers wily held a whole shifictnic table
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and
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I remember my first days
here working maintenance in 1979. I
was assembling die racks with Gary
Verplank (CEO). I didn't know who
he was, just one of us in jeans and a
T-shirt waiting for our first uniforms.
No one was above doing any job that
needed to be done and we enjoyed it.
Notes about
GROWTH
In order to continue on the path of ever-increasing
growth, it’s imperative that we as associates continue
to push the limits and exceed expectations. In doing so,
there may be times when we have to take a leap and step
out of our comfort zone. As John Maxwell once said, “If
we are growing, we will always be out of our
comfort zone.”
Global
Global growth is necessary. We must
support our customers where they are.
Shape activity continues to increase
around the globe, with new plants,
customers, programs and opportunities.
I rememb
getting jobs erb when Shape started
Shape ca me ecause of its tec hnolo
and also com up with in line slott gy.
roll form th pleted shelves off the ing
operations. Wat used to take five
mills to seve e went from two
n that year.
With the addition of over 400 new employees, two new
international plants and the constant development of
processes and products, our customers and associates
can see Shape is focused on continuous growth. Shape
must continue to grow in order to be an industry leader
and to expand its global footprint.
The 3Gs rallied Shape associates
around three distinct goals and gave
each person tangible drivers in their
daily activities. The message reinforced
that every person is connected to the
viability of the company, its strategic
plan and success.
To show Shape's tremendous growth since its origination
in 1974, we've asked associates who have been with
the company for over 15 years to share some of their
favorite memories. Each highlight demonstrates how
the associates, company leaders and innovation has
contributed to Shape's growth and why Shape will
continue to grow locally and globally.
Memories contributed by Nick Ruiter, Dan Schindlbeck,
Dave Rodriguez, Tony Rusco, Steve Spink, Cindy Dubson,
Rich Heinz and Chuck Michele.
the
I remember when mostedofcross
cat
pli
com
for
new tooling
make
sections had to be re-cut toer. Now
tom
parts to satisfy the cus ms and
with CAD roll design protiogran software
COPRA roll form sim.ula
this is much improved
Consistent with Shape’s mission
statement, we will continue to:
“Supply products through diverse
manufacturing systems to a worldwide
market.”
GROWTH
We must continually grow and diversify
our business. We want a larger piece
of the pie.
Consistent with Shape’s mission
statement, we will continue to: “Commit
our resources to anticipate and fulfill
our customers’ needs and quality
requirements.”
GREATNESS
We must execute flawless launches in
every program, worldwide.
At Shape, we always want to be growing – whether it
is through diversifying our products or new business in
global markets, growth is absolutely vital to the health of
our organization and associates.
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PRODUCT GROWTH
E X PAN D I N G
SHAPE GROWTH winter 2011
At Shape, commitment to operational excellence and continued growth through innovation are some of the driving forces behind
it. Procuring new markets and amplifying Shape’s product mix is essential to driving strength and growth in a global economy.
As Shape expands, new product areas emerge and existing product areas are expanding. Below are highlights of a few product
areas growing at Shape.
In conjunction with new processing options,
Shape’s product engineering expertise,
accurate testing and CAE simulation will
ensure Shape offers a highly engineered
solution at a competitive price to the OEMs.
VersaBumper
towing hitches
The towing hitch market isn’t new to Shape;
however, newly developed manufacturing
processes and continued development of
engineering capabilities will facilitate Shape’s
growth in this product area.
Over the past 30 years, bumpers have
progressed into something more than a
beam at Shape. Based on the evolving needs
of automotive OEM customers, Shape has
been engineering bumpers to become more
versatile, thus leading to the development of
the VersaBumper.
“The VersaBumper is a great example of
how recognizing a need and combining
innovative ideas and materials can
generate new differentiated products to
support our growth,” said Darin Evans,
The VersaBumper is a lightweight, composite Vice President of Advanced Product
plastic bumper that incorporates options, such Development. “This product has everything
our OEM customers are looking for, like
as speakers, decals and more. This product
cost and mass savings and superior
is not yet in production, but has been a work
performance; with the extra WOW factor
in progress for over four years. Shape’s
of versatility to customize the look and
development was recognized at the 2007
function to suit each of their
SEMA Conference when the VersaBumper
customer’s preference.”
took second place for innovation.
With the development of the Variable Radii
Roll Forming processes, Shape can now
produce the complicated geometries required
for tow hitches in line with the rolling mill,
eliminating the need for secondary bending
processes customarily used to produce these
types of products. This in-line process not only
The VersaBumper was developed in response
reduces part cost, but significantly reduces
to the needs of OEMs to lighten the load of
the customer tooling investment typically
truck components, but maintain durability.
required for off-line bending operations.
By using plastic as the core material, OEMs
To facilitate the growth of this product area,
are able to avoid rust issues and institute cost
Shape’s Advanced Product Development
and mass savings on their trucks. Currently,
team has developed an internal tow hitch
impact requirements do not exist on trucks,
working group. With representatives from the
major OEM business units, the focus of this
group is to continually evaluate and increase
the level of engineering, CAE and physical
testing capabilities for hitches within Shape.
“We are working to ensure Shape has the
same level of expertise in developing tow
hitches as we currently do for bumper impact
beams,” said Tom Johnson, product manager.
To accomplish this important initiative, the tow
hitch development working group is evaluating
our engineering design standards, developing
best practices, evaluating and updating static
and durability lab equipment as well as CAE
software capabilities.
14
but in the event of a low impact crash,
repair costs are significantly reduced on
the VersaBumper due to plastic's ability
to absorb energy and retain its shape. In
addition, the VersaBumper is designed to
work in tandem with the Shape designed
hitch, resulting in even greater mass and
cost savings as a complete rear truck
bumper system solution.
Black Functional Plastics
Commitment to fulfilling customers’ needs
is at the root of Shape’s mission. In order
to stay at the forefront of the market,
Shape continues to be a customer-focused
company. In keeping with this focus, black
functional plastics have been added to its
product portfolio to diversify Shape and offer
more products to customers.
into Shape’s wold-class Technical Center located
in Grand Haven, Mich.
Black functional plastics are injection molded
black plastic components and do not serve an
impact energy management purpose. Grilles,
fender liners, license plate brackets and fog lamp
finishers are all black functional plastics.
growing in new ways,
new industries
As Shape continues to build relationships with
local and global organizations, it has increased
its touch points with an array of industries, thus
allowing Shape to further launch into diverse
product areas. Two product areas where Shape
currently forecasts growth is in the office
furniture and solar energy industries.
In addition to capabilities in Grand Haven,
production of black functional products is
scheduled to begin January 2011 at Shape’s
new plant in Querétaro, Mexico. The plant will
produce fender liners, lower rear panels, fog
lamp housing units, underbody shields
and grilles.
“As a result of many face-to-face discussions
with our customers related to black functional
plastics in Mexico, we determined that they
had a need for a full service supplier with great
engineering, program management, and large
tonnage injection molding capability,” said Jason
Bricker, business development leader. “We filled
that gap for them and now we are seeing that
move to other regions.”
Adding to Shape’s product portfolio and
constantly innovating new products for
customers allows Shape to offer more.
“They were looking for a full-service engineering
company to create these components,” said
Bricker. “We knew that we wanted to dive into
large injection molded parts and felt black
functional plastics could bring in revenue for
Shape and as always, serve our
customers’ needs.”
Pedestrian Impact Protection
As leaders in impact energy management, Shape
makes studying government regulations and
industry trends its business. Shape engineers
design safety systems with government
regulations as well as the end consumer’s safety
in mind. Pedestrian Impact regulations were
introduced to the automotive industry in Europe
and are quickly filtering into other markets.
Shape has followed this regulation since its
inception and is now the leading educator and
solution provider in North America.
“Historically, we have been very successful in
bumpers, fascia and lower leg impacts,” said
Lenzy Petty, director of marketing. “Progressing
toward the future, we are looking to focus on
the growth of upper leg, head impact and bonnet
pedestrian safety.”
As global leaders in impact energy management,
the additional focus on upper leg and head
impacts will drive opportunities around new
products, such as cowls and hood energy
absorbers. Additionally, testing for the hood and
added Flex PLI leg tests have been incorporated
for pedestrian safety. Business units across
Shape are joining in on the exploration and
understanding of the cowl. Shape will further
continue to develop the right processes for this
product to reduce labor and cost.
“It’s been found that most pedestrian injuries are
a result of the head hitting the hood,” said Petty.
“We are looking at ways to make the hood softer
and absorb more of the energy, and to create
more space between the hood and the
hard point.”
“Our product growth is driven by our innovation
and cost competitiveness,” said Bill Beland,
advanced product development engineer. “We
must add value and reduce cost to our products.
This can be done through lean manufacturing
and redesigning for part optimization.”
This is going to be a new market in North
America, though it’s already a market in Europe
due to implemented government regulations.
“It’s going to expand our product portfolio and
drive new product development,” said Petty. “We
are going to be able to advance in areas that we
are not currently serving, directly impacting the
North American base. In turn, it will create more
business in Michigan and Grand Haven.”
In the office furniture industry, new product
development is focused on glide towers. Typical
glide towers are metal castings. Structural
replacements are now being manufactured with
plastic. These main supports of cubical wall
panels, are being redesigned with new plastic
cross sections to increase beam strength.
cowl
Government regulations play a critical role in
the development of many of Shape’s automotive
products. Recently, Shape engineers designed
the cowl, to not only meet existing requirements,
but with future government regulations in mind.
The cowl is an automotive component made of
recyclable plastic that attaches to a vehicle’s
windshield and sheet metal. The product has
several functions including; managing water,
managing fresh air entry into the vehicle, and
providing access to service other components.
In addition to meeting the styling needs of OEMs,
Shape must design the cowl to assist in meeting
government and safety regulations. Production
of the Shape pedestrian cowl is projected to
begin in 2012 and is predicted to increase in
demand as pedestrian impact regulations move
into North America.
“The cowl, with pedestrian countermeasures
will have a strong place in the market,” said Tom
Morden, product development engineer. “Not
only does this product fulfill safety needs of
the market, but it is allowing us to be proactive
in utilizing our expertise in pedestrian impact
energy management.”
As plastic capabilities continue to evolve, Shape
is continuing to find ways to optimize the design
of chairs and chair components. Specific material
selection of neutral, recyclable plastics for chair
bases can expand into a variety of customizable
color options by powder coating. In addition,
Shape is working on a co-development to create
a task (desk) chair made entirely of plastic.
Solar energy use has shown a 33 percent
annual growth over the past 30 years, as found
by the Clean Fleet Report. One product that
is allowing Shape to enter this market is solar
racks, structural components that support
solar panels. To strategically enter this market
Shape is focused on expanding knowledge on
product requirements, consumers’ needs, and
benchmarking how the products are currently
being made in the industry to see how the
company can better design and manufacture
the product.
To continue growth in this market, Shape is
currently working on a joint patent with an OEM
15
SHAPE NEWS winter 2011
TRUST,GROWTH
DEDICATION
AND
PRIDE winter 2011
SHAPE
winter
2011
GROWING SHAPE JAPAN
TRUST, DEDICATION aND PRIDE
Jeff Piper, vice president, international business unit
Kyle Verplank, sales engineer
In 2003, Shape Japan Co. Ltd. was officially
incorporated. Steve Hailstone, currently
the Toyota business development leader
(BDL), was originally hired to start and run
the fledging Japan based operation. Steve
was initially responsible for coordinating the
Japan-based development and commercial
activities, while serving as a bridge between
our Japan customers back to our U.S.
business unit contacts. It’s worth noting that
Shape had been doing business with the
Japan customers since the early 1990’s, but
that initial business was primarily for vehicles
built for the US market. As Shape’s presence
and products begin to resonate with our
Japanese customer base and as the market
shifted to designing and building global
vehicles it became evident that we would
need to increase our presence in Japan.
16
Over the past seven years we’ve moved from
one associate to eighteen associates that
are primarily connected to specific Japan
customers, supporting sales and engineering
activities. They coordinate their activities with
other members of the global business units
they support to stay consistent and keep our
focus on global strategies for our customers.
During Kyle Verplank’s two years in Japan
we were able to transition to larger office
spaces for both our Tokyo and Nagoyabased customer teams and make some
great progress in recruiting and hiring of key
personnel. We have transitioned to having onsite engineering support at one of our Japan
customers and this has created excellent
benefits for both companies in optimizing our
support for their vehicles and allowing us to
hit our growth objectives.
When we evaluate our growth over the last
seven years, it’s important to recognize the
role of these offices as it applies to our
global footprint. The team here has not
only become an integral piece of the global
puzzle, but our Japan-based customers have
become a major source of growth for our
entire organization. Several major global car
companies call Japan their home base, and
our in-country coverage here is essential
to Shape’s growth prospects around the
world. As we continue to grow our in-country
resources and Japan-based accounts, it’s
important to understand a little about the
Japanese way of life.
The Rock
The Train
The Tree
On a clear day, Mt. Fuji
sits within eyesight of
Tokyo, Japan’s largest
city, and the world’s
largest metropolitan
area. For hundreds
of years Japanese
people have looked up to Mt. Fuji as a symbol
of integrity, strength and great national pride.
“The Rock” in many ways has come to define
Japanese culture, which values relationships
built around trust, honesty and mutual respect
– values that Shape’s Japan team live by on
a daily basis. In Japan, Shape’s relationships
define our company and our people – every
day we work toward solidifying these
relationships through our growing presence
on the ground across Japan.
Japan’s “bullet”
trains, known
locally as the
Shinkansen,
showcase the
best and brightest
ideals that Japan
brings to the world: record breaking speeds,
stop watch accuracy and over forty years
without a safety incident. By virtue of their
steadfast dedication to these principles,
Japan has become the world leader in train
technology, which embodies their nationwide
daily dedication to quality, on-time delivery and
safety. It’s no surprise that Shape’s core values
represent these same principles and we
internally measure ourselves on many of these
same benchmarks. World-class technology,
great parts, on-time delivery and best-in-class
customer service…a customer and culturalcentric philosophy that drives our
Japan-based growth.
Each spring, Japan’s
ritual of viewing
the magnificent
cherry blossom trees
captivates the national
spirit like nothing
else. Symbolically
speaking it represents
the continual growth, beauty and pride of a
living Japanese landmark. Closer to home we
can identify with this time honored tradition as
we maintain our focus on the very principles
which have driven our own growth over the
years. It’s important to understand what makes
Shape’s people and products historically great.
Likewise, we can use the metaphor of the
cherry blossom to recognize that growth and
change is an ongoing process that we must
nurture and respect, taking time now and
then to honor and celebrate our past as we
seek continual growth and new opportunities
around the globe.
17
HR team cleans up 551
bags of trash
The HR group cleaned up their
551st bag of trash in 2010.
This was the team's thirteenth
highway cleanup since their
highway adoption in 2006.
2010 shape Volunteers
give back
GROWING IN THE COMMUNITY WINTER 2011
Adopt-A-Highway
Purchasing team members
tap into their inner-child
Mulligan’s Hollow was filled with children playing games,
jumping in bounce houses and building things at the
Coast Guard Festival Kid's Day on August 3, 2010. On
this day, the purchasing team worked the kid's games.
Landscaping at North Ottawa
Community Hospital
Staining brick and gazebos
Taking down and building fences
Moved books for Grand Haven
Women's Club
Games at Coast Guard
Festival Kid's Day
Painting at Christian Care Center
Updating computers
growing in the community
In 12 years, Shape's community
involvement has grown to include
over 300 projects in north Ottawa and
southern Muskegon counties. From
these projects 2,978 of volunteer hours
have been accumulated. From these events
Shape associates have improved team
interaction, grown as individuals and helped
improve the community.
“We don't appreciate the extent to which
we are helping our own people grow, let
alone the community grow,’ said Chuck
at Volunteer Muskegon
Michele, community liaison. “By participating
in the community, the associates begin to
further appreciate the community they live
and/or work in. Additionally, at volunteer
sites, associates are learning new skills and
participating in new experiences.”
Jeff Maus, Kelli Schroeder, Mike Pavacik, Dave Birr, Travis
Vaibar, Jim Post, Kevin Wickering, Lisa Major, Jeff Hoekstra,
Bryan Swiftney, Aaron Nickels, Todd Dumbrell and Joe Rotonda.
Below is a snapshot of all the work
Shape associates have been doing in the
community. Great job everyone!
Ford/Chrysler Team in the community
The Ford/Chrysler team went out into the community
and volunteered on August 19, 2010. Part of the team
volunteered at Every Woman's Place and Webster House
Youth Services in Muskegon. The team spruced up the
facility's exterior and pulled weeds.
APD team gets hands dirty
The Advanced Product Development team
volunteered to clean up the exterior of
Mercy Life Counseling Center in Muskegon
September 9, 2010. The team worked hard
at beautifying by weeding, trimming, edging
and planting perennials.
Building ramps at Child Haven
Yard maintenance
at Every Woman's Place
Building cage racks
The second group of the Ford/Chrysler team volunteered
at Pound Buddies Rescue in Muskegon. They helped
clean up the storage area of the animal shelter by building
shelves for transport crates, cleaning and organizing.
at Pound Buddies Rescue
Rebuilding soccer boards
in Dalton Township
Landscaping at
Mercy Health Partners
Construction at a Habitat for
Humanity Home
Painting at Rescue Mission
Building swing set at Holton Park
Yard work at employee's home
Brian Malkowski, Bill Beland, Keith Herr, Ed
Pendergrass, Kannan Ramamoorthy, Tom
Johnson, Toby Jacobson, Angela Pearo, Gil
Pearo, Rich Heinz and Christi Heinz.
18
2,978
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Vern Simmers, Pete Huegli, Bob Harsha, Marcus Ashmore,
Tom Bonnema, Tom Hurren, Matt Dixon, Mike Wittkopp,
Michael Pajak, Dave Shafer, Mark Liberatore, Todd Thompson,
Amy Schmieder and Kara Riemersma.
19
AFTER HOURS winter 2011
What do you do after work? Shape Corp. associates share hobbies
that occupy their time after they punch the clock.
pete smith'S
daughter, Monica
Andrew Tallman, manufacturing engineer,
has been competing with the Michigan
chapter of the American Drug Free Power
Lifting Federation for over a year now. Last
May, Tallman won first place for power
One day I asked my wife for a
My 13 year-old son had many
son. When she asked me why,
firsts for hunting this year. After
I told her I wanted to teach
a summer of stitches and a
him how to hunt and fish. She
broken ankle, he persevered and
looked at me and asked, “What
experienced his first youth hunt.
about your daughter?” At the
On the last day of the hunt, he
age of 3, my daughter began
shot a seven-point, 160 pound
to hunt and fish with me.
buck, at our cabin in Whitehall.
Years later, we shot our first
After re-injuring his ankle, my
deer together. As soon as I
DAVE GORDON AND SON
shot it she jumped up and
stand because he wasn’t able
said, “Let’s go get it, Dad!” I am
to climb into the stand. That
proud to say that at the age of
morning I saw the largest
15, my little hunter girl, Monica,
buck of my life, about 200
got her first six-point buck
pounds with a 20-point spread.
last fall.
Unfortunately, I jammed the gun
when attempting to take another
lifting at the 2010 Bill Beckwith Memorial
shot. On the bright side, my son
Championship in East Grand Rapids.
had a great year.
Tallman competed in the 24-34 year, 198
pound weight class in three events; squat,
Andrew Tallman
bench rest and dead lift. He took out the
competition by lifting the greatest weight
amounts in all three events.
Matt Arraut, global roll form operator,
received the opportunity to play soccer with
the Shape China soccer team during his
two month stay. He joined the team every
Friday evening for “football” fun. Matt says it
was a great three hour exercise and he had
a blast being able to spend time with the
MATT
ARRAUT
Shape China team.
JASON L
AROUX
Jason LeRoux and his son Ethan
aren’t your typical gardeners.
They grow pumpkins – massive
pumpkins. The LeRoux's dedicate
approximately 200 days a year to
ben gardener
growing these enormous fruits.
a science and after selectively
The Cub Scouts have an annual Popcorn
Sale fundraiser. As an incentive, if a
scout reaches a certain sales goal, they
get to slap a cream pie in a leader's face
at a special ceremony. At last year's
Even though my son, Fisher, is
hunting, the time spent
not quite old enough to hunt, it
finally paid off. I have shot
certainly doesn't stop him from
many deer with a gun over
getting outdoors with Dad. In
the years, but this was the
early November, we went out to
first one I shot with a bow.
White River for some fall fishing.
The eight-point, 200 pound
After only a short battle, anyone
dressed-out buck was the
within earshot knew when Fisher
biggest deer I have ever
landed a six pound Steelhead in
shot. Sometimes you just
Fisher schuitema
the net.
have to wait.
It was a great hunting year!
November 15, 2010 was a
I started off by shooting a
successful day for opening day
38-inch spread, 1,000 pound
of rifle season. My husband,
moose in North Western
Kerry, and I both harvested a
Ontario. I have been hunting for
buck off of our private property
moose in Ontario for ten years
in Ionia, Michigan. Although this
now and have shot a total of
was my second year of hunting,
second and third place at last year's
four moose with my bow.
it was my first year for opening
Montague Pumpkinfest Giant
On October 16, in Vickeryville,
Pumpkin contest.
I shot a nine-point, 180 pound
removing pumpkins from the vine
continue to nurture the plants in
as Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 3005.
After 35 years of bow
They have the process down to
to allow for maximum growth, they
Clint Vink, systems administrator, serves
son suggested I use his tree
hopes they chose the right one. You
could say they chose right this year.
The LeRoux’s grew a 197 and a
194 pound pumpkin, which won
gathering, Clint was the lucky one to be
buck with my bow. A few
creamed.
weeks later, I shot a second
day that I took my “first buck.”
From 18 yards, I shot a fourpoint, 109 pound buck in the
front shoulder through the heart,
with my muzzle loader. Kerry shot
nine-point, 180 pound buck
CLINT VINK
jody craig
with my rifle, also in Vickeryville.
JEANNE VEZINO
an astounding ten-point, 150
pound beauty in the neck, with
his muzzle loader at 27 yards.
What an awesome opening day
20
of rifle season!
21
Welcome to Shape! Kyle Aamodt, Amir Aleem, Chad Andersen, Craig Aney, Daniel Arens, Joseph Arens, Aubrey Aubrey, Gary Ayers, William Babler, Robert
Bagley, David Bard, Jon-Steven Barnett, Jason Baumgart, David Beak, Terry Belmer, Cory Beluzar, Michael Bender, Steven Benkert, Crystal Bisacky, Jon Bisard,
Aaron Blood, Daniel Bloom, Matthew Bodine, Jeffrey Bolthouse, Katie Bolthouse, Michael Boltze, Matthew Boron, Robert Boston, Linda Boswell, Scott Bowen,
Dylan Bradley, Kyle Bronkhorst, Darshawn Brown, Kimberly Brown, Michael Brown, Gregory Browne, Eunicedanamshel Bryant, Vicki Bryant, Kimberley Buchner,
associate Spotlight
associate Spotlight
Andrew LeFurge
Jeffery Budde, Eugene Butler, Carlisle Scott, Frank Carnes, William Casano, Mitchell Champoux,
A Kevin Clark, Robert Clark, Aaron Clarke, Russ Clarke, Patrick
Account Financial Manager
Clover, Jared Coburn, Desmond Colvin, Ruby Cough, David Cowan, Darrell Cradlebaugh, Charles Cross, Garnold Crump, Roger Cunningham, Sam Dahl, LawInternational Business Unit
rence Dawe, Michael DeJong, Todd Delore, Laura Dexter, Jared Diepen, Matthew Dixon, Travis Dixon,October
Brian Downey,
Todd Dumbrell, Brenda Eadie, James Edens,
18, 2010
443 and counting
sHAPE HEROES
Jeffrey Lewis, Joseph Link, William Lock, Stephani Lomax, Henry Lopacki, Justin Losey, Thomas Ludema,
Luna,for
DeMaris,
Marble, Troy
Marshall,
Cody Marston,
I amPaul
thankful
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to work
for such
Our 2010 corporate theme, the 3Gs,
Shawn Martin, Michael Marzolf, Christopher Mascorro, Randy Maus, Tiffany McDaniel, Mandy McKay,
Robert
McKee,I hope
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great
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to
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Melton,
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Miller, Jacob
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fulfilling
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value commitments.
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provide our customers products and service beyond
of our new
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share
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Mitcheltree, Felicia Mohney, Leeland
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expectations.
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and greatness.
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Pavacik, Robert Pawlak Jr., Thomas Pearo, Matthew Peasley, Melissa Perales, Rex Petersen, Jonathan
Phillips, Justin
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Buyer | Purchasing
Roger Posthumus, Steven Povenz, Kevin Przybylski, AJ Pugh, George Raczok, Phillip Reberg, RobertShape
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Mexico
November
2010 Tommy Rush, Luchas Rymal, Taylor Rymal,
Robert Ritter, Alec Roberts, Ethan Robinson, Brian Roe, James Romberger, Faith Rose, james Rose,
Dennis Rupar,
Larry Scalf, Justin Schmidt, Thomas Schulz, Robert Scott, Tamara Scott, Michael Segers, Shawn Senecal, LaShandra Sharp, Jesse Sharpe, John Shavalier, SteI am passionate about what I do, and Shape allows
phen Sherwood, Brian Shogren, Thomas Shreeve, Scott Skilling, Daniel Sleeman, Edward Sloss, Kyle
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Treat,
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Wellness
| Fitness
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Wortelboer, Rebecca Worth, Thomas Wright, Dustin Young, Benjamin
Zabik,
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Welcome
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Shape!
Kyle
Aamodt,
Amir
Aleem,
Chad Andersen, Craig
January
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2010
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Aney, Daniel Arens, Joseph Arens, Aubrey Aubrey, Gary Ayers, William Babler, Robert Bagley, David Bard, Jon-Steven Barnett, Jason Baumgart, David Beak,
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chael Brown, Gregory Browne, Eunicedanamshel Bryant, Vicki Bryant, Kimberley Buchner, Jeffery Budde,
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opportunity
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Garvey,
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| 1835
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May
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Robert Hartman, Melissa Hathorn, William Hayes, Eddie Heisser, La Betrius Herron, Brian Hodgson, increase
James Holes,
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additional trainings. With this, I hope to further
Cody Ilbrink, Antonio Jackson, Thomas Johns, Douglas Johnson, Darian Jones, Holly Kalsbeek, Michael Kamerad, Norman Kaminski, Nicholas Keasey, John Kencontribute to Shape's greatness as we strive for
nedy, Jason Kern, Shari Keur, Sue Killilea, Timothy King, Jeffrey Kirschner, John Knapp, Steve Kolkema,
Danelaunches.
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Melton,
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August
16,
2010
topher Miller, Jacob Miller, Matthew Miller, Todd Mitchell, Brandy Mitcheltree, Felicia Mohney, Leeland Mohney, Richard Moore, Dennis Morris, Kyle Mortland, Dewy
Mourer, Nicholas Mulder, Derek Murphy, Jared Nevel, Lorrie Nicholson, Aaron Nickels, Brendon O'Hara,
Robert
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Steven
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As we
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we need
to Jeremy
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relationships
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culture. It is my target to grow internationally by
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Brian
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Shape
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PEG
DHIRAJ
Judy
COMMUNITY HERO
Judy Burr
Nominated by Mike Hawkins
HERO enables global travel
Peg Buehler
Nominated by Jeff Piper
HERO COMMITTED TO GROWTH
Dhiraj Uikey
Nominated by Mark White
A day’s work doesn’t usually end after a
person leaves their place of employment,
and that is the case for Judy Burr, quality
control leader at Shape Stampings. Judy
Burr dedicates a large portion of her
personal time to volunteer work.
In the past six months, over 300
corporate travel arrangements have
been made for associates of Shape.
Peg Buehler, senior administrative
assistant is the magic behind making it
all happen.
No More Sidelines, a nonprofit
organization committed to helping children
and young adults with special needs in
the community, is an organization Judy is
deeply involved with.
“Peg delivers the highest in customer
service and deals with a significant
number of changes when it comes to
corporate travel,” said Jeff Piper, vice
president, international business unit.
“She always has a great attitude and
you can see her tremendous passion
for her work.”
Shape’s growth into the global market is
dependent upon support and dedication
from all of our associates. Dhiraj Uikey,
product development engineer for the
European region, proved his dedication by
moving with his family from Novi, Michigan
to Frankfurt, Germany in the fall of 2008
to help start Shape’s European business.
“I went and watched No More Sidelines
a couple of times,” said Chuck Michele,
community liaison, "and I classify Judy
as an angel.
“Judy has a great skill for listening
and understanding people,” said Mike
Hawkins, plant manager, stampings
business unit. “She always shows
others compassion.”
Judy’s commitment to her community
doesn’t stop there. She is a top blood
donator for the Muskegon Red Cross
and helps run the East Muskegon
Little League.
“Judy is a great person whether she is
at work or out in the community, she
does a lot to help every person around
her,”said Hawkins.
Throughout the company, many
associates have recognized the amazing
job Peg does at keeping everyone in
flight, despite their quick and everchanging itineraries. Arrangements can
be as small as arranging a rental car for
travel to Novi or as large as sending a
team of people around the globe.
"For a person who travels all the time,"
said Jason Bricker, Nissan business
development leader. "I can say I would
be lost without her. Changes on the
fly, anytime, anywhere. Peg is truly a
Shape hero."
No matter how large or small, Peg
coordinates travel with accuracy and
a smile. Thanks for all you do Peg!
“Dhiraj has been instrumental in helping
us drive growth with the European
customers,” said Mark White, vice
president of European operations. “His
knowledge of impact energy management
coupled with his experience as the Novi
Computer Aided Design (CAE) simulation
manager provides a strong foundation to
support demanding German engineers.”
Associate Spotlight winter 2011
Associate Spotlight winter 2011
Justin Edgerton, Joshua Erhorn, James Farr, Andre Ferguson, Dale Ferguson, Matthew Fierros, Felipe Flores, Paul Franckowiak, Chris Frantz, Derek Gabris,
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is
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has had the pleasure of hiring
global growth impacting Shape's greatness.
443
new
associates.
From
mond, Daniel Hanson, Joshua Hanson, Paul Harnish, Greg Harger, Robert Hartman, Melissa Hathorn, William Hayes, Eddie Heisser, La Betrius Herron, Brian
wellness specialists to international
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managers, Shape is growing! Each
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Ronald Kuhn, Scott Lamphere, Matthew Lautenbach,
Dhiraj led Shape’s efforts at Volkswagen,
where Shape-NetShape was recently
awarded a pedestrian impact absorber
that will be used on the VW Golf,
Volkswagen’s largest selling vehicle, in
June 2011. In addition, he has led efforts
to validate the Shape Power-B bumper
section at Volkswagen. Both of these
accomplishments are firsts for Shape.
“He is a tireless worker,” said White.
“Dhiraj is always committed to supporting
the customer and helping Shape grow in
the mature European automotive market.”
Congratulations Dhiraj on a job well done!
Smith, Kermit Smith III, Gewn Snider, Phillip Snowden, Andrew Sorensen, Daniel Spahr, Jerry Spier, Bill Springstead, Douglas Stevens, Kenyon Stewart Daryll
Stone, Eric Storck, Matthew Strand, Craig Sturgeon, Loren Sturrus, Andrew Tallman, Damarcus Tatum, Robert TerBeek, Steven Thom, Jennifer Tornga, Matthew
Treat,22Justin Twinging, Allen VanderZwaag, Jason VandyBogurt, William VanDyk, Timothy VanDyken, Melissa VanLoon, Matthew VanSlooten, Amanda Vassallo,
Jared Venema, Joseph Vincent, Clinton Vink, Mattew Wagenmaker, Vicki Wambaugh Gregory Watrous, Andrew watson, Brian Watson, Penny Watson, Charles
23
1900 Hayes St.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
PRSRT STD
US Postage Paid
Permit No. 1
Grand Rapids, MI
Sponsored by the Shape Family Fitness Factory
KID’S H a l l o w e e N P A R T Y
The Fitness Factory would like to thank everyone who donated candy and the following volunteers for their help: Paula Day, Frank Tobin, Audrey Tobin,
Dan Shaw, Leah Shaw, Mariann Rettinhouse, Allison Wortelboer, Amy Kolkema, Sue Killilea, Char VanderStel, Chuck Michele and Ellen Michele.