Gage Products Supports National Manufacturing Day Friday, October 6th!

This October Gage Products is highlighting the national efforts of Manufacturing Day. The annual goal of the National Manufacturing Day initiative is to address each struggle within the industry in hopes of working towards community and industry solutions. Current concerns include the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, outsourcing of American job placements overseas, and uneven gender numbers in the field. At Gage, we study these discrepancies daily to see what we can do to contribute to the solution of each matter.

On Friday, October 6, manufacturing companies across the U.S. will join the aim of National Manufacturing Day and open their doors to host industry related events. The MFG organization encourages participants to register their events on the official MFG Day site and mark it as public or invitation-only pending company preference.

On this day, active members vouch to recognize and honor the work that has been done and that continues to be done to progress the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing now supports more than 18.5 million jobs in the United States, and every dollar spent creates an additional 40 cents to the dollar for the U.S. economy.

Manufacturing offers a variety of STEM careers, some of which include machinists, electricians, computer programmers, assemblers, human resources, and sales. This is just a small portion of the many jobs that the industry has.

Public perceptions of the manufacturing industry have been outdated for too long. To be a part of today’s industry doesn’t mean you’re restricted to factory and shop work on the floor. Instead, the industry is currently seeing progress in technological advancements, STEM skills, secure job placements and benefits, as well as country and worldwide economic growth.

And initiatives go beyond National Manufacturing Day too. One of our favorite STEM events is the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that Gage participates in annually. Not only does a job in manufacturing represent security, but enjoyable events, the pursuit of personal interests, and global industry progression.

As a supplier of chemical-related products and processes, we strive to support our industry and community by creating viable chemical solutions. Gage has pioneered toll-blending capabilities and sustainable, closed-loop recycling systems to create a cleaner, greener environment.

For more MFG Day and industry updates, remember to follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Contact us today for more information!

 

Gage Looks Ahead to 2017

2016 was a historic year for the team at Gage Products, as we celebrated our company’s 80th anniversary, continuing to fulfill our goal of being the world’s preferred chemical product and process supplier. As the leading provider of closed-loop recycling and toll blending services for automotive and general industry paint solvents, we remain committed to quality and innovation in everything we do. While our team is extremely proud of this 80-year milestone, we’ve already begun to look ahead to what is sure to be a productive 2017.

As a leader in green sustainability, we’re looking forward to one of our first big events in the new year: Detroit Zoo’s inaugural Wildlife Conservation Gala on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Keep an eye out for our next blog on this meaningful cause. Our continuous industrial initiatives will bring our crew to another year at the annual SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Clean Snowmobile Challenge, taking place in early March in Houghton, MI. Each year, this competition brings together college students from around the country to redesign snowmobiles in order to reduce emissions and noise. Committed to supporting clean manufacturing initiatives and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, Gage has helped sponsor this unique, competitive event for over 15 years.

Looking ahead toward Earth Day, National Manufacturing Day, and National Safety Month, our team has also already begun to plan other various initiatives to support both the environment and our community.

We’d like to take a moment to thank all of our loyal customers and partners for making 2016 another success and can’t wait for the exciting developments that the new year has to offer. From all of us at Gage Products, thank you and have a healthy and happy 2017!

For the latest updates from Gage make sure to continue following our blog, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages.

Gage Looks Back at 2016

As 2016 draws to a close and we prepare for another productive, exciting year, we at Gage Products are looking back on the past year’s many accomplishments and important blog posts. Having celebrated our 80th birthday in 2016, this was a particularly momentous time for our team.

Blog Highlights

Through our blog, we got the chance to share exciting news and events with our readers, some of which are highlighted below.

Our Continual Sustainability Efforts

To provide clients and readers with a better idea of our sustainability efforts, in our August post we highlighted our “continuous improvement” project; this effort includes facility upgrades that reduce our carbon footprint, as well as the installation of a high-efficiency furnace that improves overall plant energy efficiency. We also discussed the upgrading of our recycling system controls.

In our May blog post, we outlined the basics of a Circular Economy, which promotes resource productivity and reduces waste. Gage Products is proud to be an early adopter of Circular Economy principles. We reclaim solvent materials from our major automobile clients and then filter what we obtain for sale in the market, significantly reducing waste and decreasing our carbon footprint.

To mark Earth Day, we discussed our environmental management program and our dedication to sustainability initiatives. As a chemical supplier, we believe it’s particularly important for us to offer eco-friendly options. Not only do we promote sustainable product alternatives, we also focus on reducing energy and greenhouse emissions, upgrading solid waste and recycling systems, and improving wastewater treatment methods.

Our Work in the Automotive Industry

Because Gage Products works with many major auto companies, we attended The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which took place in January in Detroit. Our team was especially proud of our involvement here, as we acted as a sponsor of the 2016 AUTOGLOW: The 25th, which supports children’s charities through The Children’s Center. Every year, they help over 7,500 children and families deal with emotional and intellectual challenges, often stemming from poverty or abuse.

And in March, we blogged about the exciting SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Held in Houghton, Michigan, students got the chance to present their redesigned eco-friendly snowmobiles. The redesigned vehicles reduced both emissions and noise and showcased the forward-thinking work of the next generation’s designers.

More recently, one of the main focuses amongst the Gage Products team has been our contribution to create foreign business opportunities for the company, Michigan, U.S. and China.

Looking Ahead

2016 has been an exciting year here at Gage Products, and this coming year is sure to be just as productive. For more information on sustainability efforts and awareness, the automotive and manufacturing industries, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn!

We hope everyone has a relaxing holiday season, and we’ll see you back here in 2017!

Not Done With Winter Yet: This Year’s SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge Winners

This year the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge took place on March 7th, 2016 through the 12th, and it was no surprise to us that the challengers went hard again this year. The event that annually takes place in Houghton, Michigan, brings together contestants of all different kinds. At Gage Products, we are personally involved with the gas and diesel sleds specifically, and we’re no rookies to the cause. This was our 15th year sponsoring the event while donating alternative fuels to the challenge. Electric snowmobiles were also included in the competition.

At Gage, we take a special interest in the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge because it allows students to challenge themselves with engineering and design – to ultimately test capabilities. The common goal of the challenge? To redesign an existing snowmobile in an attempt to reduce both emissions and noise.

The other events that the snowmobiles competed in this year included: fuel economy/endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start and design.

The breakdown of the winners this year went as follows…

The overall winners of the gas competition:
1. University of Wisconsin – Madison
2. École De Technologie Supérieure & Clarkson University tied for second

The best fuel economy on the endurance run, in the order they placed:
1. University of Idaho – 19.3mpg
2. Clarkston University – 18.9mpg
3. École De Technologie Supérieure – 18.5mpg

And last, but not least, the overall order for the diesel mobiles:
1. North Dakota State University
2. State University of New York at Buffalo

If you know Gage, you know that we are happy to be at and/or sponsor any events that speak to the importance of sustainability for a better environment. The SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge is one way for the younger generations to start getting involved with improving our surroundings, and it won’t stop there. For further information on our sustainability practices and how to become part of the cause, visit our website today. On behalf of the Gage Products team, we would like to congratulate the University of Wisconsin – Madison, the University of Idaho, and North Dakota State University on their first place victories! We look forward to seeing everyone there next year!

Gage Products Announces 2015 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge Winners

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Each year in March engineering students from the US and Canada come together in Michigan to participate in the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Student teams work throughout the year to re-engineer existing snowmobiles to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and reduce noise levels all without sacrificing performance.

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This year 21 universities brought together over 200 students who competed in a variety of events, which rated emissions, noise, fuel economy, endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start, and other design factors. This was Gage Products’ 14th consecutive year sponsoring the event where we provide alternative fuels to the participating teams as well as award one team for Best Fuel Economy. This year we’re happy to announce that the Kettering University team earned the award for achieving 25.0 mpg on the program’s Endurance Run event.

Other teams that participated in this year’s challenge include Clarkson University, Ecole De Technologie Superieure, North Dakota State University, Northern Illinois University, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Michigan Technological University, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Iowa State, South Dakota School of Mines & Technique, SUNY – Buffalo , the University of Idaho,  University of Waterloo, University of Wisconsin – Madison and University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

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As a leader in test fuels, our division maintains a significant inventory of custom-blended gasoline fuels for use in automotive test programs such as SAE as well as ASTM fuels and OE-specific fuels. At Gage Products we believe it is important to not only work towards a sustainable future but to help train and support the next generation who will continue our work. To learn more about our fuels and our commitment to STEM education, visit our website.

Gage Products Company: Year in Review

As we welcome in the New Year we wanted to take some time to reflect on some of the events that occurred in our company in 2014 and what we hope to bring to our customers in 2015. In 2014 our company saw growth consistent with that of the automotive industry and we also expanded the reach of our website where we’re happy to share with our readers that our website is now available in seven different languages. We also participated in some educational and fun events. Around this time last year we were preparing for the National American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This auto show is extremely valuable to our company as it allows us to meet with automotive industry professionals from all around the world.

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We also sponsored the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. This event encourages STEM education by allowing engineering students to re-engineer existing snowmobiles so that they will be more fuel efficient, promote lower emissions, and reduce noise levels while maintaining high performance. As a company that is strongly focused on sustainability we love to be a part of this challenge and to help future generations discover the value of being environmentally conscious.

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Finally, we co-sponsored the Ferndale Rainbow Run last summer. This 5K run/walk is to encourage acceptance and diversity within the community. As we mentioned as a part of our Corporate Social Responsibility we try to play an active role within our community and build on our tenets of community service and environmental sustainability.

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Our goal for 2015 is to build on these principles and continue to demonstrate responsible behavior towards ourselves, our community, and our environment. This will be achieved through our business model, which is designed to adapt to developing and changing market conditions. Equally important is that it focuses on sustainable practices, which allows us to deliver superior value to all our stakeholders. To learn more about Gage Products, visit our website or follow us on Twitter.

The Results for the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge

1900162_696058383769964_467410949_nIf you’re following our Facebook page, you’ve probably seen our images from the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that took place at the beginning of March. The event allows engineering students from schools across the region to re-engineer existing snowmobile for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise levels without sacrificing performance.

The future engineers are judged on rating emissions, noise, fuel economy, endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start, and various design factors. Aside from the standard challenge, there is a zero-emissions category (for battery-powered sleds), which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, according to Michigan Tech’s website. They also list the participating universities:

If you’re following our Facebook page, you’ve probably seen our images from the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that took place at the beginning of March. The event allows engineering students from schools across the region to re-engineer existing snowmobile for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise levels without sacrificing performance.

The future engineers are judged on rating emissions, noise, fuel economy, endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start, and various design factors. Aside from the standard challenge, there is a zero-emissions category (for battery-powered sleds), which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, according to Michigan Tech’s website. They also list the participating universities:

Internal Combustion: Clarkson University, École de technologie supérieure, Kettering University, Michigan Technological University, North Dakota State University, Northern Illinois University, Rochester Institute of Technology, State University of New York at Buffalo, University of Idaho, University of Minnesota–Duluth, University of Waterloo, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Wisconsin–Platteville

Zero-Emissions: Clarkson University, McGill University, Michigan Technological University, Queen’s University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Fairbanks at Bristol Bay

1958386_696058640436605_1675063937_nThis year, North Dakota State University ranked first in the fuel economy results with 28.68 miles per gallon (diesel), and Kettering University—which is located in nearby Flint, Michigan—took first place for overall internal combustion results. The March 1, 2014, cover of SAE Magazine Momentum for Student Members covers the Clean Snowmobile challenge and has additional information about the winners.

As a leading supplier of automotive paint-system solvent-recycling programs and a global leader in custom fuel-blending services for product development and emission-control testing, we believe events such as this are crucial to the longevity of the industry.

We believe in supporting the next generation of engineers, ideas and STEM, so we’re happy to help—in fact, this marks the twelfth year that Gage Products has sponsored the event at Michigan Technological University. Be sure to subscribe to our blog (on the top right of this page) for more information about upcoming events and what we’re up to.

Gage Products Company and the 2013 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge

SAE 2013 Snowmobile Challenge

Gage Products Company Director of Laboratories, Bob Patzelt, works with participants at the 2013 SAE Snowmobile Challenge. Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech (www.mtukrc.org).

Gage Products Company is once again proud to be taking part and sponsoring the annual SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. This year’s contest was held the week of March 4-9, 2013 at Michigan Tech in Calumet.

Since 2000, this engineering design competition for college-age students has been at the forefront of improving the snowmobile industry’s environmental footprint. With Gage’s and other corporate support, CSC challenges the engineers of the future to reengineer an existing snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise. These reimagined snowmobiles are put through a wide range of tests including:

  • Ÿ Emissions
  • Ÿ Noise
  • Ÿ Fuel economy/endurance
  • Ÿ Acceleration
  • Ÿ Handling
  • Ÿ Static display
  • Ÿ Cold start
  • Ÿ …And of course, design

There are a number of cash prizes and trophies to win and it is a great way for companies to get a closer look at the best new engineers.

However, the real benefit comes from teaching tomorrow’s engineers that performance, presentation, and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.  As industries become more aware of the profit potential of sustainability, the more we can help save the Earth and reinvigorate the world’s economy. It’s the kind of win-win that is at the core of what we do at Gage.

If you want to learn more about the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, you can visit their website or their Facebook page.